Sea of Galilee

(Local Name: Yam Kinneret) District: Northern

Altitude: 210m/690ft below sea level

Situation and characteristics

The Sea of Galilee or Lake Gennesaret (Hebrew Yam Kinneret) lies in the Jordan valley 210m/690ft below sea level. 21km/13mi long by 12km/7.5mi across and up to 46m/150ft deep, with a total area of 170sq.km/65sq.miles, it is Israel's largest reservoir of fresh water. Its water is piped to various storage basins and from there to the Negev.

An important source of income for the people living round the lake is the tourist and holiday trade, which is concentrated mainly on the northern and western shores; the east side of the lake is quieter. Another source of revenue which has a long tradition behind it is fishing; a local specialty, offered in all the lakeside restaurants, is St Peter's fish, a species of perch indigenous to the Sea of Galilee. Biblical history

The "sea of Chinnereth" is referred to in the Old Testament account of the distribution of land to the tribes of Israel after their arrival in Canaan (Numbers 34,11; Joshua 13,27). It is frequently mentioned in the New Testament: Jesus found his first disciples at Capernaum on the northern shore of the lake, where he spent most of his time after leaving Nazareth, and there is the familiar story of Jesus and Peter being caught in a storm on the lake (Matthew 14,22-33; Mark 6,45-56).

The Sea of Galilee is one of the most beautiful spots in Israel, its charm enhanced by the luxuriant subtropical vegetation.

Boat trips

There are regular boat services between Tiberias and the kibbutz of En Gev on the east side of the lake (crossing time about 45minutes) and from Tiberias and En Gev to the archeological site of Capernaum.

Sights

Round the lake are many places of artistic and religious interest like Capernaum, Tabgha and Tiberias.

Tiberias, on the west side of the lake, is a popular holiday and health resort, with hot springs which have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times (recommended in the treatment of rheumatism, disorders of the respiratory system, etc.). There are bathing stations on the lake and facilities for a variety of water sports.

Another spa, with springs which have also been frequented since ancient times, is Hamat Gader, near the east side of the lake in the lower Yarmouk valley.