Overview
Har Amasa: Mountain Village Near the Dead Sea
At 830 meters above sea level, Har Amasa occupies a position that defies the Dead Sea region’s prevailing geography. The Dead Sea sits at approximately 440 meters below sea level, roughly 40 to 50 minutes to the east. That approximately 1,270-meter elevation difference creates a climate and landscape that feel like a different country: Mediterranean forest to the west, barren desert to the east, and the Dead Sea visible as a blue-white stripe on clear days from the village’s eastern viewpoints.
Har Amasa, a cooperative village of approximately 50 families at 830 meters above sea level, sits approximately 1,270 meters higher than the Dead Sea surface on the edge of Yatir Forest, the largest planted forest in Israel at approximately 30,000 dunams (roughly 7,400 acres), offering panoramic desert views east to the Dead Sea and Jordan.
The Setting: Forest, Desert, and the Space Between
The village occupies the western edge of the Judean Desert, where the planted pine forest of Yatir meets the raw terrain descending toward the Dead Sea basin. Har Amasa’s climate is semi-arid (Koppen BSk), but its elevation moderates the extreme heat. Summer temperatures are typically 10 to 15 degrees Celsius cooler than Ein Bokek.
The village sits on the Israel National Trail, providing direct access to one of the country’s most significant long-distance hiking routes. The location also places Har Amasa on a primary bird migration corridor, with raptors and other migratory species visible during spring and autumn.
Community and Culture
Founded on June 30, 1983 as a kibbutz, Har Amasa converted to a moshav shitufi (cooperative settlement) in 2003. The community attracts artists, creators, academics, and professionals who share an ecological orientation. With a 2023 population of 232 residents, the village is intimate by design.
Annual Har Amasa Festival
Har Amasa hosts an annual festival that brings together art exhibitions, creative workshops, body and wellness treatments, guided tours (including walks with Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologists along excavated Roman road sections), and local cuisine prepared by village residents.
The annual Har Amasa Festival combines art exhibitions, creative workshops, archaeological tours of excavated Roman road sections with Israel Antiquities Authority guides, and locally prepared cuisine, reflecting the artistic and ecological identity of this 50-family mountain community near the Dead Sea.
Accommodation
Several families in Har Amasa offer guest units and vacation rentals, many with direct views east toward the Dead Sea and the Jordanian mountains. These accommodations are typically listed on platforms such as Airbnb. The experience is quiet and residential rather than resort-oriented.
How to Get There
Har Amasa is located 14 kilometers northwest of Arad and approximately 20 kilometers south of Hebron. From Ein Bokek, the drive takes 40 to 50 minutes via Route 31 through Arad. The village is accessible by car only; no public transportation serves Har Amasa directly.
FAQ SECTION
What is Har Amasa?
Har Amasa is a cooperative village (moshav shitufi) of approximately 50 families at 830 meters above sea level, located on the edge of Yatir Forest near the Dead Sea. Founded in 1983, the community is known for its artistic residents, ecological orientation, and panoramic views across the Judean Desert.
How far is Har Amasa from the Dead Sea?
Har Amasa is approximately 40 to 50 kilometers from the Ein Bokek hotel zone, a drive of 40 to 50 minutes via Arad. The elevation difference is approximately 1,270 meters, from roughly 440 meters below sea level at the Dead Sea to 830 meters above sea level at the village.
Can I stay overnight in Har Amasa?
Yes. Several families in Har Amasa offer guest units and vacation rentals, often with Dead Sea views. Listings are available on platforms such as Airbnb. The accommodations are residential and quiet rather than resort-style.
When is the Har Amasa Festival?
Har Amasa hosts an annual festival featuring art, creative workshops, archaeological tours, and local cuisine. Festival dates vary by year. Check with the Tamar Regional Council or the village community for current scheduling.
Is Har Amasa on the Israel National Trail?
Yes. The Israel National Trail passes through Har Amasa, providing direct access to one of Israel’s most significant long-distance hiking routes. The village’s location on a primary bird migration corridor adds wildlife observation opportunities during spring and autumn.