Located in the Jordan Rift Valley, between the Jordanian highlands to the east and Mount Gilboa to the west is the historical city of Beit Shean. Featuring impressive blooming in the spring, dramatic landscapes, and fascinating history, it is certainly one of the best destinations of Israel, for history and nature lovers alike. Here, we have gathered all of the best places to visit in and around Beit Shean.
The story of Beit Shean
Thanks to Its strategic location at an important crossroads and abundant water sources, many peoples and rulers have fought over control of Beit Shean and its surroundings for thousands of years, dating back to the colonial era.
The Canaanites, the Egyptians, the kings of Israel, the Hellenists, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, and even the Crusaders, the Mamluks, and the Ottomans did not give up on the place, even after the devastating earthquake that occurred here in 749. In short, Beit Shean had taken part in countless important periods in history.
In the fourth century BC, Beit Shean was established as a Greek city called Scythopolis, which was one of the ten autonomous cities of Decapolis during the Hellenistic period. It was an important and magnificent city that gradually developed into a luxurious spa city in the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Beit Shean National Park
The antiquities in Beit Shean National Park are among the most impressive in Israel – even if you are not an avid history buff, it is amazing to see and experience a place where settlement began 7,000 years ago with your eyes.
From the top of Tel Beit Shean, you can see the beautiful views of the Beit Shean Valley and the Jordan Mountains, and the ruins of the ancient Jewish settlement, at the foot of which lie the impressive antiquities of the Greek city of Scythopolis.
When you walk among the excavations, you can’t help but be impressed by the place, and you can easily imagine how life had looked like here: the beautiful theater that housed thousands of spectators is still standing, and in the Cardo – the main street and the beating heart of the city – you can see an original mosaic and remnants of roadside shops. The bath house provides a glimpse of the methods The ancient water heating, and the shared public toilets, which have been preserved almost intact, reveal a rather interesting suggestion of what public toilets can look like. The city was larger than what is seen today in the excavations, and a part of it is apparently under the present-day city of Beit Shan.
Operating hours:
(Entry is possible up to half an hour before closing, it is recommended to spend about an hour and a half on the site).
Summer – every day except Friday: 8:00-17:00. Fridays and holidays: 8:00-16:00.
Winter – every day except Friday: 8:00-16:00. Fridays and holidays: 8:00-15:00.
Entrance fee:
Adults: 28 ILS
Children: 14 ILS
Best springs around Beit Shean
The springs park
The springs park (Park Hama’ayanot) is located in the agricultural areas of the small villages and kibbutzi, of the Beit Shean Valley. Its main attractions are completely natural, including three springs – Tel Soka, Ein Shokek, and Ein Muda, and The Kibbutzim River, as well as tiny and charming streams scattered throughout the park. The spring water is pure, abundant, and chilly, and invites visitors for a refreshing summer dip or a relaxing winter visit. The springs are full all year round, and visiting them is a great experience for any water and nature lovers. The entrance to the park is free.
The Kibbutzim River (Nahal Hakibbutzim)
The Kibbutzim River is a steady stream that flows through the territory of the springs park for a kilometer and a half and is fed by the springs that flow from the park. Thanks to its bright, clear, waters, this river is the most sought-after attraction in the springs park. Visitors enjoy swimming and walking in it and adore its constant pleasant temperature – 24 degrees – both in summer and winter. Typical riverside vegetation grows on the banks of the river and along it. In its surroundings, you can see a branchy eucalyptus grove that casts a pleasant shade on the bathers and vacationers who enjoy a relaxed family picnic and a peaceful and calm pastime.
Gan Hashlosha
Gan Hashlosha (Hasachne) is a spectacularly beautiful natural spring, which is a perfect recreation place for the whole family. The spring in the garden flows all year round, at a constant temperature of 28 degrees, creating several large pools and waterfalls. The giant pools in the garden are surrounded by spacious lawns, rich vegetation and ornamental trees, picnic areas, and grill facilities.
Operating hours:
Summer – every day except Friday: 8:00-17:00. Fridays and holidays: 8:00-16:00.
Winter – every day except Friday: 8:00-16:00. Fridays and holidays: 8:00-15:00.
Entrance fee:
Adults: 39 ILS
Children: 24 ILS
