6 Things To Do In & Around The Historical City of Beit She'an, Israel

1. Beit She'an Synagogue National Park

If there is one word to describe this attraction, it would be amazing. This is one of the most interesting sights in the city, as it showcases the remarkable archaeological remains of each and every historic period. Visiting this national park will give you a feel for what it was like during the Roman empire and you can about learn their way of living, how they worked and even shopped.

Inside this national park, you can also check out Beit Alfa. It is a 6th-century synagogue - a Jewish house of prayer. It is located at the foot of Gilboa Ridge and one of its highlights is its mosaic floor, created during the Byzantine era. While taking in its intricate designs, a short and humorous video is shown, which explains the construction of the floor. Make sure to walk around the upper balcony, to get a nice view of the mosaic. There’s also a small visitor’s centre and a gift shop, where you can buy souvenirs to take home.

A visit to this attraction is worth it, especially for those who enjoy archaeology and history. It is also a great spot for photo ops! Just be sure to prepare yourself for your visit, especially during summer as it is hot and dry. Bring a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle, which can be refilled on-site, to fully enjoy the attraction.

Beit She'an Synagogue National Park

Address: Off road 996, between HaShita Junction and Bet She'an

Website: Beit She'an Synagogue National Park

2. Gan HaShlosha National Park

If you are travelling with the whole family, this is the perfect spot for you. Bring the kids and swim all day long. Gan HaShlosha National Park in Arabic is “Sakhne”, meaning “the hot pool”, because of its natural warm water. The park’s name got its name in memory of three Jewish pioneers, who came to survey the land in 1938 on behalf of the Jewish National Fund but sadly met an accident when their car drove over a land mine, resulting in the death of the three.

The park also features an archaeological museum, a tower and stockade, where visitors can enjoy exploring the history of the park. Interesting, right? But wait, there’s more! Some people say that Han HaShlosha is the real-world Garden of Eden and if you don’t believe it, you better go and visit the park, to see it for yourself.

Gan HaShlosha National Park

Address: ד.נ עמק המעיינות, Nir David, 10803, Israel

Website: Gan HaShlosha National Park

3. Mount Gilboa

This place is very nice for outdoor activities with your friends and family, or even for solo travellers. Occasionally called the Mountains of Gelboe, it is a mountain range overlooking the Jezreel Valley, in the northern part of Israel. Its highest peak rises 1629 feet (496.5 metres) above sea level.

Be amazed by the scenic view while climbing the hills of Mount Gilboa and admire the beauty of its diverse flora and fauna. Aside from all this, various attractions, such as memorials and activities, such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and playgrounds for the kids can be enjoyed here. It’s truly a sight to visit and see!

Mount Gilboa

Website: Mount Gilboa (in Hebrew)

4. Bio tour - Sde Eliyahu

Let’s have a break from the overwhelming history of the city and try a different attraction that focuses on nature. Who would’ve thought that Beit Shean also offers nature-related activities? This Bio Tour is a tour of a Kibbutz - a collective community in Israel, traditionally based on agriculture. This is a different attraction that will be sure to provide a whole lot of fun! The tour basically shows how everyday living is combined with nature, as a way of life. Be prepared to get into some soil and think of nothing but green!

The tour seeks to provide you with ideas of how to use nature to promote a healthier and better life. This is a nice way to learn more about keeping pests away, using organic pesticides, not just for plants but also in your own life.

Bio tour - Sde Eliyahu

Address: Sde Eliyahu, 1081000 Sde Eliahu, Hazafon, Israel

Website: Bio tour - Sde Eliyahu

5. Ganei Huga water park

Let’s again refrain from the usual and try this hidden-gem water park, for all ages, in the city of Beit She'an. This water park is a nice alternative if you want a place that is less crowded than Gan HaShlosha National Park. It features a natural pool, perfect for swimming, relaxing and many more activities. The place is clean with lots of trees for shade, perfect when you visit during summer.

They also have picnic tables and an activity such as camping is perfect if you’re looking for a bonding experience with your family and friends. You can bring your own tent or stay in one of their air-conditioned yurts, that comes with a fridge and mattresses if you plan to go camping. Worry no more as there is a supermarket and a small shop for your basic needs. The kids will surely enjoy their stay!

Ganei Huga water park

Address: עמק המעיינות על כביש 90 צפונית לבית שאן 14117

Website: Ganei Huga water park (in Hebrew)

6. Belvoir Fortress

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Last but definitely not the least is this Crusader castle in northern Israel, 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) south of the Sea of Galilee. This well-preserved fortress is located in Belvoir National Park, which is said to be one of North Israel’s best-kept secrets. It withstood numerous attacks in defending the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem but eventually fell, following the Saladin victory over the Crusaders at the Horns of Hittin.

Nowadays, because of restoration efforts, the attraction is open for visitors and has had a recent renovation, in order to make the fortress wheelchair accessible.

Belvoir Fortress

Address: Beit She'an Israel

Website: Belvoir Fortress

Worth the visit

Beit She'an may not be a popular tourist destination in Israel, it is definitely worth a stop. It has many things to offer, making sure that its visitors will keep coming back!