Beit Shean Valley

The Beit She'an Valley is an area in the Jordan Valley of northern Israel. It consists of the town of Beit She'an (also spelled Beit/Bet/Beth Shean/She'an/Shan), as well as a number of kibbutzim and other small agricultural communities.

Cities and villages

 * Beit She'an – The town giving the valley its name.

Understand
Beit She'an has been inhabited since Biblical times, and the city is mentioned several times in the Bible. Later, it became a major city in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Today, there are several archaeological sites from different time periods.

The Beit She'an Valley is below sea level, so it gets very hot and humid in summer. On the positive site, it has numerous springs and water sources that you can cool off in on a hot day. For that reason, many Israelis travel here to relax in the springs or during hot summer days. The valley was even nicknamed the "gateway to heaven" in Jewish sources.

Though considered by many to be an extension of the neighboring Jezreel Valley region, the Beit She'an Valley really does possess its own unique geography and character. The Gilboa mountain range borders the Beit She'an Valley in the southwest.

By bus
To get in from most cities by bus you will probably have to go to Afula first. From there, take route 411 or 412 to Beit She'an. Route 411 is the most direct. Route 412 is a few minutes slower, serving Beit Alfa and other small communities along the way.

There are also a few direct buses a day from Tel Aviv to Beit She'an (route 843).

From Jerusalem, take the direct bus 961 or 966 from the Central Bus Station. It takes about 2 hours 20 minutes. The ride is scenic, descending first to the Dead Sea and then traveling north through the Jordan river valley.

Get around
Hitchhiking is relatively common here, and considered safer than in other parts of Israel. Without a car, it can be the only way of getting to some of the more remote communities. Stand in a safe place by the side of the road (like a bus stop) and point your index finger outward. To indicate that you want to go somewhere close by, you can point towards the ground.

See




Kibbutzim
There are several Kibbutzim or communal villages in the Beit She'an Valley. Many of them have natural springs that are relatively warm even in the winter and have nice hikes. It is also interesting just to walk around a kibbutz to see how they farm and go about there lives. The kibbutzim are private property so you might have to ask permission before you visit (depending on the kibbutz and what you want to do there).


 * Nir David
 * Sde Eliyahu – Has a natural spring and a mini zoo.
 * Tirat Tsvi
 * Shluhot
 * Shluhot



Do

 *  Smoke Hooker/Nagilah (water pipe with flavored tobacco) – You're bound to see old men or young teenagers in Beit She'an relaxing while smoking Nagilah. You can rent one from many small shops for around ₪10. They will set it up for you with the coal and tobacco, all you have to do is breathe in, feel the flavor and remember its one of the few things that both young adults and old men enjoy doing.
 *  Smoke Hooker/Nagilah (water pipe with flavored tobacco) – You're bound to see old men or young teenagers in Beit She'an relaxing while smoking Nagilah. You can rent one from many small shops for around ₪10. They will set it up for you with the coal and tobacco, all you have to do is breathe in, feel the flavor and remember its one of the few things that both young adults and old men enjoy doing.

Buy

 * Beit She'an Flea Market – there is a flea market on Wednesdays which has many nice fruits and vegetables, and a small selection of cheap clothes.

Eat and drink
For night life you'll have to look outside Beit She'an town. Some of the non-religious Kibbutzim have bars.

Sleep
Not many budget options exist in Beit She'an. It is probably best to stay in the surrounding areas and visit the Beit She'an Valley for a day trip.

Stay safe
This area is mostly below sea level, so it gets hot and humid in the summer. Be sure to drink lots of water!

Go next

 * The Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, the Lower Galilee with Nazareth and the West Bank are close by destination worth a visit.
 * Jordan is only 10 min away by car, passing through the nearby border crossing.