The Dead Sea is a large salt lake bordering Israel to the west and Jordan to the east. This natural wonder attracts visitors with its nearby historical sites and ultra-buoyant waters. Many famous areas around the Dead Sea have roots dating back to Biblical times, making this region especially popular for tourists in search of cultural and religious discovery.
The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve in Israel encompasses a shimmering oasis that rises out of the barren desert near the southwestern coast of the Dead Sea. The area surrounding the oasis has hiking trails and ancient ruins for travelers to explore. According to Fodor's Travel Guide, Ein Gedi is believed to be the place where the Bible's King David took refuge from the murderous King Saul. Ein Gedi Nature Reserve Route 90 Kibbutz Ein Gedi Israel +972-7-658-4285 parks.org.il
The Masada palace and fortress complex sits on the left bank of the Dead Sea in southern Israel. The remnants of King Herod's elegant palace and fort still cling to the cliffs here. Masada was also the site of a legendary siege where a small group of Jewish warriors held out against the onslaught of Roman legions. Visitors can reach the fortress and palace ruins by cable car or by hiking up a trail. This elevated attraction offers panoramic views of the Dead Sea and the pink mountains of Moab. Masada National Park +972-8-658-4207 parks.org.il
Mount Sodom is an 8-mile mountain range consisting almost entirely of salt. The Bible claims that the city of Sodom was destroyed by God's wrath, and this salty mountain range is supposedly all that's left. Visitors can trek around the caves and curious salt formations of Israel's Mount Sodom. The most notable formation is a stone pillar called "Lot's Wife," in reference to the Biblical character.
The cavernous valley of Qumran hid a precious secret for thousands of years. It was here in Israel's caves of Qumran that an Arab shepherd stumbled on the lost Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947. Seven primary scrolls were salvaged along with more than 900 bits and pieces of other scrolls. Tourists can travel to Qumran National Park by taking Route 90 north of the Dead Sea. The caves are open to the public seven days a week for exploration. Qumran National Park Route 90 Kibbutz Kalia Israel parks.org.il +972-2-994-2235
Mount Nebo sits in western Jordan, approximately 15 minutes by car from the Dead Sea. This historic ridge features panoramic views of the Holy Land. Visitors can see as far as Jericho and Jerusalem on a clear day. Towering over the Jordan River Valley, Mount Nebo houses the ruins of an excavated church as well as a monument to Moses. Locals believe that Mount Nebo was the site where the Prophet Moses was buried, though the exact location of his burial is unknown. Legend also suggests that the Prophet Jeremiah hid the elusive Ark of the Covenant here, though no evidence of such an ark has surfaced.
The city of Jericho lies just north of the Dead Sea. This ancient "City of Palms" dates back over 10,000 years. In fact, the walls and towers of Jericho are 4000 years older than the pyramids of Egypt. Jericho was famously conquered by Joshua in the Bible, and this city continues to attract visitors with its landmark monasteries and holy sites.
Lot's Cave can be found in Jordan just south of the Dead Sea. Ruins dot the site where it is believed that the Biblical character Lot took shelter with his daughters during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Entrance to the grounds is free, but tourists are not allowed inside the cave.
- Tree on Dead Sea Beach image by Zachar Rise from Fotolia.com