Hot springs and more at Hamat Gader
Hamat Gader is located at the very southern end of the Golan Heights, and has been famous for its hot springs since antiquity. It continues to be a popular tourist site. Most visitors come here to relax by its hot pools, although additional family activities are offered depending on the season.
Hamat Gader is located in a valley within the Yarmouk Valley. The Yarmouk River is the boundary between Israel and Jordan. Since Hamat Gadar is surrounded on three sides by the Yarmouk River, it is also surrounded on three sides by the Jordanian border. Its interesting location can best be appreciated on the approach road to Hamat Gader. From this road, you can see the Gilead Mountains of Jordon to the south, the Golan's elevated plateau to the north, and the Yarmouk Valley between them.
As at Hamat Tiveria just outside Tiberias, its hot springs result from groundwater coming into contact with shallow magna (molten rock) or circulating through faults deep in the earth’s crust. The spring water contains a considerable amount of minerals.
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Directions: Enter “Hamat Gader” into Waze.
Admission. The hours, and even days, on which this site is open depend on the season and this should be checked on in advance. For example, in June, July and September the site may be closed on Sunday and Monday, although open on Saturday. Separate women’s swimming is usually offered for 3 hours one day a week. If you are coming with children, the activities offered could be important to you and this should also be checked on in advance. Adult admission is 88 NIS during the weekend and 78 NIS during the week, and for children 59 NIS. This includes entrance to all activities. Their phone number is *6393. Click here for their website.
Public transport: There is an infrequent bus service between Hamat Gader and Tiberias.
The two large hot water pools are on the far right of the park as you enter - one is covered and the other open. The main open pool has small waterfalls, jacuzzi chairs and casual swimming. To reach the pools, you will go down one level from the main path via stairs or the elevator. You can change in facilities in the building by the elevator. Lockers are offered, although there is a charge. Around the pools are eateries. Massages are available in the massage parlor at a charge
On the way to the pools is a sizable water slide (30+ feet), although this is not open in the winter. Only good swimmer aged ten and over are permitted entry.
On the other side of the park (i.e., turning to the left from the main entrance) is the only crocodile park in the Middle East. It contains 200 alligators, crocodiles, caimans and Indian gharial. Times of alligator feeding are posted during the summer months. For anything more exciting than this you will have to go on safari. There is a mini-wildlife preserve and petting zoo. Fifteen-minute shows with parrots and macaws are offered several times a day during the summer.
Hamat Gader also has a hotel and tent village.
There are archeological ruins within the park, but they are currently closed off and can only be seen from small openings in the fence. The path to the ruins is above and to the right of the pools.
Ancient Hamat Gader was a popular tourist site in the Roman period because of its hot springs. It is even mentioned in the Talmud. Construction of the bath complex was begun in the 2nd century CE, a 2,000-seat auditorium for plays was built in the 3rd century, and the synagogue was constructed in the 5th century. Improvements to the baths were made during the Muslim period. The area was abandoned during the 9th century.
Links to the HOME PAGE and best family activities, hikes and historic sites in the GOLAN, EASTERN GALILEE, UPPER GALILEE, LOWER GALILEE, JORDAN VALLEY & LAKE KINNERET, the SHEFELAH, TEL AVIV-YAFFO and surroundings, NORTH of TEL AVIV, and SOUTH of TEL AVIV.
Do you find my website interesting and helpful?
Then you are sure to love my two new books "In and Around Jerusalem for Everyone - The Best Walks, Hikes and Outdoor Pools" and "The Struggle for Utopia - A History of Jewish, Christian and Islamic Messianism". Both books are available on Amazon and in Jerusalem bookstores. Click on each of the titles for information, reviews and purchase information.