General Information
Bethlehem is a city located in the Thabo Mofutsanyana region of the Free State Province in South Africa. It was established in 1864 on a farm named Pretoriuskloof and situated in the valleys of the Maluti Mountains. The name Bethlehem is derived from the Hebrew expression “Beit Lechem” meaning “house of bread”. This is an appropriate name for the commercial centre of the region as well as the main centre for wheat research. The National Hot-air Ballooning Championships is a popular tourist attraction in Bethlehem.
Being the commercial centre of the region, Bethlehem has no shortage of tourist accommodation available. From bed and breakfasts and guest houses to hotels and lodges, this town has it all. Please visit our accommodation directory for a full list of places to stay in the region.
Bethlehem has loads of entertainment for the whole family. Nature-lovers will certainly enjoy the Pretoriuskloof Bird Sanctuary with its numerous bird species. Enjoy a walk along the Jordan River amidst willow trees and towering gorges.
Other things to do in Bethlehem include:
Ash River Outfall
Baartman Wagon House Museum
Frontier Inn Casino
Nazareth Mission Church Museum
Wolhuterskop Game Reserve
The restaurants in Bethlehem are a culinary delight. This town has many options to choose from including budget-friendly and finer dining restaurants. Please see our restaurant directory for a list of places to eat in the area.
