Bethlehem is situated in the eastern Free State Province of South Africa and is a significant farming and commercial centre as well as being at the northern end of the mountain route. It is a tourist center for Golden Gate National Park as well as for the Drakensberg. Bethlehem is a very rich producer of wheat, hence the name Bethlehem from the Hebrew meaning “House of Bread”. It is also known for wool and cattle farming.
Bethlehem was founded in 1869 and developed quite fast after it was connected by rail to Bloemfontein, Johannesburg and Harrismith. Because of its flourishing economic structure and unique attractions it has become a popular tourist destination.
A well known and famous sight in Bethlehem is the mound of stones on the outskirts of the town where mineworkers from Lesotho on their way to the mining centers would drop stones as a request to their ancestors to protect them and again on their return as a thank you for their safe return.
The town is nestled in the heart of the Maluti Mountains and aside from its location close to the Golden Gate National Park and the Pretoriuskloof Nature reserve, as well as the Sterkfontein Dam reserve, inside the limits of the town there are many attractions that are of interest.
There are many historical sandstone buildings from Voortrekker times which are provincial heritage sites. There are museums of interest such as the Baartman House exhibit of wagons and horse carriages as well as period furniture and farm implements that show the lifestyle of the Voortrekkers. There is also an interesting exhibit at the Museum of Cultural History with its collection of war memorabilia.
Visitors to Bethlehem will enjoy a visit to the Basotho Cultural Village which gives an insight into the South Sotho lifestyle from the 16th century to date. It is very picturesque in its setting at the foot of enormous Sandstone Mountains.
Accommodation in Bethlehem and area is available in many Guesthouses and B&B’s as well as modern hotels.
