Bethlehem Information and Accommodation

Situated as the last stop between Gauteng and the ever-increasing-in-popularity Clarens, Bethlehem offers a bit of Eastern Freestate haven for the weary traveler. Come and visit this jewel of the Eastern Freestate and be amazed by the warmth and hospitality in this lovely town. Whether you want accommodation at very affordable rates, a large variety of restaurants or just want to get away from the bustle of city life, Bethlehem is reachable - being only 3 hours drive from Gauteng.

photo - courtesy of Vaughan Davies

Bethlehem was founded in 1864 on the farm Pretoriuskloof. It is strategically situated in the heart of the beautiful north-eastern Free State. Its name means "House of Bread" in Hebrew, a name which is very appropriate as it relates to the fertile agricultural soil so distinctive of the area which produces 65% of the country's wheat crop

This beautiful prospering modern town with its wide variety of shops, restaurants and theatres is the tourism nerve centre of the Eastern Free State. 

Keep your camera ready - for when you visit the beautiful Pretoriuskloof and bird sanctuary right in the centre of town.
A leisurely stroll around town to browse and see the Baartman Wagonhouse Museum and the shopping centre erected around it to form part of the complex, is definitely worth your while. Treat yourself to dinner and the theatre in the evening, everything from Spur to their very own Ocean Basket and even a real authentic Chinese restaurant.

A popular horse-riding trail of approximately 10 kilometres starts at the entrance to the Wolhuter's Nature Reserve some 5 kilometers from the town. It is said that apples from this district is the sweetest in the country.

 

Bethlehem now

Bethlehem is the largest commercial, industrial and educational centre in the eastern Free State and the northern terminus of the ‘mountain route’. The development of Bethlehem was boosted when it was connected by rail to Bloemfontein, Harrismith and Johannesburg.