Hamat Gader Archaeological Site

Address: Hamat Gader, near Kibbutz Ashdot Ya’akov and the Jordan River, Golan/Northern Israel

Website: https://www.hamatgader.co.il/

Hours: Daily (seasonal variations); typical daytime hours 9:00am-6:00pm

Admission: Entrance and spa packages vary; day admission typically charged (approx NIS 50-100 depending on pool and services)

Hamat Gader is a hot-springs complex and archaeological site in northern Israel, located near the Jordanian border in the Yarmouk valley region. The site combines Roman and Byzantine-era ruins with modern thermal pools and visitor facilities.

Visitors can use thermal pools that are fed by the hot springs, view remains of ancient bathhouses, and see a small crocodile enclosure that operates as a public attraction. The site is arranged so that archaeological areas and the modern spa coexist on the same property.

The location has been used for bathing since antiquity, with Roman and Byzantine constructions attesting to long-term exploitation of the springs. Over time the site has seen successive phases of use and rebuilding.

Hamat Gader lies in the Jordan Valley area near the southern Golan Heights and close to the border with Jordan, set among river valleys and agricultural land rather than in a major urban center.

• Visitor services: Pools are publicly accessible but run on a commercial basis; check opening hours and entrance rules before visiting.
• Visitor practicalities: Swimwear and towels are required for the spa pools; archaeological areas have separate access and viewing arrangements.

What to See#

• Ancient bath remains: Roman and Byzantine-era bath foundations and remnants of masonry visible in the archaeological areas adjacent to the modern spa installations.
• Modern spa and pools: A modern spa complex with thermal pools and visitor facilities that operates alongside the archaeological sites and public attractions.
• Crocodile enclosures: A small crocodile farm and outdoor enclosures that are open to visitors as part of the site’s attractions.

Hamat Gader sits near the southeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River headwaters, accessible by car from Tiberias or the Golan, typically a 30-60 minute drive. Private cars or organized tours are the usual means of getting there; nearest regional hubs include Tiberias and Katzrin.

• Buy afternoon or early-evening tickets to enjoy the springs as the light softens-pools are split into clothing-optional and family sections.
• Combine a visit with the crocodile farm on site-there's an odd juxtaposition of Roman baths and reptile pens that's worth the ticket price.
• Check for seasonal opening hours and book spa treatments in advance during holiday periods.