Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a hypersaline lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. Situated at approximately 430 meters below sea level, it is the lowest point on the Earth's surface and one of the world's saltiest bodies of water. With a salinity level exceeding 34 percent, the lake is nearly ten times as salty as the ocean, making it an environment where macroscopic aquatic organisms cannot survive. The water is rich in minerals such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium, which have been harvested for medicinal and cosmetic purposes since antiquity. Historically, the Dead Sea was a source of asphalt for Egyptian mummification and a strategic location for various civilizations, including the Nabataeans and Romans. In recent decades, the sea has faced significant environmental challenges, with its water level dropping at a rate of over one meter per year due to the diversion of its main tributary, the Jordan River. Conservation efforts and international agreements are currently being discussed to stabilize the shoreline and prevent further ecological degradation.

Nearby cities

Madaba

Madaba is world-famous for its Byzantine mosaics.

Ma'in Hot Springs

Natural thermal waterfalls cascade into a desert oasis, offering relaxation in mineral-rich waters.

Wadi Bin Hammad

A spectacular rainforest canyon in Jordan featuring hanging gardens and hot springs.

Dead Sea (Ein Bokek)

The lowest point on Earth, famous for its hypersaline water that lets you float effortlessly and mineral-rich mud.

Beit Sahour

Beit Sahour is located east of Bethlehem and is traditionally identified with the Shepherds' Fields of the biblical Nativity story.

Bani Na'im

Bani Na'im is located east of Hebron and is known as the 'City of Martyrs'.

Abu Dis

Abu Dis borders eastern Jerusalem and is home to major educational institutions such as Al-Quds University.

History & landmarks

Dead Sea Basin

The Dead Sea Basin is the lowest point on the Earth's surface on dry land.

Mar Saba Monastery

This Greek Orthodox monastery hangs spectacularly on the cliffs of the Kidron Valley.

Monastery of Saint Gerasimus

The Monastery of Deir Hajla near Jericho is a desert oasis dedicated to Saint Gerasimus.

Nature

Wadi Mujib (River)

This spectacular canyon is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Jordan and carries water year-round.

Ein Feshkha

Ein Feshkha is a natural oasis on the shores of the Dead Sea.

Dead Sea West Shore

The west shore of the Dead Sea features salt crystal formations and extreme environments.

Jordan River

This historically and religiously significant river forms the natural border between Jordan and the Palestinian territories.

Dead Sea Coast

The lowest coastline on Earth, lined with sparkling salt crystals and mineral-rich mud beaches.

Wadi el-Arayis Nature Area

Wadi el-Arayis is a remote valley in the Judaean Desert featuring striking rock formations.

Jebel Mukabbir

Jebel Mukabbir is a prominent hill in southern Jerusalem.

Wadi el-Asalah Nature Area

Wadi el-Asalah, south of Hebron, is known for its ancient olive trees and biodiversity.

More places

Mujib Biosphere Reserve

The lowest nature reserve on Earth captivates with its spectacular gorges and hidden waterfalls.

Machaerus

The ruins of a Herodian palace on a steep hilltop, famous as the site where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded.

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Jabal Ataruz

An isolated and historically significant mountain in the Moabite highlands, offering sweeping views of the region.

Wadi al-Wala

A picturesque gorge with a constant stream flowing through it, lined with dense oleander bushes.

Mount Nebo

An elevated ridge where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land, now an important pilgrimage destination.

Madaba Map

A 6th-century floor mosaic in St.

Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Ein Gedi is a verdant oasis in the Judean Desert, featuring waterfalls, springs, and abundant wildlife near the Dead Sea.

Judaean Desert

A small but fascinating desert east of Jerusalem, descending steeply to the Dead Sea.