Bethlehem is a city in the eastern region of the Free State province of South Africa that is situated on the Liebenbergsvlei River along a fertile valley just north of the Rooiberg Mountains on the N5 National Route between Bloemfontein and Durban.
Overview
| Country: | South Africa |
| Province: | Free State |
| District: | Thabo Mofutsanyana |
| Municipality: | Dihlabeng |
| Established: | 1864 |
| Total Area: | 27.8 km² (10.7 sq mi) |
| Population: | 16,236 (2011) |
| Population Density: | 584/km² (1,510/sq mi) |
| Time Zone: | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| Postal Code (street): | 9701 |
| PO Box: | 9700 |
| Area Code: | 058 |
About Bethlehem
Bethlehem is the principle town of the eastern Free State region and is located approximately 240 km north-east of Bloemfontein (the provincial capital and judicial capital of South Africa), 140 km south-east of Kroonstad and 90 km west of Harrismith.
The town is strategically situated in the heart of the picturesque north-eastern Free State and was originally developed as a service centre.
Bethlehem is the fastest growing city in the Free State province, with its target of being the third largest city after Bloemfontein and Welkom.
The growth of Bethlehem is stimulated by the strategic location of the area that serves as a central regional centre, situated adjacent to the N5 National Route between Bloemfontein and Durban.
Set amidst magnificent scenery, Bethlehem was founded in 1864 on a farm named Pretoriuskloof and situated in the valleys of the Maluti Mountains.
The city’s 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 a fertile wheat-growing region and main centre for wheat research.
Agriculture plays a vital role in the economy of the area and the main Centre for Wheat Research in the country is situated 10 km north of the town. Other crops include maize, asparagus, yellow peaches and apples.
The town is an interesting mix of old and new. Early settlers hewed the warm-coloured local sandstone from nearby cliffs to create a proud legacy of fine buildings, many of which are proclaimed monuments like the Dutch Reformed Mother Church, Strapp Building, Town Hall I Civic Centre and St Augustine’s Anglican Church.
Accommodation available includes numerous luxurious Bed & Breakfast facilities, self-catering units, chalets and hotels. Be sure to visit the Nazareth Mission Church Museum where delicate costumes, porcelain, well-worn leather and wood and antiquated kitchen utensils and farming implements are patiently waiting to be used. The beauty found in the wealth from the past is continued and reflected in the well-tended parks and gardens with a mild climate, invigorating air and the flourishing of art and music.
The Jordan River meanders right through the town where Pretoriuskloof Nature Reserve offers lovely walks alongside the river banks amidst Willow trees and towering krantzes.
The Wolhuterskop Game and Nature Reserve is on the outskirts of town where an abundance of wildlife grazes on the rolling hills and under the shady pine trees. Whether you are game viewing by car or following the hiking trail (with a stay in an overnight hut), you will see large numbers of zebras, rooihartebees, eland, springbuck. impala, black wildebees and many other antelope species. Game viewing on horseback is an added attraction.
A variety of water sports can be enjoyed on any one of the four dams situated in the vicinity of Bethlehem. The National Hot Air Balloon Championship and Air Show takes place during late May/June and the Maluti Classic Cycle Tour during October.
Bethlehem is home to the black townships Bohlokong and Thorisong.
