Deep in the Judean Desert, where the sun beats down on bare mountains, lies one of the most extraordinary places on the planet. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on the surface of the Earth, a salt lake so dense that you float without trying. It is a natural spa, a geological wonder and a place steeped in history, and it should be on every Israel itinerary.
Geography and geology
The Dead Sea lies on the border between Israel and Jordan, at around 430 metres below sea level – and the shoreline drops a little lower every year. Its water has a salt concentration of around 34 percent, almost ten times saltier than the ocean. That extreme salinity is why nothing much can live in the water, which gives the lake its name, and why swimmers bob on the surface like corks.
History and culture
The Dead Sea has been known since ancient times and appears in the Bible and other ancient texts. Salt, bitumen and minerals from its shores were valuable trade goods, and King Herod built his famous fortress of Masada on a clifftop overlooking the lake. Close by are the Qumran caves, where the Dead Sea Scrolls – among the oldest biblical manuscripts ever found – were discovered in the 1940s and 1950s.
What the Dead Sea offers visitors
Floating in the water
The highlight for most visitors is simply getting in. Lie back, relax and let the water hold you up – it is an experience you will not forget.
A natural spa
The mineral-rich black mud and salty water have long been prized for their therapeutic qualities, particularly for skin conditions and joint pain. Many hotels at Ein Bokek offer spa treatments based on the area’s natural minerals; see our guide to Dead Sea hotels to find the right one.
Desert nature and hiking
The area around the lake is surprisingly full of life. The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve has freshwater springs, waterfalls and hiking trails where you can often spot ibex and rock hyraxes.
Nearby sights
- Masada: the clifftop fortress, reached by cable car or on foot along the Snake Path, ideally at sunrise.
- Qumran: the archaeological site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.
- Ein Gedi: an oasis with springs, pools and trails.
Tips for visiting the Dead Sea
- Keep the water out of your eyes: it stings badly. Do not splash, and never put your head under.
- Avoid shaving beforehand: the salt will make any small cuts sting.
- Do not stay in too long: 10 to 20 minutes at a time is plenty.
- Wear water shoes: salt crystals on the shore and seabed can be sharp.
- Drink plenty of water: it is very hot for much of the year, so stay hydrated.
- Visit in the cooler months: spring, autumn and winter are the most comfortable times to go.
The future of the Dead Sea
The Dead Sea’s beauty hides a serious environmental problem. Its water level falls by around a metre a year, mainly because so much water is diverted from the Jordan River, and sinkholes have appeared along the shore. Several projects and studies are looking for ways to protect it for future generations.
To choose where to swim, see our list of the best Dead Sea beaches, and for one of the area’s strangest sights read about the Dead Sea salt mushrooms.
