Visit

There are many options available for individual or group visits to the Bethany Beyond the Jordan Baptismal Site. Explore options for day visits, tours, baptisms and baptismal renewals, overnight stays, and more below. Whether you are on an individual pilgrimage to Jordan or leading a tour group through the Holy Land, we can help you fit the Baptismal Site into your itinerary.

Due to security in the area, you must organize your trip with us in order to visit the Baptismal Site. Please contact Site Director Rev. Mark LaChonce to arrange any kind of visit to the Baptismal Site at mark.lachonce@elca.org or bbj@elcjhl.org. Please include the details of your group and what kind of activities you would like to include in your visit, and we will follow up with next steps.

We can’t wait to host you!

Half Day Visit

Time required: 2 – 3 hours

Perfect for: Individuals or groups passing by the Baptismal Site on their way to/from the border, those combining the Baptismal Site visit with a visit to the Dead Sea or other sites in the area, or those with tighter schedules.

Cost: While general site admission for adults of non-Arab nationality is 12 JOD, services provided by the Lutheran church ministry are by voluntary donation and we invite you to support our vital work. A thoughtful contribution acknowledges the significant time your host commits in preparation and travel, in addition to time spent at the site, which is typically two hours for a visit and three to four hours for a baptism.

Details: During a half-day visit you will encounter the relevant biblical stories, learn about the history and archeology of the site, and witness the present-day political and ecological situation of the area. We will guide the group through the experience and offer time and space for reflection and prayer, meditation, and retreat.

The half-day tour is about 2 miles (3km) of low intensity walking (expect high heat in the summer) and includes:

• The archeological remnants of the baptismal site of Jesus

• The Jordan River

• A visit to the Lutheran Church on site for coffee or tea in the community hall

• Optional baptism or baptismal renewal/remembrance (for those already baptized) in the Jordan River or in the baptismal font beside the Jordan River or in the Lutheran Church. First-time baptisms can receive a baptism certificate upon request.

Full Day Visit

Time required: 5 - 6 hours

Perfect for: Individuals or groups prioritizing the Baptismal Site as part of their pilgrimage, those who want a deeper understanding of the history and current political reality of the Baptismal Site and surrounding area, and groups who want more time for worship and reflection at the Baptismal Site.

Cost: While general site admission for adults of non-Arab nationality is 12 JOD, services provided by the Lutheran church ministry are by voluntary donation and we invite you to support our vital work. A thoughtful contribution acknowledges the significant time your host commits in preparation and travel, in addition to time spent at the site, which is typically two hours for a visit and three to four hours for a baptism.

Details: During a full day visit you will encounter the relevant biblical stories, learn about the history and archeology of the site, and witness the present-day political and ecological situation of the area. We will guide the group through the experience and offer extended time and space for reflection and prayer, meditation, and retreat. The full-day visit offers more flexibility for your party to include personal or group reflection and worship.

The full day tour is about 2 miles (3km) of low intensity walking (expect high heat in the summer) and includes:

• The archeological remnants of the baptismal site of Jesus

• The Jordan River

• Hermit Caves

• The archeological remnants at Elijah’s Hill (where the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven and John the Baptist lived)

• A visit to the Lutheran Church on site for coffee or tea in the community hall

• Worship in the church

• Enjoy the sunset over the Jordan Valley (upon special request, with one week advance notice)

• Optional baptism or baptismal renewal (for those already baptized) in the Jordan River or in the baptismal font beside the Jordan River or in the Lutheran Church. First-time baptisms can receive a baptism certificate upon request.

• Optional meal (inquire with us about cost)

Overnight Stay

Details: The BBJ Baptismal Site features a small guesthouse (sleeps 6-8) equipped for overnight stays for guests. An overnight stay can be combined with a half- or full-day tour as detailed above or can be organized separately.

Cost: Site admission is 12 JOD for adults of non-Arab nationality. 35 JOD per adult, per night. 20 JOD per child 12 and under, with accompanying adults. Includes continental breakfast.

Facilities: The guesthouse has two bedrooms, each with separate bathrooms. The house also has a small kitchen and living area with a sofa bed. 

First bedroom:

Two sets of bunk beds (sleeps 4).

Second bedroom: 

One double bed (sleeps 2).

Common room:

Kitchenette, dining table, and one sofa bed (sleeps 2).