05/05/2022
.co.za
HEIDELBERG - Situated on the banks of the Duivenhoks River, between the beautiful Langeberg Mountains and warm Indian Ocean, this quiet hamlet and second oldest town in the Hessequa lies in one of the most scenically preserved regions of the Western Cape. The town was established in 1855, forming around the Dutch Reformed church that drew farmers from as far afield as Swellendam and Riversdale. It was named in honour of the German town of Heidelberg, because of the Heidelberg catechism practiced in the church.
While it may have had a particularly pious beginning, there is a lot of humour and a sprinkling of wholesome mischief to be found among the residents who love a good story and are known to indulge in colourful descriptions of the characters and every day happenings of the area. During your sojourn you will no doubt get to experience ‘platteland’ lifestyle at its best – with slow organic cooking, long chats and leisurely exploration of the quaint art galleries, antique stores, hiking trails, MTB trails and coffee shops.
Heidelberg is also the gateway to Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve – one of South Africa’s most well-preserved indigenous forests and home to an array of mountain biking and hiking trails. The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is 250 hectares of indigenous forest along the Langeberg Mountain and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004. The nature reserve is an excellent bird watching-, hiking-, and camping destination, with the spotting of bushbuck, baboons, yellowwood trees, the emperor butterfly and the rate ghost frog as highlights of your visit. The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve also offers two day hiking trails ranging between 10km-15km and a selection of highly recommended self-catering cabins and luxury camping spots. Adjacent to the Grootvaderbosch Nature Reserve is the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, which also holds World Heritage Site status. The Boosmansbos area covers various hiking trail and is a popular stop for birding clubs.
The Heidelberg Bird Route will take you through a loop of areas covering the town centre and outskirts – with the spotting of bird species which calls Heidelberg their home.
The Culla Uys Nature Garden is a highly recommended option for nature enthusiast with an affection for fauna and flora.
The town also boasts with unique farm stays (Skeiding Guest Farm and Hooikraal Tented Campsite) and bush camping (Nona Rosa Bush Camp and Noukrans Bush Camp) facilities which are all tailored towards nature enthusiast. The Grootvaderbosch Conservancy is a compilation of landowners – in the conservancy you’ll find the Grootvadersbosch Mountain Bike Network which consists of six MTB trails. The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy is also home to guest farms like Strawberry Hill Farm, Fleckvieh Guest Farm and Honeywood Farm. The Brackenhills Private Nature Reserve is located within the greater Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve and offers a selection of romantic getaway options.
Heidelberg is a popular overnight destination for German visitors as the town name and Post Office are identical features to this town and that in Germany. The town also has a Historical Walking Route which allows visitors to view all the important historical landmarks within the town.
The Heidelberg Biltong Factory is also a popular venue when travelling through town as it sells the best tasting biltong along the Garden Route.
The travel and tourism industry is very diverse and travellers in search of sophisticated venues must visit Star Nation Art Studio, Newly Defined Antiques, Inspired Creations, Die Skeerhok Farm Stall, Delish Restaurant & Wine Shop, Heidelberg Nursery, Blue Crane Farm Stall, Hooikraal Market, Heidelberg Hotel and Die Rooi Pot Restaurant.
Golf is an ever popular sporting code and the Heidelberg Golf Course will not disappoint in terms of neatness and views – the course has beautiful views of the Langeberg Mountains. The Heidelberg Bowling Club is next to the Golf Course is also worth visiting when in Heidelberg.
The residential area of Heidelberg West and Heidelberg East also offers views from a bygone era with buildings as old as the early 1800’s still been seen on a daily basis. The historical nature of the East and West residential areas should be high on your list of experiences and a walk or drive through the areas as recommended.
The addition of Heidelberg Hotel & Bar, Buck House Elegant Apartment, Waterkloof Guest House, Fleur Bleue Luxury B&B, Melkboom Guest Farm, The Heidelberger Guest House and Alex’s Overnight Apartments makes Heidelberg a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts and couples travelling along the Garden Route.
We invite the traveller community to explore Hessequa by visiting the town of Heidelberg during the season.
https://www.explorersgardenroute.co.za
Photo Credit: Jacques Marais
Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism l Discoverctwc l Getaway Magazine l Weg-tydskrif l CapeNature l Delish Heidelberg N2 l Hooikraal Tented Camp l Skeiding Guest Farm l Noukrans Boskamp l Strawberry Hill Farm l Fleckvieh Guest Farm & Grootvadersbosch Landgoed l Die Skeerhok Padstal l Die Rooi Pot
