Heidelberg

Accommodation | Activities | Restaurants | Business Directory

General Information on Heidelberg

Heidelberg is situated between the Langeberg Mountains and the Indian Ocean on the banks of the Duivenhoks River in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The beautiful Gothic Dutch Reformed Church forms the central focus of the town from where visitors can venture out on different routes.

Located near South Africa's south coast and on the N2 highway in the Overberg region just east of Cape Town Heidelberg is a town filled with history. The first erven were sold in the town in November 1855 and in 1862 the first town management board was inaugurated. Dairy farming, cattle, ostrich feathers, tobacco and corn were the products that put the community on its feet and the opening of the railway in 1903 provided that essential link with the outside world.

These days Heidelberg is a quiet place to experience with many surrounding farmlands. Activities in and around Heidelberg are plentiful. The area offers many trails for hikers, nature lovers and day drives.

The Bushbuck and Grysbok Trails offer day walks varying from 2 km to 15 km in the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve. The Boosmansbos Wilderness Area offers over 64 km of paths to choose from and the circular two day route of 27 km is a popular option. Day drives include exciting drives through the Tradouw Pass, the Gymanshoek Pass and Garcia Pass.

The Bontebok National Park is a big attraction for game and bird viewing. The surrounding mountain areas are full of some of the most pristine Fynbos you can find in the Western Cape.