Swellendam, the third oldest town in South Africa, celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1995. Swellendam is famous not only for its "braambessies" (youngberries) , but also for its architecture, fascinating past and great outdoor life. The Koornlands River, ancient oak trees and stately, whitewashed homesteads add to its charm. Situated 7 km from the town is the Bontebok National Park. The nearby Marloth Nature Reserve offers day walks and overnight hiking trails through the Langeberg Mountains.
In time, a village was established opposite the Drostdy, across the Koornlands River, where artisans, including numerous wainwrights, and traders settled. To travelers and explorers, the services of these village folk were indispensable, as Swellendam was the last outpost of civilisation on the eastern frontier. By the middle of the 19th century, the eastern districts had been colonized by the British settlers and Swellendam was a thriving metropolis. The town served as a useful refreshment station on the long, slow journey up the coast. Places of Interest SULINA
FAERIE SANCTUARY Drostdy
Museum Complex HERMITAGE
LIQUEUR FARM ARTISTS |
Nestling
at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, Swellendam is situated on the
N2, approximately 240km from both Cape Town and George, Swellendam is
the perfect choice for a halfway stopover or as a base from which to explore
the area. There is little wind and temperatures are moderate.
The
town was founded by the Dutch east India Company in 1745 in order to exercise
control over independent frontiersmen who migrated over the Hottentots
Holland Mountains at the beginning of the 18th century. A landdrost was
appointed and a Drostdy and other building were erected. The district
and town were named after the reigning Governor of the Cape, Hendrik Swellengrebel,
and his wife, Helena Ten Damme.