HEIDELBERG

If you are looking for a drowsy dorp where nothing much happens, then Heidelberg (270km from Cape Town) is for you. Straddling the N2, exactly halfway between Cape Town and Knysna, it has the potential for being a convenient and calm stop-off for travellers heading in either direction. On atmosphere, it’s also far removed from Swellendam up the road, a B&B metropolis in comparison. The Duiwenhoks River skirts the town and the rolling countryside rising up around Heidelberg is picturesque - a spread of dairy farms that quickly gives way to the Langeberg mountains, which harbour the impressive Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve and Boosmansbos Wilderness Area.

Things To Do
  • Heidelberg’s biggest asset is the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve (tel 028-425 5020) and adjacent Boosmansbos Wilderness Area, which lie behind the town and contain thick swathes of rare indigenous forest. Apart from beautiful trees and dramatic mountainscape, the reserve offers a small campsite and two chalets, several day walks, a brilliant mountain bike trail, a bird hide and cool mountain pools. 
     
  • Heidelberg itself is the experience of a coma without any of the inconvenience associated with the real thing. Although there are no formal trails, the town and adjacent 9-hole golf course makes for pleasant walking. There are an unexpected number of Victorian houses dotted around town – sadly, many of these have been violated with ugly face-brick. The huge Dutch Reformed Church is the most obvious landmark.  
      
  • Apart from your local Wimpy, the Blue Crane Farmstall (tel 028-722 2651) and Aan die Kanal Coffee Shop (tel 028-722 1389) are your main options for a simple meal out. The linseed bread at Blue Crane is the best thing since, uhh… sliced bread?