Caught between majestic mountains and the abundant waters of Walker Bay, Hermanus makes for a popular holiday destination in South Africa. But despite its popularity there might be some things you don’t know about this beautiful town. Find out more here:
- Hermanus was originally named Hermansupietersfontein.
- The town was named after a shepherd and teacher, Hermanus Pieters that travelled to the area from Caledon for summer grazing for his livestock.
- The long and unwieldy named was shortened to Hermanus when a post office became necessary.
- Once winner of the Neatest and Most Well Run Station, the Hermanus (Train) Station is now the home of the Hermanus Tourism Information Office.
- Building of New Harbour started in 1939 and was finally finished in 1951.
- Hermanus is home to the beautiful Fernkloof Nature Reserve which holds over 1600 different plat species.
- The popular Cliff Path stretches 12km from New Harbour to Grotto Beach.
- Hermanus is home to 2 Blue Flag Beaches namely Hawston Beach and Grotto Beach.
- The nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley boasts world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as some of South Africa’s best Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz.
- Situated on the cliffs of Walker Bay, Hermanus is known for some of the best land-based whale watching in the world.
- The town even has its own Whale Crier which alerts everyone about the whereabouts of the Southern Right Whales in the Bay.
- The Hermanus Golf Club holds a 27-hole course which is known as one of the most beautiful courses in the country.
- The Old Harbour has a small museum that showcases samples of the town’s marine and natural history.
- The South African Shark Conservancy is also located in Old Harbour in Hermanus.
- Hermanus plays host to popular events like the Whale Festival, the Kalfiefees, the Hermnaus Wine & Food Fair, the Botanical Society Flower Festival and various other markets and special events.
