Hermanus

Description

Hermanus is a popular holiday town on the southern coast of the Western Cape. It is world-famous for having fantastic land and boat based whale watching. Its scenic beauty, mild climate, outdoor activities, rich floral kingdom, and its close proximity to Cape Town make it the ideal base from which to explore the Cape Overberg. Experience the charm of this fishing village for yourself by browsing our Hermanus accommodations.

Hermanus, originally called Hermanuspietersfontein, is famous for its whale industry. One can sight Southern Right Whales during winter and mid spring from the winding cliff paths, or for the more adventurous, by boat. Hermanus hosts an annual whale festival at the end of September to celebrate the returning of the whales to the bay during mating season. The festival is characterised by food and craft stalls, environmental presentations, and drama productions. Hermanus also has the world’s only whale crier who walks the streets sounding his kelp horn to alert residents of whales in the bay.

Hermanus holds an array of exciting natural, cultural, and historical activities that make it well worth a visit. The Old Harbour Museum depicts the whaling industry, De Wetshuis Photo Museum portrays the history of Hermanus, and the Whale Museum features a whale skeleton and shows an audio-visual presentation of whales and dolphins twice daily. Although Hermanus boasts a historic railway station, the founders of the town decided not to lay down tracks as this would result in commercialising Hermanus, which they hoped to keep a small fisherman’s village.

Hermanus boasts numerous beaches. Grotto Beach is the largest and has acquired Blue Flag status. Other beaches include Voelklip, Kommabaai, Sandbaai, and Langbaai. Be sure to experience the true culture of Hermanus by attending one of the various craft markets in and around town, from Lemm’s Corner Market, to The Food & Wine Market, and Hermanus Country Market. Although Hermanus has become a famous tourist attraction, it has kept its fishing village charm.

An interesting lesson is afforded at the Space Science Directorate of the South African Space Agency (previously the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory), which monitors variations of the earth’s magnetic field. Hermanus Yacht Club is well worth a visit, as is Fernkloof Nature Reserve featuring the largest carnivorous plant in the world, and Hermanus Golf Course where resident baboons make appearances on the greens. Hermanus holds claim to the southernmost wine route in Africa and produces top quality, world renowned wines in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Those seeking a culinary delight will marvel at the myriad of excellent restaurants in Hermanus, offering everything from fine wines to the freshest seafood.

Hermanus has an exquisite backdrop of mountainous areas carpeted in pristine Cape fynbos. These hills are riddled with walking and hiking trails, and attract paragliders and hang-gliders from around the world. Other activities in Hermanus include tennis, squash, bowls, canoeing, yachting, diving, surfing, fishing, diving, and shark cage diving in the nearby village of Gansbaai.

Experience all that the town has to offer by booking a stay at one of our wonderful Hermanus accommodations. As jy in Afrikaans wil bespreek, kan LekkeSlaap jou help. Soek vir Hermanus akkommodasie.