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After Cape Town and Stellenbosch, Swellendam
is the third oldest settlement in South Africa. Laying at the foot of the
beautiful Langeberg mountains this place is not only famous for its youngberries,
but as well as for its architecture and its history. The town is situated
halfway between Cape Town and George on the N2. Swellendam was founded
by the Dutch East India Company in the year 1745. The town and its district
was named after the governor of the Cape and his wife, Hendrik Swellengrebel
and Helena Ten Damme. In time, a village was
established opposite the Drostdy, across the Koornlands River,
where artisans, including numerous wainwrights, and traders
settled. To travellers 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 has been colonized by British
settlers and Swellendam was a thriving metropolis. The town
served as a useful refreshment station on the long slow journey
up the coast. Nowdays, in addition to serving its local and
surrounding community, Swellendam glories in its past by
continuing to offer travellers the services they require for
rest and relaxation on their travels. Swellendam offers a
variety of accommodation to suit every taste. This range
includes one hotel, luxury guest houses, Bed and Breakfast
establishments, chalets, caravan and camping facilities as well
as self-catering cottages on farms in the area. Details can be
obtained from the Swellendam Tourism Bureau.
Restaurants – Swellendam still
lives up to its reputation as a foremost ‘refreshment station’
and there are many restaurants and coffee shops in the town
catering to travellers.
 Visit the Drostdy Museum website
Swellendam Tourism Bureau
Tel: and Fax: +27 (0) 28-5142770
Email: infoswd@sdm.dorea.co.za
www.swellendamtourism.co.za
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