Scenic routes

There are a variety of scenic routes meandering through valleys lying at the foot of the mountains.

Hoeko Valley, the birthplace of C J Langenhoven, lies approximately 15 km east of town. The vineyards and orchards with the mountains as backdrop, provide breathtaking scenes in spring and autumn.

Further east are Zoar and Amalienstein, former missionary stations founded by the Berlin Mission Society. Stop at the Route 62 Country Shop at Amalienstein for something to eat and drink.

Close to Amalienstein is the awe-inspiring Seweweekspoort. Incredible rockformations tower above the 17 km long meandering road through the "Poort". The Seweweekspoort peak is the highest in the Western Cape and very popular amongst mountaineers, as is Towerkop which is still considered as one of the most difficult peaks to tackle without ropes.

For the more courageous - the road is very narrow and difficult - there is the incredible vista from the Bosluiskloof pass - the hills of the Karoo stretching down to the Gamkapoort dam.

Near Vanwyksdorp is the turn-off to Rooiberg pass - another unique experience with view of planes and hills stretching to the south and the Klein Swartberg mountain to the north.

To the west of the town are Buffelspoort, Vanzylsdamme, Voorbaat and Dwarsrivier - all picturesque valleys with vineyards, orchards, dams and old farm houses. Some of these valleys offer a variety of accommodation - from a 4 star guest farm to basic self-catering facilities.

Architectural heritage

The town boasts at least 8 different building styles from days gone by, e g the Ladismith style - a simplified Georgian style which originated here to suite the hot summers. The houses give the impression of a double storey, but in fact it has a very high loft with ventilation holes ("Ladismith eyes") helping with the circulation of air.

Several different Victorian styles can be seen - some very ornate and others more plain.

Other styles to be seen are Edwardian, rural, Cape Dutch Revival, Regency and Lithuanian - the old synagogue which is most probably the only one of its kind in South Africa.

The historial neo-Gothic Otto Hager church, at the bottom of Church Street, is a National Monument (one of 6 in town) and a feature in town.

Hiking Trails

Elandsberg - 13 km route to Stanley's light - approximately halfway up the mountain

Towersig - 2 - 12 km route in the hills above the town