| Each year thousands of domestic and international | | | | who was a frequent visitor to Hermanus. Hoy was the |
| tourists flock to the shores of the gorgeous coastal | | | | general manager of the railways and he ensured that |
| town, Hermanus. Internationally renowned for its whale | | | | the natural beauty of Hermanus would not be marred |
| watching, Hermanus is an ideal holiday destination. | | | | by the extension of the railway line into the village. |
| Despite being one of South Africa's most loved tourist | | | | Hundreds of years later Hermanus is the only railway |
| destinations Hermanus has managed to maintain the | | | | station in the country with no trains. Hermanus is |
| quaint and tranquil atmosphere of years gone by. | | | | historically rich with many tales and interesting facts |
| The Hermanus of Days Gone By | | | | about the people who were responsible for making the |
| This gorgeous seaside town has a proud history dating | | | | town what it is today: from anti-railway activist William |
| back to the early 1800s when a man by the name of | | | | Hoy to the last indigenous beachcomber who lived in a |
| Hermanus Pieters followed a path etched into the | | | | cave in town. These people amongst many other |
| ground by a herd of elephants. Hermanus Pieters was | | | | contributed to both the development and the |
| a travelling teacher and shepard who growing tired of | | | | uncommercialised feel of Hermanus today. |
| his locality, made the decision to pack up and try | | | | What to do in Hermanus |
| somewhere new. | | | | Hermanus may be a quiet town but it is definitely not |
| He wandered south of Caledon along the elephant trail | | | | an uneventful one. There are a number of choices for |
| and ended up next to the sea where he discovered a | | | | beaches, from rock-protected coves to long expanses |
| fresh spring. Hermanus Pieters decided to set up | | | | of sandy beach, perfect for safe swimming and |
| camps here because of this spring and the fine | | | | strolling and the many tidal pools provide safe bathing |
| grazing the land provided for his livestock. This beautiful | | | | and are perfect for children. The variety of cliff path |
| setting became known as Hermanuspietersfontein | | | | walks and hiking trails, magnificent diving spots and |
| (directly translated as Hermanus Pieters Fountain). | | | | excellent birdwatching opportunities are a treat for the |
| Once farmers in neighbouring districts begun to hear of | | | | nature lovers. |
| his success they too began their journeys to this new | | | | Many renowned artists, sculptors, ceramicists, writers, |
| and fertile location. Many of the farmers only | | | | jewellers, glass designers, quilters and photographers |
| vacationed in Hermanuspietersfontein during the | | | | have settled here and brought international recognition |
| warmers summers months. They spent their time | | | | to Hermanus. These artists often hold exhibitions which |
| fishing whilst their wives and children spent many a | | | | should not be missed. There are also a wide variety of |
| happy day along the magnificent beachfronts. Once | | | | shops where you can purchase anything from clothing |
| the winter months set in the farmers would return to | | | | to curios. The museum enables visitors a fascinating |
| their homes, the fishermen however stayed. The fish | | | | glimpse into what the town was like in the past. |
| was plentiful and the men had great successes in the | | | | It is however the whale watching which draws so |
| ocean that lapped the shores of this small town. | | | | many visitors to this seaside paradise. Each year from |
| By 1886 so many families had moved to | | | | July to December South Africa becomes home to |
| Hermanuspietersfontein that a church and school were | | | | thousands of Whales who leave the icy Antarctic to |
| built. In 1902 after an irate postmasters complaint due | | | | mate and birth their calves. The Western Cape is a |
| to the towns' exceptionally long name, | | | | hot spot for Whale watching in South Africa. The most |
| Hermanuspietersfontein became Hermanus. The town | | | | common whales in this area are the majestic and |
| was so beautiful and filled with fresh sea air that it | | | | once near extinct Southern Right Whales. Hermanus, |
| was not uncommon for doctors to recommend a trip | | | | which is located a mere 45 minute drive from Cape |
| to the seaside town for their patient's health. | | | | Town, is known as the "heart of the Whale Coast" |
| The Sleepy Village Beside the Sea | | | | and is recognised by World Wildlife Fund as the best |
| The residents of Hermanus fought strongly for their | | | | land-based whale watching area in the world. The |
| home to remain a sleepy, quaint seaside village rather | | | | Annual Whale Festival held in September celebrates |
| than succumb to the modernization that was creeping | | | | these truly magnificent creatures. A trip to the festival, |
| up all around them. One of the most significant | | | | 5 days of exhibitions, boat trips, flea markets and |
| contributors to this "village feeling" was William Hoy | | | | entertainment, is highly recommended. |