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:

1. Hermanus was originally named Hermansupietersfontein.
2. The town was named after a shepherd and teacher, Hermanus Pieters that travelled to the area from Caledon for summer grazing for his livestock.
3. The long and unwieldy named was shortened to Hermanus when a post office became necessary.
4. Once winner of the Neatest and Most Well Run Station, the Hermanus (Train) Station is now the home of the Hermanus Tourism Information Office.
5. Building of New Harbour started in 1939 and was finally finished in 1951.
6. Hermanus is home to the beautiful Fernkloof Nature Reserve which holds over 1600 different plat species.
7. The popular Cliff Path stretches 12km from New Harbour to Grotto Beach.
8. Hermanus is home to 2 Blue Flag Beaches namely Hawston Beach and Grotto Beach.
9. 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.
10. Situated on the cliffs of Walker Bay, Hermanus is known for some of the best land-based whale watching in the world.
11. The town even has its own Whale Crier which alerts everyone about the whereabouts of the Southern Right Whales in the Bay.
12. The Hermanus Golf Club holds a 27-hole course which is known as one of the most beautiful courses in the country.
13. The Old Harbour has a small museum that showcases samples of the town’s marine and natural history.
14. The South African Shark Conservancy is also located in Old Harbour in Hermanus.
15. 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.

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