- Province: Western Cape
- West Coast
- Coordinates: 32°54′23″S 17°59′45″E
- Area: 13.75 km2
- Municipality: Saldanha Bay
Vredenberg is situated on the West Coast of the Western Cape, approximately 140 kilometres north of Cape Town. The town lies 12km inland from Saldanha Bay and north of Langebaan, forming part of the wider Saldanha Bay municipal area. Vredenberg is located along the R27 and R45 routes, providing road connections to coastal towns, industrial areas around Saldanha, and inland agricultural regions. Its central position makes it a key service hub for the West Coast region. The town is surrounded by fynbos, wheat fields, dairy and sheep farms,
History of Vredenburg
Vredenburg is a quiet town in the Western Cape, serving as a hub for the surrounding West Coast region. While it’s small and low-key, visitors can find essential services, local shops, and a few cafés, making it a convenient stopover or base for exploring nearby coastal areas.
It was established in 1875 and is the transportation and commercial centre of the West Coast. Vrede is Afrikaans for peace. The town was originally established by the Dutch reformed church to serve the surrounding community. The town is built on a hill, which boasts some large granite rocks.
The Agterbaai, as Vredenburg was known, did not originally have a church, and the closest one was at Hopefield, which was about a six-hour drive by horse and cart. The Dutch Reformed Church established a congregation here in 1875. The church building was inaugurated that year. A piece of land on the farm Twisfontein was acquired for this purpose. The cornerstone was laid on 22 January 1872 by dominee Neethling. On 15 September 1875, the church was inaugurated, and the town’s name changed to Vredenburg. The church is the oldest building in Vredenburg.
Dispute fountain
The original name of the area was Twisfontein, which translates to “Dispute fountain” This is from an incident where two farmers fought over the only available freshwater spring in the area. The town was then named Prosesfontein. (‘Lawsuit Spring’) Because the rights to the spring caused so many arguments, as water is a scarce commodity here. After the inauguration of the church, peace (vrede) reigned, and the new town was called Vredenburg. (‘Peaceful Town’). The peace monument is in Church Street.
In 1880, the first school was built in the town, and after the water pipeline was built post World War II, not only the town but the entire region experienced a boom.
Close by is a large township which has sprung up since the iron and steel factory was built. The town is surrounded by Fynbos, wheat fields, dairy and sheep farms.
The license plate prefix for Vredenberg is CFG, and the postal code for is 7380
WEATHER IN VREDENBURG TODAY
Browse businesses and things to see in Vredenburg
Things to do and see in Vredenburg
- There are some great birdwatching opportunities
- Monument in Church Street
- The pale pink Dutch Reformed Church on the main street was built close to the disputed spring.
- West Coast Biosphere Reserve 076 696 5354 info@cwcbr.co.za
- Witteklip, just outside the town, is a rock with a massive opening through the middle of it.
Resources
Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
Useful Numbers
Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities
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Emergency Services
- Police: 022 713 1310 022723 8000
- Fire: Saldanha Bay 022 7131815 0860073473
- Ambulance: 10177 0227144590
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Medical
- Closest hospital; provincial hospital022 709 7200
- Pharmacy; 022 713 1184
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Municipal & Utilities
- Municipality; 022 701 7000
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Transport & Roads
- Traffic department: 022 713 1286
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Community & Safety
- SPCA: west coast 022 289 0998
- NSRI 087 094 9774
- 24 hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape: 0861 555 777.
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Local Contacts and Community Resources in
- Vredenburg information centre 022 715 1142
- Post office; 0227151550
- Library: 022 701702
- Tourism ; 022 715 1142
- Home Affairs: 022 719 1297
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Schools in Vredenburg
- Vredenburg high-022713 1151
- Vredenberg primary- 022 713 1161
- Laerskool Vredenburg – 022 713 1161
- Edenprimary – 022 713 1409
- Weston secondary- 022713 2083
- Louwville High- 022 713 3439
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
Learn more about the project HERE
