Wupperthal

• Province: Western Cape
• West coast
• Coordinates: 19° 12′ 19.80″ E 32° 16′ 16.20″ S
• Area:
• Municipality: Cedarberg

Wupperthal is a remote village in the Cederberg region of the Western Cape, South Africa. It lies in a valley of the Tra-Tra River, north of Clanwilliam and south of the Northern Cape boundary. The village is accessed from Clanwilliam via the R364 mountain road through the Cederberg Wilderness Area. Wupperthal is surrounded by rugged mountains and forms part of the wider Cederberg landscape, with small settlements and farms scattered across the area.

History of Wupperthal

Wupperthal is a village in the Cedarberg about 75km from Clanwilliam in the remote Tra-Tra Valley. It was founded in 1830 by two German Rhenish missionaries. JG Leipoldt, grandfather of the poet C Louis Leipoldt and Baron Theobald von Wurmb. They bought the farm Rietfontein, on the banks of the Tra Tra River. The population increased after 1838 when a large number of freed slaves moved there. The missionaries taught the flock skills such as millinery, bricklaying, thatching, and shoemaking.

In 1965,  the mission was transferred to the Moravian Church, which is still overseeing operations today.

Economy of the town

The village became known for its handmade velskoene. These traditional leather shoes are still produced here. The area remains rich in cultural heritage, and local artisans are renowned for their traditional hand-woven baskets and rugs.

Today, the economy of the town revolves around the cultivation of fruit. Three terraces of simple thatched, whitewashed houses line the hill, each with its own garden. Water is transported in open furrows in the narrow lanes. The roads are unpaved, and the pace of life is gentle and slow.

Sadly, a large fire swept through the village in December 2018. It destroyed over 50 homes, some historic buildings, and the community hall. Despite the devastation,  ongoing restoration is being done with support from the government and non-profit organisations.

The village is surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, rock art, and rugged mountain landscapes. It also offers great opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The nearby Cederberg Wilderness Area provides many routes through exciting terrain, where you can discover rare fynbos, cascading waterfalls, and awesome views.

The postcode for Wupperthal is 8138

local WEATHER TODAY

BROWSE BUSINESSES AND PLACES TO VISIT IN Wupperthal

Things to do and see in Wupperthal

• The gabled thatched church in the centre of the village was built in 1834
• Walks and hiking trails in the Cederberg
• MTB trails
• Birdwatching opportunities
• Enjoy the flower season in Wupperthal(August/September)
• Donkeycart ride on the Pakhuis pass.
• Blinkberg pass
• Eselbank pass

Getting there

1. Start on the N7 – Head north out of Cape Town toward Malmesbury. Take the R303 – After passing Clanwilliam, turn onto the R303 toward Citrusdal and the Cederberg mountains. Follow local roads – From Citrusdal, follow the signs toward Wupperthal. The final stretch includes gravel roads, so a high-clearance or 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially after rain. Plan your timing – The roads are narrow and winding in places, so take it slow and enjoy the scenery. Services in Wupperthal are limited — fill up on fuel and pack snacks before the last stretch.

Tip: Google Maps can guide you, but don’t rely on mobile signal in the mountains. Download offline directions just in case.