PRINS ALBERT NEWS - Taking a day to visit Prince Albert on the northern side of the Swartberg Mountains is well worth the trip. From Oudtshoorn, via the scenic Swartberg Pass, it is about 70km. Return via Klaarstroom, Meiringspoort and De Rust which is a trip of just over 110km. Prins Albert, dating back to 1842, lies in the Prince Albert Valley on the Northern Side of the Swartberg Mountain.
The town had its origin on land, De Queekvalleij, that belonged to Zacharias and Dina de Beer since 1762, whose descendants divided a portion of the farm along the river that runs through the village into residential properties in 1843. The Dutch Reformed church was built and the town developed around it.
The town was named after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband and royal consort, who visited the village in 1845.
Prince Albert boasts beautiful architecture from that era, including elaborate houses in Victorian style decorated with dainty, curly cast ironwork. The Prince Albert Hotel is a magnificent example of this style.
The economy of the town, with some 13 000 residents, depends mainly on agriculture. Farming consists of vineyards, olives, fruit, vegetable seed and livestock.
There are many wine cellars, where wine tasting takes place that is worth a visit. Olive groves produce excellent olive oil and other olive products. Other produce includes figs and citrus. There is also an excellent cheese factory on the outskirts of town.
Like many other rural towns, Prince Albert has also become the home of a large artist community that contributes to a thriving art scene. This includes regular shows at the Showroom Theatre and the annual Reading Festival.
The Fransie Pienaar Museum is also worth a visit to find out more about the distant archaeological and geological past of the area. The museum also houses the work and history of legendary Outa Lappies (Jan Schoeman) whose credo it was to “Every day, I must make something out of nothing”.
Prince Albert has become synonymous with good food. The first Kokkedoor live television food show was held here, and there are many divine culinary offerings at a large number of restaurants.
The town also offers more than 100 accommodation establishments in and around town.
Activities in the historic town and picturesque surrounds include cycling and hiking, birding and stargazing. Prince Albert is also home to the annual Prince Albert Leesfees as well as the Indi Karoo Film Festival which take place in the second half of each year.
'We bring you the latest Klein Karoo news'
