Piketberg is set firmly in the wheat, canola and fruit and wine farming region of South Africa, at the foot of the Piket Mountain. The scenery is the amazing tapestry one can expect from wheat and canola farming, changing with the seasons from green to gold and filled in with wild flowers in spring.
Piketberg is an historic town, established in 1836, when farming land was given to the church. The church still stands – an imposing neo-gothic style cathedral with beautiful window patterns, plastered panels and interesting towers. It is a focal point in the town and many ‘out-of-towners’ weddings are held here. Around the church, some of the early cottages have been beautifully restored.
The museum is a great place to learn about the town’s history with interesting articles, archives and an exhibition telling the story of the growth of Piketberg and its involvement in the Anglo Boer War.
Estate agents are predicting Piketberg to be the next ‘boom town’ in the Swartland, because of its proximity to Cape Town and peaceful atmosphere. Piketberg is just over an hour’s drive from the Mother City, and only 30 minutes from the Cape West Coast.
The perfect way to see the whole town of Piketberg, and panoramic views of the surrounding areas, is to take a trip up Versveld pass to the top of the mountain (a tar road to the left, just north of town) where you will drive through acres of apple, pear, peach and orange trees. Breathe in the scent of the flowers and see the beautiful fynbos, on the way up. There is a picnic spot at the top of the pass. Continue on this road until you meet up with the R399. Turn left onto the R399 and left again at the R365 to return to Piketberg.
Next to the N7, good value for money wine can be tasted and purchased from the Winkelshoek Wine Cellar. Winkelshoek houses all of the Swartland Wine Route wines- both for tasting and purchasing. Winkelshoek has its own unique Weskus wine range and is also known for its Brandies and fortified wines. There is a wide range of imported beers, a curio shop with locally manufactured goods and a restaurant.
The Piket-Bo-Berg MTB Challenge is held yearly in Piketberg and courses of 50 km, 21 km and 9 km can be entered from www.pedalpower.org.za. Piketberg has an annual Agricultural and Flower Show towards the end of August which is one of the main events of the town.
After an active day outdoors, take this Swartland ‘dorpie’ by the horns and make a turn by the Nederberg Hotel Bar for a chat with some of the locals.
For more information on the Swartland, visit ShowMe Swartland.
