Route 6 – Kranskop

The Hermannsburg/Kranskop area is extremely picturesque with valleys, mountains, rivers and dramatic krantzes. Beautifully preserved meadows abound in wild flowers and a great variety of birds, including rare species of flora and fauna. Visitors travelling from Gauteng to KZN’s North Coast could take the R74 through Colenso and Greytown to pass through this area. Hermannsburg was settled in the 1850s by a small group of ‘cotton planter’ families from Osnabruck, Germany, under the leadership of the Rev Bergtheil. Leaving the coastal settlement of New Germany outside Durban the group set up farms in the area. The present-day Hermannsburg community is still centred around the original Mission House (now the museum), built in 1854, and the Lutheran church, built in 1870. Both buildings are historically interesting and worth visiting. Many folk in the community are direct descendants of those original missionaries. Hermannsburg School boasts a proud record of consistently outstanding academic achievement. Set in a beautifully tranquil village the school offers a perfect conference or retreat venue during school holidays. Kranskop, previously known as Hopetown, is a typical trading town full of African bustle; while Fort Cherry adds a dimension of historical interest. The Kop, a sugar-loaf landmark, affords stunning views into the Tugela Valley. The Mudman, comprising cycling, swimming and running events, is held annually. Phone 082 627 1802 for more information.