This peaceful little village lies at the foot of the ancient Swartberg Mountains, which rises like a massive wave and supplies crystal clear water into furrows meandering through the streets of architectural and historical delight.
The tiny population is bursting with academics, artists and ordinary good folk who instantly make you feel welcome with their cheerful greetings and great pride in their Karoo oasis.
Arriving via the awe-inspiring and internationally famous Swartberg Pass, scenic Meiringspoort or from the N1, you are enfolded in tranquillity. Crime-free streets with hardly any traffic promise long, carefree walks during the day or at night. The air is clear and dry and the sunsets and star-filled skies, breath-taking.
One of eighteen gabled houses in the village, De Bergkant Lodge was built by Carel Lotz, creator of the Prince Albert Gables, as a wedding present for his daughter Petronella when she married Helmuth Luttig in 1858.
The house has many fine features: beautiful sash windows, elegant doors and high, wooden ceilings. After Helmuth's death Petronella married a local farmer, Christoffel Neethling, who employed two Madagascan stonemasons to build the stone wall which surrounds part of the property.
De Bergkant Lodge was declared a National Monument in 1985 and is furnished with Cape antiques.
Accommodation
It offers 3 luxurious suites and 5 equally well-appointed bedrooms.
All are air-conditioned & have ceiling fans with en-suite Victorian bathrooms with under floor heating, fine linen & fresh cut flowers, tea& coffee making facilities in all rooms and all the accoutrement to make your stay memorable.
The lodge
Set in lush green lawns and gardens with a swimming pool, De Bergkant Lodge breathes welcome home. The poolside dining room is available for breakfasts, lunches and dinners alfresco or barbecue. Much of their produce comes from the village and local farms. Prince Albert is famous for its deciduous fruit and the milk, yoghurt and prize-winning cheese from Gay's Dairy.
Services and facilities
Their sheltered and shady garden has a 15m salt water swimming pool and a 10m walled, swimming pool. The secret garden holds a heated "star bath" where you can bathe under the Karoo stars.
They have DSTV, safe off-street parking and offer internet and fax facilities.
There are mysterious delights to be discovered, like relaxing in the Karoo Wellness Centre, where they offer aromatherapy, reiki, polarity therapy, reflexology and body massages. They also have a sauna and steam room
Activities
- Day walks and longer hikes (permits are required)
- Nearby game drives
- Wine and cheese tasting
- Visit the Museum, Art Galleries, Gay's Dairy, the Leather Trader and the Weavery.
- You can take a historical walk with a guide.
- In the evening go for sundowners to view a spectacular sunset or take a Ghost Walk.
- At weekends there's often the opportunity to watch the stars with Astro Tours.
- A rare Bushman painting and fossils can be seen on local farms - we can arrange visits.
Hotels & Guesthouses 
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
