A Little History
The village was named Clarens, in honour of the influence that President Paul Kruger had in the area. (He had spent his remaining days in voluntary exile, in the Swiss town of Clarens).
It is believed by local folk that two major events sparked the birth of the village in 1912. Firstly the establishment thereof, and secondly, the launch of the unforgettable Titanic.
The Titanic horror created an unrest between the towns folk, which caused an unnamed resident to look upon ('The nek') a large, prominent jutting rock, in a new light. This resident proclaimed 'It looks like the Titanic' and was referred to the Titanic ever since. The rock formation stands to welcome all who visit the warm hearted village and its' residents.
Capital of Art in South Africa
Referred to as the 'art capital of SA' by art loving individuals who visit the Clarens Valley in the Eastern Free State Highlands.
Renowned for its art scene, the town hosts more exhibitions each month than the City of Gold (Johannesburg) itself! Many photographers and artists are drawn to the village during the autumn months, which offers exhilarating and magnificent scenery as it transforms the terrain from summer greens to thrilling shades of gold.
Things To Do
The valley is only 20 km's from the Golden Gate National Park, on the Northernmost point of Lesotho and 40 km's from Bethlehem. It is known for the incomparable sandstone mountains, one of the most picturesque spots in Southern Africa and its expressive seasons change.
Clarens boasts with a range of outdoor adventure activities such as Horse Riding for childen, Bushman Painting activities and River Rafting.
Walk around President Square and visit the many arts & crafts shops. The village hosts a large number of art galleries such as 'The Weaver Nest Gallery' (Clarens scenery in pastels & oils); 'The Enslin Vorster Studio' (landscape art and pottery); and 'The Rooikat Gallery' (exquisite handmade knives and pottery).
No trip to Clarens is complete without visiting 'The Barbet', for authentic local craft and the famous little country store 'The Post House'.
Special Places of Interest:
Titanic Rock (Overlooking the entrance to Clarens) ; The Ash River Outfall; Viewpoints on the Bethlehem Road (8km from Clarens); Mushroom Rock (on Clifton Farms, 3km on Fouriesburg Road); Fertility Caves (2nd Biggest Overhanging Cave in the Southern Hemisphere) and Surrender Hill (9km out of Clarens on Fouriesburg Road).
