Picturesque Free State Village
The town of Vrede is a picturesque little village situated in the Free State province. It is known as the ‘spine’ of the majestic Drakensberg, and is surrounded by beautiful Highveld grasslands.
The area’s landscape varies from spectacular rock formations, dense kloofs, patches of indigenous forest and soaring sandstone krantzes.
The town was founded in 1863 when J. H. Krynauw bought the farm Krynauwslust, and the town was proclaimed around 1879. The name ‘Vrede’ directly translated into ‘Peace’ in English, and came from a feud that raged between the early settlers of the area where the town initially should have been placed.
When a compromise was reached, the town was aptly named to celebrate the peace achieved between the settlers.
Today, Vrede is the agricultural hub of the region, known for its maize, wheat, wool, beef and dairy farming.
Vrede offers various activities in the area’s scenic natural environment for those who want to get outdoors.
The mountain biking trails on Koefontein Farm traverse the rambunctious ranges soaring along the edge of the north-eastern Free State, with a range of off-road tracks to choose from. Go big along a gruelling 50 km circular route, traversing Langberg Mountain along the way to Vrede and back.
The trails here focus on self-guided mountain biking, allowing you to free-range along sloping sandstone rock faces and off-trail sections.
Endless dirt tracks follow the ridge contours, with an extreme section ascending along a 4X4 track reserved for super-fit and experienced riders.
This is the route to an abseiling and rock climbing spot, so keep this in mind if you’re keen on spiking up some extra adrenalin.