Fossils and Mountain Biking
One of Vredenburg’s nearby attractions includes West Coast Fossil Park, which is rich in animal fossil remains such as giant pigs, short-necked giraffes and a huge bear.
Formerly, the Berg River swept through the area in a flood, which allowed the creatures to become fossilised on the river banks in the now-dry area. These fossils were discovered in 1943 and since then the park has become an active palaeontological site.
West Coast Fossil Park has a selection of four marked mountain biking trails, ranging from 3.5 km to 10 km. The trails utilise the old mining roads on the park property, presenting some tricky uphill and downhill sections for the adventurous. T
The northern end of the park has a good view of the Saldanha and Vredenberg areas. The route along the western end leads to the longest climb of the ride with a view over the dig site. The trail then passes the bird hide and from here leads back to the visitors centre.