Vanrhynsdorp is the gateway to Namaqualand, the Hantam Karoo and the Cederberg. Places worth visiting include the first church, Trutro House built in 1751, the Old Gaol.
Vanrhynsdorp is a calm and quiet place, hardly touched by tourism. The town's atmosphere is defined by a couple of Victorian buildings. Especially interesting is the old prison house, built in 1895 from limestone and clay bricks. Now arts & crafts products are on display and for sale here.
Like all the places in Namaqualand, Vanrhynsdorp is also a wildflower paradise during the late winter and early spring months. A habitat for a botanical speciality is the so-called "Knersvlakte" north of the town. On these plains which are densely studded with quartz stones, the plant lover can discover a unique variety of miniature succulents only to be found here. The locals call them "baby bums".
-Old Gaol & Nursery
-Gifberg Mountain Route
-Flower Season
Vanrhynsdorp was the location of the Catholic Mission of the Little Flower during the 20th century. The closing down of this once flourishing Mission Station tells a sad story. Visit the Van Rhijn Museum in Van Riebeeck Street for Troe-Troe artifacts and eco-facts and the Latsky Radio Museum in Church Street to view a collection of old valve radios, some dating back to 1924.
