The Kasteelberg: the castle mountain

In February 1661 a small party sent out by Jan van Riebeeck climbed a lonely mountain and saw a fertile valley below. They named the mountain after their commander, and its blocky, battlement-like silhouette earned it the name Riebeeck's Kasteel: Riebeeck's castle.

Today the Kasteelberg is the backdrop to almost everything you do here. Its eastern apron carries vineyards and olive groves, and higher up the slopes stay cooler at night, which local winemakers will tell you shows in the glass.

From the top the view runs a long way: across the Swartland wheat, towards the Atlantic dunes and north to the Cederberg on a clear day. The summit trail starts behind Pulpit Rock and is steep. It has been closed at times, so ask before you go.

If you would rather watch than climb, sit on the stoep at the end of the afternoon. The mountain changes colour every half hour.