Van Gaalen Cheese Farm
Experience authentic Dutch cheese making, scenic hikes, and delicious dining amidst the beautiful Magaliesberg mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cheese tours available
Van Gaalen Cheese Farm
Best Time
Cheese tours available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Dutch cheese making, scenic hikes, and delicious dining amidst the beautiful Magaliesberg mountains.
"A true gem and the perfect foodie destination along Route 24!"
Book Cheese Tours Ahead
Tours run on specific days; check website & book to avoid missing out! :ticket:
Arrive Early for Lunch
Popular dishes sell out. Beat the rush for the best menu selection. :knifeforkplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cheese Making Tour & Tasting
Cheese Factory
Discover the secrets of Dutch cheese making and savor a delightful tasting session. A must for foodies!
+1
Scenic Hiking Trails
Magaliesberg Foothills
Explore breathtaking trails with stunning views of the Magaliesberg mountains. Perfect for nature lovers and active visitors.
+1
Dutch Delicacies at the Restaurant
Terrace Restaurant
Indulge in authentic Dutch dishes like Kapsalon and enjoy a unique culinary experience with beautiful views.
The Mielie Maze
Adjacent to the farm
A fun-filled corn maze perfect for families, offering a playful challenge and outdoor adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Cheese Tours in Advance
+2Plan Your Visit Around Lunch
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Cheese Tours Ahead
Tours run on specific days; check website & book to avoid missing out!
Arrive Early for Lunch
Popular dishes sell out. Beat the rush for the best menu selection. :knifeforkplate:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Ideal for exploring hiking trails and the farm grounds.
Explore the Cheese Shop
Discover a unique variety of Dutch cheeses and local products. :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Cheese Tours Ahead
Tours run on specific days; check website & book to avoid missing out!
Arrive Early for Lunch
Popular dishes sell out. Beat the rush for the best menu selection. :knifeforkplate:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Ideal for exploring hiking trails and the farm grounds.
Explore the Cheese Shop
Discover a unique variety of Dutch cheeses and local products. :shopping_bags:
Consider Picnic Baskets
Pre-order picnic baskets to enjoy in scenic spots around the farm. :picnic_table:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Van Gaalen Cheese Farm for its beautiful hiking trails, delicious food, and authentic Dutch cheese experiences. The farm offers a well-rounded day out with activities for families and nature lovers alike. While the restaurant can be busy and service slow at peak times, the quality of food and the scenic environment make it a highly recommended destination.
"I absolutely loved the hiking trails, the kids wanted to go on forever. Definitely my highlight of the day.
The Sunday I went was the Fathers day luncheon. It was pretty packed at the restaurant and service was a tad slow given the numbers. Would like to go back to experience the restaurant on a day when it's not a high volume even. I made some purchases at the cheese shop, great and interesting variety of products. The farm has ample play areas for the kids."
Mmaphuti Moholola
"Visited this Cheese Farm and Restaurant. Note cheese tours are on very specific days and times which are available on their website. The shop is quite electric in that they stock items that are not found in normal shops in terms of dry foods and obviously a nice variety of cheeses which can be seen from the photos. They have a terrace restaurant with a small indoor area which they expand and contract based on the busyness of the day. The terrace restaurant was very busy on the day we went for lunch. lots of walking trails, can order picnic baskets ahead of time and enjoy the numerous picnic areas available. They have quite an expansive menu with the standard favourites but they have a Dutch selection which is quite unique. They cook food for the busyness of the day hence if you go for lunch later in the afternoon, food on the menu seems to run out which happened to us hence be warned about that. We ordered the Dutch Kapsalon which was exceptional value for money and also the Hickory ham Gourmet sandwich which was also good value for money when compared to many other restaurants in Harties. We also noted they had a Gin Wine tasting Platter with different gins and sushi for R160 which was also excellent value for money. They have a lot of other platter options on the menu. Service was pleasant but slow, waitress did not advise on menu options, specials, recommendations, etc. Drinks took long to arrive and the food took close to 40 minutes to arrive and I am assuming this was because they were busy. Again if on holiday this may not be an issue but if you wanted to do three or four things during the day, this would be an issue. The food quality and presentation were excellent. We wanted baked cheesecake for dessert but it was finished by the time we ordered except for 1 piece which we shared. it was an exceptional cheesecake hence I saw a lot of people that just came and had cheesecake and coffee and left. Plenty of parking. I would highly recommend a visit for a meal or to spend the day if you want but plan around your activities."
Jetsetter World
"Loved it! We sat on the stoep, enjoying a beautiful view and delicious food. I had a traditional Dutch dish, Kapsalon — a hearty combination of chips and chicken breast, layered with garlic mayo and topped with melted Gouda cheese. A real Dutch experience, complete with a Dutch shop and cheese making."
Bets Forte
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Van Gaalen Cheese Farm is located in Skeerpoort, near Hartbeespoort Dam. It's accessible by car, offering ample parking. Many visitors make it part of a day trip from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination, offering a mix of activities like cheese tours, hiking, and dining.
From Johannesburg or Pretoria, take the N1 North towards Polokwane, then take the R512 towards Lanseria/Harbeespoort. Continue on the R512 until you reach the R511, turn right towards Hartbeespoort, and follow signs for Van Gaalen Cheese Farm.
Public transport options are limited. It is best to travel by car or arrange private transport.
Yes, the farm is near other attractions in the Hartbeespoort Dam area, such as Jasmyn Farmers Market and various adventure activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the farm itself is generally free, but specific activities like cheese tours, wine tastings, and the Mielie Maze have separate fees. Check their official website for current pricing.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your cheese tour in advance, as they operate on specific days and times and can fill up quickly. +1
The farm's general operating hours vary, but the restaurant and shop are typically open Wednesday to Sunday. Cheese tours have specific schedules. Always check their website for the most up-to-date information.
Discounts may be available for groups or special events. It's best to inquire directly with the farm or check their website for any ongoing promotions.
Yes, you can visit the farm to dine at the restaurant, shop for cheese and other products, or enjoy the hiking trails without booking a specific tour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers a mix of standard favorites and unique Dutch specialties, including Kapsalon and gourmet sandwiches. They also have platters and a selection of wines and gins.
Reviews generally praise the food quality and presentation, with many highlighting the authentic Dutch dishes and excellent cheesecakes.
Prices are considered good value for money, especially for dishes like the Dutch Kapsalon and gourmet sandwiches. Platters and tasting platters also offer excellent value.
Yes, you can pre-order picnic baskets to enjoy at designated picnic areas around the farm, making for a lovely outdoor meal.
Kapsalon is a popular Dutch dish consisting of fries topped with chicken, garlic mayo, and melted Gouda cheese. It's a hearty and flavorful meal.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Activities include cheese tours, wine and gin tastings, hiking on scenic trails, visiting the Mielie Maze, and enjoying the restaurant and cheese shop. +3
Yes, the farm offers beautiful hiking trails through the Magaliesberg foothills, with varying difficulty levels. +1
Yes, it's a very family-centric farm with ample play areas for kids and activities like the Mielie Maze. The hiking trails are also enjoyed by families. +1
The cheese shop stocks a wide variety of Dutch cheeses, as well as other dry foods and unique products not commonly found elsewhere.
The farm is known for its mountain biking and running trails, making it a great destination for cyclists.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Magaliesberg mountains from the hiking trails, picturesque vineyard views, and the charming farm architecture. The cheese tasting and restaurant settings also offer great photo ops.
Yes, the rolling hills and lush landscapes surrounding the farm provide excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Generally, photography is allowed during the cheese tour, but it's always polite to ask the guide if there are any restrictions.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the lush greenery still provides good subjects.
The viewpoints along the hiking trails offer panoramic vistas. The restaurant terrace and the cheese shop's exterior also make for charming photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The farm also features ample play areas where kids can run around and burn off energy. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
+1 Trails range in difficulty, ensuring there's a route for every fitness level. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water to make the most of your hike. 🧀 Foodies and Cheese Aficionados
+1 The cheese shop is a must-visit for purchasing unique varieties and local products. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Cheese Making at Van Gaalen
Visitors can embark on a fascinating cheese tour that delves into the entire process, from milk to the final product. These tours are a highlight for many, offering insights into traditional Dutch methods and the passion that goes into each wheel of cheese. +1 The farm produces a variety of Gouda cheeses, including popular flavors like herb and chili, which are available for tasting and purchase.The cheese tasting experience is an integral part of the tour, allowing visitors to sample different varieties and discover their favorites.
For those who can't make it to a scheduled tour, the cheese shop provides a direct connection to the farm's products. It's a place where you can appreciate the craftsmanship and quality that Van Gaalen is known for.
Exploring the Outdoors: Hiking and Trails
+1 These trails offer breathtaking scenery, lush landscapes, and a refreshing escape into nature. Visitors often rave about the beauty of the routes, with some describing them as even more stunning on repeat visits. The trails cater to various fitness levels, from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes that offer a good workout.
Beyond hiking, the farm is also recognized for its mountain biking and running trails, making it a versatile destination for a range of outdoor activities. The farm's commitment to providing these natural amenities enhances the overall visitor experience, allowing for a holistic blend of culinary delights and active exploration.For those looking to extend their outdoor experience, the farm also offers the Mielie Maze, a fun corn maze perfect for families seeking a playful challenge.
This addition further solidifies Van Gaalen Cheese Farm as a destination that caters to both relaxation and adventure, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy amidst the natural beauty of the region.A Taste of Holland: Dining and Delights
Beyond the Kapsalon, the menu features a variety of other delicious options, including gourmet sandwiches and platters.
It's worth noting that the restaurant can get quite busy, especially on weekends and during peak times.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit