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Top 10 Intriguing Facts about Dullstroom

Also referred to as Emnothweni, Dullstroom lies 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Belfast and about 53 kilometers (33 miles) southwest of Lydenburg. This small town in Mpumalanga province in South Africa lies on the Highveld plateau on the R540 road. The climate in this area is different from that in the surrounding areas.

Dullstroom is one of South Africa’s leading flyfishing destinations alongside Underberg and Barkly East. In South Africa, Dullstroom has the highest railway station at 2,077 meters (6,814 feet) above sea level. It also lies at the foot of De Berg, which is the highest point in the province at 2,332 meters (7,651 feet).

In South Africa, Dullstroom is one of the coldest places in the country. The summer months of December to February are warm and the winter months of June to August are really cold. During the day, spring and autumn are enjoyable and the mornings and evenings are cool. Should you want to engage in activities such as walking, cycling, or hiking, it is best to take part in them when the weather is mild. This will prevent you from experiencing extreme weather conditions.

Below are ten interesting facts about Dullstroom.

1. The town’s name is derived from combining two words

The first Dutch settlers previously referred to Dullstroom as the ‘Place of Eternal Mist. This town derived its name from combining two words.

There was a Dutch Merchant in the region known as Wolterus Dull. Also in the area was a Crocodile River. The Afrikaan word for a stream is ‘Stroom’. When combined, the initial name was Dull’s-stroom. Later, the name was simplified to Dullstroom.

2. This is one of the few places in South Africa to have three species of endangered crane

Grey crowned crane, Balearica regulorum. Photo by Francis C. Franklin/

Dullstroom is one of the few places in South Africa to have the three species of endangered crane. This gives bird-watching enthusiasts a chance to spot all three species in one area. The three different species are the wattled crane, the blue crane, and the grey-crowned crane.

3. In the past, Dullstroom has been razed to the ground twice

The Rose Cottage, one of the historical cottage that survived the destruction during the war in South Africa. Photo by Jochem Koole/

The British forces razed Dullstroom to the ground twice in the past. The first occurrence was in November 1900 while the second occurrence was in April 1902. The second occurrence took place during the second Anglo-Boer War.

After the first war and the destruction of the town, only two buildings were left standing. These were the present-day Rose Cottage and house known as ‘Little Foxes’. Little Foxes is located near the Dullstroom Inn. Women and children were moved to concentration camps in Belfast during the occupation.

4. There is a shop in the town with the largest collection of clocks

Analog wall clock. Photo by Steve Johnson on

The clock shop in Dullstroom has more than 7,000 different designs to choose from. This is the largest collection of clocks in one shop. It is also the largest clock selection in the Sothern Hemisphere.

5. It is home to the second largest whiskey collection in the world

Man pouring whiskey into glasses. Photo by Luwadlin Bosman on

Dullstroom is home to Wild About Whiskey, a small whiskey bar. Wild About Whiskey has the largest collection of whiskey in the Southern Hemisphere. This collection is also the world’s second-largest collection of whiskey.

The stock comprises more than 1,400 different whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, and America. During your visit, you will experience tastings from the 45 set tastings on the menu.

You will also be informed about the different whiskies. In addition, you will learn about what it takes to get the enjoyable drink, its creation process, and the ho the final product is realized.

6. This is South Africa’s solitary home to the beech and elm tree that grow

Dullstroom has a relatively cool climate. This makes it the only place the beech and elm trees grow in South Africa. These trees do very well in the region’s soil and climatic conditions.

The elm and beech trees are not indigenous to South Africa. They were initially planted by Dutch colonialists and do well in Dullstroom. They also create fantastic forest cover in the region.

7. The log fire at Dullstroom Inn has been burning continuously for more than 38 years

Wood-burning brick fireplace with burning log on iron bars. Photo by Francisco Belard/

Locals in Dullstroom enjoy spending time at the Dullstroom Inn. The fire at the inn has been burning continuously for more than 38 years. There is a legend associated with the Dullstroom Inn.

The myth is a young British soldier known as Sergeant Larley is the ghost of Dullstroom Inn. During the Anglo-Boer war, the sergeant was injured and nursed by Magda, a young Afrikaans girl. The two fell in love.

When the girl’s family found out, they accused her of betrayal. They locked her away so she could meet with the sergeant. Still injured and also heartbroken, the sergeant died shortly after.

For many years, Magda who did not know the sergeant died waited for him by the fire. It is said that, if you stand at the corner of the inn shortly after sunset, you can hear thundering hooves in the distance. This is said to be the sound of Sergeant Larley riding to rescue Magda. If you are fortunate to spot the smitten soldier, you will always be lucky in love.

8. This region is considered South Africa’s fly fishing capital

A man flyfishing in Dullstroom. Photo by Bougnat87/

Dullstroom is said to be South Africa’s fly fishing capital. Dating back to 1912, the postmaster of Lydenburg HJ Gurr, went fishing in the Dorps River. The fish looked Gurr caught looked like a trout.

The first trout fingerlings were released in the local streams in 1916. The fingerlings came from hatcheries in Cape Winelands’ mountains. After Gurr’s departure, F.C. Braun the local jeweler and watchmaker took over. From 1927, it was Braun’s task to continue stocking the streams with trout.

9. This region has the highest train station in South Africa

Image of Spa Road railway station. Photo by Robert Blemmell Schnebbelie/

Dullstroom is one of South Africa’s highest towns. It’s located at a height of 2,100 meters above sea level. Dullstroom also has the country’s highest train.

The train station is located at a height of 2,076 meters above sea level. It is managed and maintained by one of the local ladies affectionately known as Aunt Nelmarie.

10. President Kruger granted the town its official status

Paul Kruger circa 1883. Photo by DieOuTransvaal/

On 9 October 1893, then President Paul Kruger granted Dullstroom its official town status.