The village of Nieu-Bethesda is set in a fertile valley of the Sneeuberg mountains beneath the Compassberg. Originally established as a mission station in 1875, it became a municipality about 1886.
Through it's isolation, the village has retained a rare historical and architectural integrity.
Popular as a retreat for artists, the unique appeal of the village and allure of the Owl House make this a place that no visitor should miss.
What to Do in Nieu Bethesda*
The Owl HouseThe strange and wonderful Owl House created by Helen Martins in the 50s and made famous by Athol Fugard in The Road to Mecca.
* Womans Co-op
Handmade items include slippers, ornaments and clothing made by Nieu Bethesda women.
* Bethesda Arts Centre
Art and crafts created by locals.
* Cement Owls & Wire Work
See local artists cement & wire creations In front of the Owl House
* Ganora Excursions
Guided tours to Bushman & Khoi rock art, private fossil & artefact museum and a fossil walk
* The Owl Shed
Figurines in all kinds of materials from wood to crystal
* Frans Boekkoois Sculpture Studio and Gallery
Works of the acclaimed sculptor.
* Nieu Ceramics
Ceramic studio
* Jakobs Donkey Cart Tours
Guided tour
* The Cemetery
Ggraves dating back hundreds of years
* The Dutch Reformed Church
The imposing white church asserts its presence over the entire valley
* The James Kitching Fossil Exploration Centre
Next to the owl House and tells the story of life in South Africa 253 million years ago during the Permian Period.
* The Old Mill
A quaint stone building houses this ancient water mill with a great view.
