Frankfort lies on the banks of the Wilge River and combines a small town shaped by agriculture with a distinct local history. Its establishment on Roodepoort Farm, the Dutch Reformed Church, and its connection to the German city of Frankfurt give you concrete points of reference when choosing a destination.

Frankfort between the river and agriculture

Frankfort’s character can be understood through two distinct features: the Wilge River defines its location, while agriculture shapes the town’s character. These details answer different questions: the river locates Frankfort, while agriculture describes its character. If you are looking for a smaller town with a regional connection and its own history, you can take this combination into account when planning your trip. This gives you a first impression before individual stops add more themes to your stay.

For further orientation, Heilbron is 55 km east and Sasolburg about 120 km southeast of Frankfort. The distances differ in both direction and scale. Provincial Route R34 runs right beside Frankfort and leads from Kroonstad toward Natal. Together, the two regional distances and the specific road connection directly by the town provide additional context.

Local history: the name and the Dutch Reformed Church

Frankfort was established in 1869 on Roodepoort Farm. Albert van Gordon named the town after the German city of Frankfurt. These are two distinct parts of its history: Roodepoort is the farm where the town was established, while Frankfurt in Germany is the namesake. The name Frankfort therefore refers to Frankfurt, without equating the two towns.

The Dutch Reformed Church is considered a historically significant building in Frankfort. The old clock on its façade survived the church being burned down by British troops during the Anglo-Boer War in 1901. This story links a specific detail of the building to a precisely dated event. Together with the year 1869, it offers two clear points in time through which to trace the town’s development: its establishment and the episode during the war.

Arts and crafts and a café

A possible detour nearby takes you to Namahadi's Art and Crafts Centre. You can see local arts and crafts and beadwork there; check in advance whether a visit is possible during your travel dates. This stop offers a different focus from the church: here, local crafts take centre stage rather than a historic building. When planning, you can distinguish between the themes that define Frankfort itself and the cultural focus of a possible detour.

Linkview Home is a café in Frankfort. Its seasonal offerings include homemade iced tea, Seam coffee, cakes, pastries, and traditional sweet and savoury specialities. This culinary connection complements the historical and craft-related themes. Check in advance whether a visit is currently possible.

Discover more destinations: Sasolburg, Parys, Kroonstad, Deneysville

For the broader travel overview: Fezile Dabi.