Jonty does Wartburg
Wartburg is a small, picturesque town in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa, located 27 km northeast of Pietermaritzburg and 50 km south of Greytown in the uMshwathi Local Municipality. Founded in the 1850s by German Lutheran immigrants, the town was named after Wartburg Castle in Germany, where Martin Luther translated the Bible. Today, it retains a strong German cultural influence, with some residents still speaking German and a heritage rooted in the Hermannsburg Mission Society.
The local economy is primarily agricultural, focusing on sugar cane, timber, maize, and kiwi fruit, with a growing arts and crafts community. Wartburg offers a peaceful, rural setting with scenic views of the Karkloof and Drakensberg Mountains. Recreational activities include bowls, tennis, a 9-hole golf course, and scenic walks. Nearby attractions include the Albert Falls Nature Reserve for fishing, watersports, and hiking, and the Valley of 1000 Hills, about an hour’s drive away, offering stunning views and beach access.
The town has two schools: Wartburg Kirchdorf School, serving pre-primary to grade 12, and Georgenau School. Notable landmarks include two historic German Lutheran churches, one built in 1907 in Gothic style, and the Wartburger Hof Hotel, established in 1890. Accommodation options range from guesthouses to self-catering units, with properties like Harvey’s House and Mount Shekinah Country Hotel popular among visitors.
Wartburg’s charm lies in its tranquil, small-town atmosphere, rich German heritage, and proximity to natural and cultural attractions, making it a unique destination in the KZN Midlands
