Van Gaalen Cheese Farm in Hartbeespoort

"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."

"Great place for hiking and cycling activities. The Cheese Tour will enable people to learn how cheese is made the traditional way. And the food is really excellent. Great atmosphere for spending time with family and friends or jy for a nice activity with a quick drink. Worth a visit."

"Fairly easy trail that's well marked. The environment is serene and the views of the mountains is to die for. The food was delicious. I had an oreo milkshake, T-bone and chips."

"A beautiful hiking trail, with an amazing restaurant. The also offer a cheese tour so that you can learn about how they make their cheese. Really worth a visit if you are in the area."

"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."

"Definitely worth the trip. Do the cheese tour and tasting; it’s fun and informative. We had lunch there a few times. Pizza rather good!"

"This is the place to visit. Relaxing atmosphere, great food specially cheese platters. Arrange a basket for a picnic spot. Although there is signs saying NO PETS they do allow pets on leashes, just sit on the left side of building as they are not allowed inside or on the right side by dam."

"My girlfriend and I visited Van Gaalen for the first time yesterday and we were amazed at the facilities especially the shop where you can buy all their incredible cheese and all sorts of things you wouldn't normally find. We decided to do the 10km hike but there were some heavy rains the week before and it was quite muddy but still follows a gorgeous river path. I want to send out a huge thankyou to Victor who came to pick us up at the 8km mark in his special fourwheeler. He saved the day as my girlfriend got very faint and we just couldn't make it to the end. Victor you are a champion and we are so grateful to you"