The Free State with its rolling hills, wide golden plains, impressive sandstone mountains and almost 340 days of sunshine per year, is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast.
The two main cities in the province are Bloemfontein, the capital, and Welkom. Bloemfontein is the economic and cultural centre of the Free State. It is also called the City of Roses, a modern city and is seat of the South African Supreme Court.
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With its picturesque rural tranquility and vibrant, dynamic central business district, Bloemfontein prides itself on being luxuriously steeped in rich traditions.
The beautiful town of Clarens lies just west of the Maluti mountain range and is the perfect country retreat. Known as the `jewel of the Free State', Clarens is very popular with the artistic community.
The Free State offers you interesting small towns and villages, rich with a cultural mix of African and European and a history of many struggles and wars.
Harrismith is a small, charming country town and discovered by tourists only recently.
It is the ideal destination to break a long trip, hold a conference or escape from the stresses of city living.
The Basotho Cultural Village nestles in the heart of the Qwaqwa National Park, close to the world-renowned Golden Gate area. The Cultural Village takes you for a walk down the pathway of time.
Gariep-Dam, (the youngest town in South Africa), is situated alongside the N1 and is perhaps better known to most for the man made
Gariep Dam (the largest dam in South Africa).
The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock.
