Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western Cape
Crafted in the classic style typical of early South African war memorials, the structure is both elegant and understated, characterised by clean lines and solemn symmetry. (Image adapted). © Museum ExplorerHermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western Cape
Perched gracefully above the old harbour of Hermanus, the Hermanus War Memorial stands as a serene and dignified tribute to the men and women of the town who served during the great conflicts of the twentieth century. Unveiled in the years following the First World War, many sources place its early commemorative use in the 1920s. The memorial later expanded its dedication to include those who fought in the Second World War from 1939 to 1945. Its position overlooking Walker Bay feels profoundly fitting: a tranquil setting for reflection, framed by rugged cliffs, crisp sea air, and the rhythmic surge of the Atlantic below.
Crafted in the classic style typical of early South African war memorials, the structure is both elegant and understated, characterised by clean lines and solemn symmetry. Its inscriptions list the names of local soldiers whose stories are interwoven with the broader narrative of global conflict. For visitors, these names serve as poignant reminders that even this idyllic coastal town, now famous for its whales, beaches, and holiday ambience, was once deeply touched by the turmoil of distant battlefields. Standing here, one can almost sense the weight of history carried by the generations who walked these streets long before Hermanus became a thriving tourist haven.
By the mid-twentieth century, the memorial had become an integral part of community life in Hermanus. Each year on 11 November, residents would gather for Remembrance Day observances, laying wreaths and honouring fallen family members and neighbours. These traditions continue today, offering a timeless link between past and present. The memorial also forms part of many leisurely heritage walks through the town, drawing visitors who wish to experience Hermanus beyond its natural splendour.
For travellers exploring the Whale Coast, the Hermanus War Memorial provides a quiet, meaningful counterpoint to the region’s more energetic attractions. It encourages visitors to pause for a moment of contemplation as they enjoy sweeping views across the bay, perhaps even spotting a southern right whale during the June to November season. Its enduring presence serves not only as a testament to sacrifice, but also as a reminder of the resilience of small coastal communities shaped by both history and the sea.
Verblyf Naby Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western Cape
Brown Jug
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Eastcliff, Hermanus
0.7km from Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western CapeBrown Jug bied aan besoekers aan Hermanus selfsorgverblyf. Sentraal geleë in gesogte Eastcliff, 'n stil lowerryke woonbuurt, is slegs twee minute se stap na die winkels, restaurante en seefront waar jy die bekende walviskyk kan geniet. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Norfolk Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
0.9km from Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western CapeNorfolk Guest House bied verblyf op 'n beperkte selfsorg- of kamer-basis in Hermanus, en is ideaal geleë binne maklike stapafstand van al die geriewe en 'n hanetreetjie van die kranspaadjie af, bekend vir onvergeetlike walvisbesigtiging. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
The Potting Shed Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
1.1km from Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western CapeAnnamarie en David verwelkom u by The Potting Shed Accommodation, in die outydse dorpie, Hermanus, slegs 1 uur vanaf Kaapstad se Internasionale Lughawe. Geniet die persoonlike diens by die onderneming wat deur die eienaar bestuur word. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Bayview 104
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
1.1km from Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western CapeBayview 104 is 'n ruim selfsorgwoonstel naby die waterkant in Hermanus, aan die Wes-Kaap se Walviskus en bied gerieflike slaapplek aan 4 gaste en is 'n hanetreetjie van die water af. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Bayview 303
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
1.1km from Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western CapeBayview 303 bied luukse selfsorgwoonstelverblyf in Hermanus Sentraal in die Overberg-/Walviskusstreek, Wes-Kaap. Ons seefrontwoonstel is sentraal geleë tussen die swemstrande en die Hermanus middedorp. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
On The Cliff Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
1.4km from Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western CapeOn The Cliff Guest House bied verblyf op 'n B&B-basis in Hermanus Sentraal aan die Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. Geleë op die bekende kranspaadjies van Hermanus en is ook stapafstand van die ou hawe in die dorp se middestad af. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Anchor's Rest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Hermanus
2km from Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western CapeAnchor's Rest bied die opsie van B&B en selfsorgverblyf in Hermanus Sentraal in die Overberg/Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. Geleë in die bekoorlike kusdorpie Hermanus, 120 km vanaf Kaapstad. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
House on Westcliff
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Hermanus
2km from Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western CapeHouse on Westcliff bied B&B-verblyf in Hermanus aan die Overberg-/Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. 'n Hanetreetjie van die kranspaadjies wat uitkyk oor Walkerbaai is House on Westcliff. Hierdie boetiek Bed en Ontbyt bestaan uit ses... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Sandbaai Country House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Sandbaai
4.6km from Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western CapeSandbaai Country House bied gehalteverblyf op 'n B&B-basis in Sandbaai, in die Hermanus-omgewing in die Overberg-/Walviskusstreek. Verwag die allerbeste by hierdie koshuis, van luukse slaapkamers tot kwaliteit diens en fyn kombuis. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Pacem
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Hermanus
4.9km from Hermanus War Memorial - Whale Coast, Western CapePacem bied besoekers selfsorgverblyf in Hermanus aan die Overberg/Walviskus, Wes-Kaap. Geleë in die Hermanus woonbuurt Voelklip het dit 'n manjifieke uitsig op die berg sowel as see-uitsigte. Pacem is in 'n stil area geleë... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
- Hermanus (0.29km)
- Hermanus Area (0.29km)
- Eastcliff, Hermanus (0.70km)
- Northcliff, Hermanus (1.01km)
- Westcliff, Hermanus (1.52km)
- Hermanus Heights (2.01km)
- Fernkloof Estate (2.30km)
- Hemel en Aarde Vallei (2.33km)
- Kwaaiwater (2.68km)
- Fernkloof (2.93km)
- Zwelihle (3.18km)
- Voelklip (3.92km)
- Sandbaai (4.89km)
- Maanskyn Baai (5.68km)
- Hermanus Lagoon (6.82km)
- Old Harbour Museum - Hermanus, Whale Coast (0.06km)
- Hermanus Whale Festival - Hermanus, Whale Coast (0.06km)
- Whale House Museum - Hermanus, Whale Coast (0.07km)
- Hermanus Tidal Pool - Hermanus, Whale Coast (0.37km)
- Fick's Pool - Hermanus, Western Cape (0.79km)
- Dreunkrans - Cliff Jumping in Hermanus (0.90km)
- Hermanus Country Market - Hermanus, Whale Coast (1.23km)
- Hermanus Golf Club - Hermanus, Whale Coast (1.52km)
- Hermanus Cliff Path - New Harbour to Grotto Beach, Hermanus (2.13km)
- Hermanus New Harbour - Whale Coast, Western Cape (2.20km)
- Langbaai Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (3.40km)
- Kammabaai Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (3.69km)
- Voelklip Beach - Hermanus, Overberg, Whale Coast (3.88km)
- Cliff Path - Milkwood Forest, Hermanus (4.25km)
- Grotto Beach - Hermanus, Whale Coast (4.47km)
- Fernkloof Nature Reserve - Hermanus, Whale Coast (4.56km)
- Hermanuspietersfontein Boerdery - Hermanus, Whale Coast (4.69km)
- Sandbaai Beach & Coastal Path - Sandbaai, Hermanus (5.44km)
- Onrus Beach - Onrus, Overberg, Whale Coast (6.39km)
- Kalfiefees Hermanus Arts Festival - Hermanus (7.04km)
- Davies' Tidal Pool - Onrus (7.59km)
- Jan Rabie Tidal Pool - Onrus, Western Cape (8.03km)
- Maanschynkop Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale Coast (9.87km)
- Walker Bay - Whale Coast, Western Cape (10.03km)
- Hoek-van-die-berg Private Nature Reserve - Vermont, Whale Coast (10.94km)
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve - Whale Coast, Western Cape (13.92km)
- Arabella Golf Course - Kleinmond, Western Cape (15.02km)
- Botrivier Lagoon - nr Fisherhaven, Overberg (15.25km)
- Kleinrivier Private Nature Reserve - nr Hermanus, Whale Coast (16.02km)
- Die Plaat Beach - Walker Bay Nature Reserve (16.75km)
