Kroonstad, one of the most beautiful towns in the Northern Free State, straddles the Vals River. The town is an important agricultural, administrative and educational centre with a big business complex, modern shops and two co-ops that serve a prosperous farming community. The town was founded on 20 April 1855. It was reputedly named after horse called Kroon, which allegedly belonged to Voortrekker leader Sarel Celliers, the most revered of the town's earliest settlers. The town boasts various fine sandstone buildings, including the Old City Hall, the Old Market Square, Post Office Building and a Dutch Reformed Church.
General View of Kroonstad, Die Hoofstraat
Entrance from the South
Kroonpark, a holiday resort on the banks of the Vals River, is one of the town's biggest assets. With its scenic willows, green lawns and colourful gardens, Kroonpark is one of the country's most attractive inland resorts. Kroonstad has been the headquarters of South African Jukskei since 1951. The town also has other excellent facilities for a variety sports, including tennis, bowls, rugby, swimming, gymnastics, skiing, yachting and angling.
