About Our Farm
Van Gaalen is a local family-run farm that has been producing delicious cheese and hosting a variety of fun activities since 1994. We strive to make the most of everything the great outdoors has to offer.
We host a bunch of activities that take place throughout the year. Check out our events calendar and come visit us with your family for a relaxing day out in the country.
Business Hours
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays (unless public holiday)
Farm Shop
Open Wednesday - Sunday from 08h00 - 17h00
Contact 0832267834
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Terrace @ Van Gaalen Restaurant
Open Wednesday - Friday from 10h00 - 20h00
Saturdays & Sundays from 08h00 - 18h00
Contact 0791735071
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Trail Permits
Wednesday - Friday 08h00 - 17h00 (from the Farm Shop)
Saturdays, Sundays & public holidays
Summer: 06h00 - 12h00
Winter: 07h00 - 12h00
(from the Trail Clubhouse)
Contact 0835603318
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The Beginning
Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij was established by Annelies Van Gaalen in 1994. The farm is situated at the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains in a small community called Skeerpoort near the Hartbeespoort Dam.
Annelies decided to learn the art of cheese making because she wanted to introduce Dutch cheese to the South African market that was mostly familiar with Cheddar or "rooi skil kaas". Due to her Dutch heritage, Annelies made Gouda cheese from the very beginning. It only seemed natural to follow the principles of cheese making from her country of origin.
Today Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij still produces Dutch Gouda in the traditional way, staying true to the authentic methods of cheese production. Fresh milk is collected from local suppliers ensuring that high quality ingredients go into the Van Gaalen range of artisanal cheese. Our cheese is matured on the farm and a wide variety of ages and herb cheeses are available.
Our cheese tours started in 1996. What started as a small group visiting under the trees next to a small production facility, has grown into an educational activity for school groups and an informative morning for individuals and family members of all ages.
In 2000, the building with the production side, cooler room, shop and restaurant was established which is where you will find yourself when visiting today. 8 years later, Annelies's husband, Erik Schipper, started developing trails over 50 private properties for mountain biking, hiking and birding. The manicured routes took many years to build and maintain and the farm now offers over 100 kilometers of ever changing trails, much of which is single track. Several sports events, corporate and private functions have been held on the farm since 2000.
A cheese tour at Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij is an informative and fun experience for young and old since 1996. The tour explains how cheese is made from milk to the final product. Cheese tasting is part of the experience as well.
We cater for primary schools, high schools, chefs, corporate functions and any social groups. Tours for groups can be made by appointment.
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Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 10h00 we offer tours for individuals and families.
60 minute duration
Cheese tasting included
Served with coffee/tea/juice and Dutch apple cake
Mountain biking, trail running & hiking in Magalies
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Skeerpoort is a village in the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains. Its community enjoys country lifestyle, privacy and caring for the environment. The trails, developed by Erik Schipper, extend over 30 private properties with a distance of 100 kilometers.
The trails (mainly single track) offer opportunities for mountain biking, trail running, hiking, horse riding and birding. The manicured routes are well prepared and maintained which attracts many athletes to the area.
Day permits and mandatory indemnity forms are available at the Farm Shop.
During the weekends, the trails open at 06h00 during the summer and at 07h00 during the winter.
Wednesdays - Fridays the trails are open from 08h00.
Trail access is limited or closed during events.
For any trails queries, please contact Victor Schipper at 0835603318 or victor@vangaalen.co.za
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The Terrace is set amongst the trees with a beautiful view over a large surface of water and the Magaliesberg Mountains. It is a family-friendly restaurant with a big play area for the kids. The menu has something for everyone, from pizza to sushi and of course our original cheese platters. The Terrace caters for a variety of functions and weddings. For more info on booking an event follow the link below.
Picnic hampers are booked through our restaurant at least a day in advance. Picnic spots are reserved on the banks of the Skeerpoort river for patrons of our restaurant only.
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Each hamper in a basket is packed for one, two, three, four or five guests and contains the following:
Cheese platter
Cold meat platter
Noodle salad
Pickles and olives
Bread and biscuits
Seasonal fruit
Sweet Dutch biscuits
