Clarens is the jewel of the Eastern Free State and not without good reason. Clarens is nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, 20km's from the renowned Golden Gate National Park and on the northernmost point of Lesotho.

With breath taking views and tranquil ambience it is no wonder that tourists from all over come to visit this beautiful little town. Clarens is home to many artists. Clarens is about 4 hours drive from Durban, 3 hours from Johannesburg, and 3 hours from Bloemfontein.

Clarens is known for its spectacular sandstone mountains and wonderful climate. The village is one of the most picturesque spots in South Africa and has recently been acclaimed as the best Trout Fishing waters in South Africa. The area has spectacular horse riding trails that very few people have ever discovered. 

Clarens is endowed with more trees than most other Free State towns - the fresh, light green willows and colourful blossoms of the many fruit trees are an unforgettable sight in spring time; whilst the magnificent autumn shades of the Lombard poplars attract artists, photographers and nature lovers from across the country. The town is also known for many Art and Craft shops which offer the visitor a wide range of curios and original artwork. See also What to do in Clarens.

Another feature which adds to the picturesque atmosphere of the village is the many sandstone buildings. Clarens is part of the scenic Highlands Route and is surrounded by mountainous splendour. The Rooiberge is the range encompassing the village, whilst further on towards the southeast, the mighty Maluti's stand proud in shades of purple and blue. All around are the sandstone cliffs with their multi-coloured layers - these horizontal strata are a unique geological feature of the area, and is known as the Clarens formation.

Arts, crafts, galleries & shops
Clarens is not short of arts, crafts, traditional curios and blankets, art galleries, gift shops, pottery studios, a huge variety of handmade items, antiques and much more.

The Artist Amble takes you to various artists who have opened their galleries to the public - such as:
- Weaver Nest Gallery - Clarens scenery in pastels and oils
- The Enslin Vorster Studio - Landscape art & pottery
- Rooikat Gallery - Handmade knives & pottery

Visit The Barbet, for Authentic local craft, Art Gallery, coffee shop and weekend braai or the country store, The Post House, and buy traditional blankets at Di Mezza & De Jager.

Places and activities of Interest
- Titanic Rock - overlooking the entrance to Clarens
- Clarens Museum - at the information centre on the square
- The Ash River Outfall is one of the Highlands water scheme's view points on the Bethlehem road about 8km from Clarens
- Mushroom Rock - on Clifton Farms about 3km on the Fouriesburg road
- Surrender Hill - a historic Anglo Boer War site about 10km on the Fouriesburg road.
- Golden Gate National Park for walking and bird viewing - beautiful scenery
- Bushmen paintings on Schaapplaats farm and in Golden Gate

Accommodation
Clarens has a variety of accommodation establishments to offer visitors - in town and on nearby farms and homesteads nestled in the huge sandstone mountains.

Sport & Leisure
Clarens offers a wide range of indoor, outdoor and sporting activities such as golf, tennis, bowls, squash, clay pigeon shooting, a huge variety of hiking trails, 4X4 trails and horse riding as well as bass and fly fishing and game viewing.

No matter what your reason for visiting Clarens of one thing you can be sure: it will be an unforgettable experience!