Welkom is a city in the Free State province of South Africa, about 140 kilometres northeast of Bloemfontein. It grew out of the goldfields of the northwestern Free State, and its layout reflects that planned, modern origin: the Central Business District is built around traffic circles, with a minimum of stop streets and no traffic lights or parking meters, and the city is known as Circle City. The surrounding townships of Thabong and Bronville were established during the Apartheid era.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself. The city is low-lying, with Koppie Alleen the only hill nearby, so gradients are not a factor in choosing an area.
1. Dagbreek
It suits visitors who want a quiet, residential base with easy road access into the city, and it is a reasonable choice for first-time visitors who prefer to be outside the busiest parts of town.
Because Welkom's road design relies on traffic circles rather than traffic lights, getting in and out of a suburban area such as Dagbreek by car is straightforward. If you are relying on walking to reach the centre, note that the city is spread out and the Central Business District is a separate area from the suburbs.
Best area for a first visit
It is a residential suburb, so you get a calm base while still being within the city's road network. From there you can judge whether you would rather be closer to the Central Business District for your remaining nights.
Do I need a car to stay in Welkom?
Welkom's streetscape is designed around traffic circles, with a minimum of stop streets and no traffic lights or parking meters in the Central Business District. The city is spread out, so a car makes it easier to move between a suburban base and the centre.
Is Welkom hilly?
No. Koppie Alleen is the only hill near Welkom, and the terrain sits at an elevation of about 1435 metres above sea level. Gradients are not a factor when choosing where to stay.
When is the best time of year to visit?
Welkom receives most of its rain in mid-summer, with the highest monthly rainfall in January and the lowest in July. Average daily maximum temperatures range from 17 °C in June to 29 °C in January, and July nights average around 0 °C, so pack for cold nights if you travel in winter.
What is there to see near where I stay?
The city has several monuments and museums, including the Gold Museum, the Museum of Welkom in the public library, and the Afrikaans Language Monument, along with the Aandenk Monument next to Allanridge. Flamingo Pan, southwest of the city, is coded as an Important Bird Area.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.