Vrede, 'the town of peace', lies between the North-Eastern Free State and the Mpumalanga border of Volksrust. It was named in 1863 after a dispute between its founders. Like most towns formed during and after the South African wars, Vrede has a very rich history seen through the historical buildings influenced by Dutch design. The population is mostly Afrikaans and Zulu speaking.
The frontage of the Dutch Reformed Church features a Burghers Memorial to fallen Boers and a garden to honour the British soldiers.
The Great Trek Monument is a granite memorial erected in 1938, the centenary year of the Great Trek. There is also the First World War Cannon that may be seen in the town. This Cannon marks the role played by the Whites during the war.
Vrede is hub of agricultural production of maize wheat, mutton, wool, beef, dairy, products and poultry. Situated near the Drakensberg mountains, it offers tourists with hiking, mountain biking, caving, abseiling, rock climbing, horse riding, game viewing, and hunting.