Several passes cut through the Swartberg Range, and these are famous primarily for the spectacular geology they dissect, as well as for the engineering skill required in completing several of the routes across them. Most famous of all is the Swartberg Pass, which runs between Oudtshoorn in the south and Prince Albert in the north. The Swartberg pass was built by Thomas Bain. It was built using convict labour, and opened on 10 January 1888.