"Germany in the Desert" Top 5 Page for this destination Swakopmund by MikeAtSea

Swakopmund Travel Guide: 120 reviews and 310 photos

Swakopmund is much loved by Namibians as a welcome respite from the heat of the interior. It has also become popular over the years with many foreign tourists because of its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere.
Founded in 1892 during the period of German colonization of South West Africa, Swakopmund served as the terretories main port for many years.
The German influence in this city is still very visible, even though that the German colonial time ended during the First World War in 1915.
Quaint architecture from a bygone era adds to the time out of place atmosphere of Swakopmund. When approached from the interior, domes, turrets and towers on the skyline appear as a hazy desert mirage. Much of the distinct German colonial character has been preserved and don't be surprised if the natives speak to you in fluent German.

Last visit to Swakopmund: Mar 2005
Intro Written Mar 27, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (31)

Namibian Dollar Favorites (2)

Namibia has got its own currency - the Namibian Dollar. The currency is en-par with the South African Rand, which is... more travel advice

Plane Service to Swakopmund Transportation (3)

The closest airport to Swakopmund is in the town of Walvis Bay some 30 minute drive away. Air Namibia offers regional... more travel advice

Otavi Railway Station Things to Do (23)

Built between 1903 and 1906 the Otavi Railway transported copper ore from Tsumeb close to the Etosha National Park to... more travel advice

Hansa Brewery Things to Do (23)

One of the items also brought by the German settlers what their most important "food" source - beer.... the Hansa... more travel advice

Restaurants (1)
Dinner in the Dunes

Hotels (2)
See All The old railstation

Comments (9)

PierreZA Mar 29, 2008 at 12:13 PM Report Abuse

Very nice page, with some great pics!
1courage Jul 14, 2007 at 10:34 AM Report Abuse

Very lovely, but at the same time surprising architecture. I didn`t know about the german occupation, but with the negative records of an accupying nation, they left some interesting architectual memories behind.
nigelw6443 Aug 29, 2006 at 7:34 AM Report Abuse

Sorry 2 nights at Hansa Hotel. The website looks okay but they haven't won any awards for a few years. Is it going down hill or others getting better?
b1bob Sep 29, 2005 at 4:23 AM Report Abuse

Your page reminds me there was German colonisation in Africa, something which is hard to envisage. Great tips, my good friend.
acemj May 26, 2005 at 4:25 PM Report Abuse

Man, if it were'nt for those desert pics, I would have never guessed this was Africa!
Myndo Apr 11, 2005 at 7:16 AM Report Abuse

Wow, just stumbled over your sites. Good work here, too.
Jenniflower Apr 1, 2005 at 1:50 AM Report Abuse

Rather them than me swimming in the Atlantic! lol Lovely historic buildings - thanks Mike :) ~ Jen ~
cleocat Mar 27, 2005 at 10:04 AM Report Abuse

The coastal road from Walvis to Swakop is beautiful. The misty ocean on the one side and the dunes on the other. Nice pic's and info. Swakop is one place i will go back to.
Mariajoy Mar 27, 2005 at 9:25 AM Report Abuse

Hi Mike, great start here! I had no idea Germany once had such a huge influence in Namibia (BIG gap in my historical knowledge here :)) Great page - keep it up!