Take a Walking Tour Through Swakopmund Streets
Historical Buildings is a Major Tourist Attraction in Namibia,Africa
Jul 9, 2009
Situated 35 kilometers north of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Namibia. With the mild climate and virtually no rain, the town buzzes with tourists during the summer holidays in December and January. To experience and appreciate the German influence in Swakopmund, tourists must take a walking tour through the town to view the many historically important buildings.
Swakopmund Light House and Swakopmund Museum
The lighthouse of Swakopmund is a prominent landmark of the town and is situated just behind the Swakopmund Museum. From the main road to Henties Bay, tourists turn into Bahnhof Street and make a left turn where the street ends. The lighthouse is on the left and the museum on the right.
Originally, the lighthouse consisted of an 11-meter high stone tower, which was completed in 1902. Eight years later the lighthouse was extended and now stands 28 meters tall.
Opposite the lighthouse, the Swakopmund Museum is well worth a visit. The museum was built on the site of the original German customs house and exhibits include the flora and fauna of the Namibian desert, several marine dioramas, a display of items from the German period and an ethnological collection. Operating hours are from 10h00 - 13h00 and 14h00 - 15h00. The telephone number for the museum is 0064 40 2046.
State House and Marine Memorial in Swakopmund
Originally built as magistrate's court, the State House or Kaiserliches Bizirksgericht , also served as the summer residence of top government officials. It was also the official residence of the President at the coast. The State House was designed by Carl Schmidt and was completed between 1901 and 1902. Five rooms were added in 1905 and a wooden tower in 1945. Today it remains a popular tourist attraction in Swakopmund and tourists will find it to the left of the lighthouse when facing the lighthouse.
According to Willie and Sandra Olivier, The African's Adventurer's Guide to Namibia, Struik Publishers, 2003, the Marine Memorial next to the State House was dedicated to the First Marine Expedition Corps. These marines took part in suppressing the uprising of the Herero's in 1904 to 1905 that also lead to the formation of concentration camps at Shark Island, Lüderitz. The memorial was commissioned by the Marine Infantry in Keil, designed by AM Wolff, a German sculptor and unveiled in July 1908.
Deutsche Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swakopmund
Architect Otto Ertl designed the Deutsche Evangelical Lutheran Church in Swakopmund after Dr. Heinrich Vedder established a congregation in 1906. The corner stone of the foundation was laid on 18 December 1910 and the church was consecrated on 7 January 1912. Franz Schilling cast the bells in the tower and they were imported from Apolda, Germany. Adjacent to the church is the parsonage, which was completed in 1911.
Today the functioning church remains a good example of the interest in baroque during the Wilhelminische era, which reigned during 1884 to 1894. Tourists will find the church in Post Street between Otavi Street and Windhuker Street.
Woermann House - the Pride of Swakopmund
Originally designed by Friedrich Höft as headquarters for the Damara and Namaqua Trading Company, Woermann House attracts visitors because of its elegant paneled walls and stucco ceilings. The house was completed in 1905 with the "Damara Tower" serving as a lookout post for ships and ox wagons approaching from the interior. The key to visit the Damara Tower for a spectacular view over Swakopmund can be obtained from the library that operates during weekdays between 10h00 and 12h00 and 15h00 to 18h00.
The firm Woermann & Brock bought the building in 1909 and it was renamed to its current Woermann House. Although used as a school hostel for almost 40 years after World War 1, the building fell into disrepair and was only renovated in the 1970's. Currently it houses the public library and is situated in Bismark Street.
Several other historically important buildings are all situated in and around Post Street in Swakopmund and tourists will have an easy walk while exploring the sights Swakopmund has to offer. Luderitz in Namibia is another town with excellent examples of historical buildings in the German colonial style.
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