Founded in 1892 as a harbour for German South West Africa, Swakopmund is a lively coastal city in Namibia. It’s fringed by a string of sandy beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by magnificent desert landscapes. Swakopmund is renowned for its colourful colonial architecture and as a centre for adventure sports.
Things to do in Swakopmund
Delve into the local history at the Swakopmund Museum, which was established in 1951 and is now the largest privately run museum in Namibia. It houses exhibits dedicated to the cultural heritage of the country and its ethnic groups, as well as its natural riches. Adjacent to the museum is the Swakopmund Lighthouse, a red and white-striped landmark that dates back to 1902.
Also dating from the colonial era is the Swakopmund Railway Station, which was the starting point of the first railway line to be built in German South West Africa. Dating back to 1901, it was designed by Willi Sander and was declared a national monument in 1972. Also of note is the Otavi Mining and Railway Company Station, which is open to the public as a museum.
Swakopmund is famed as a hub for adventure activities, with everything from ATV-ing and sandboarding to skydiving on offer. A short drive south of the city is Dune 7, which is a popular photography destination at sunrise and sunset. Combine your visit with a stop at Walvis Bay, famed for its colony of flamingos. Cruises to spot dolphins, whales and Cape fur seals also depart from here.
Getting around Swakopmund
Swakopmund is around 3.5 hours’ drive from Windhoek and just over four hours from Hosea Kutako International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Africa. Long-distance trains connect to the Swakopmund railway station and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.