City Tour of Historical Swakopmund
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Swakopmund, known as the prime holiday resort of Namibia, was founded in August 1892 by the German Colonial Reich. For many years this town was the main harbour for the territory, being served by the mole and later the jetty. Both these structures still exist. Many historical buildings dating from that area are still being used and are rated as historical monuments. The distinct German Colonial character of Swakopmund has been well preserved and is undoubtedly a key attraction for tourists and entrepreneurs.
The walking tour of Historical Swakopmund concentrates on the historical part of Swakopmund. Your guide will relate the history of Swakopmund and explain the origin of the various historical buildings in town. These include the Woermannhaus, a superb example of early architecture, Prinzessin-Rupprecht-Heim, a striking reminder of the way of life of the early years, and the Marine Memorial, a monument of superb detail.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Refreshments
What To Expect
Woermannhaus
Visit the Woermannhaus in Bismarck Street which is a superb example of architect Friedrich Höft's "Fachwerkbau" style. The building was erected in 1894 by the Damara and Namaqua Trading company and was extended in 1903 and 1904 when wood panelled offices were added. In earlier days the courtyard was filled with an evergreen garden. The building was used as the headquarters for the leading trading company in (then) South West Africa.- the Damara and Namaqua Trading Company (later known as Woermann, Brock & Co). Woermannhaus was also home to selected officials and employees of the company in 1909. The Damara Tower in the North-West corner was a lofty lookout which also served as a flag-mast and navigation point.
Swakopmund Jetty
Visit the Swakopmund iron Jetty which was constructed in 1912 to replace a wooden jetty which had become derelict. Two firms based in Mannheim, Germany, received the contract, and plans were made to build a jetty of 640m. the rocky area contributed to major difficulties during construction and the company was forced to develop and incorporate a drilling programme to overcome these obstacles. When the First World War broke out, the jetty was left uncompleted and extended to only 262m. However, the jetty was built to such high standards that it endured the merciless pounding of the Atlantic for over 70 years, requiring little or no repair.
Options
City Tour of Historical Swakopmund
Pickup included
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great way to get your bearings in Swakopmund and learn a lot
DARAMARKB B,
Nov 17, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Hans was an excellent, knowledgeable guide and full of interesting historical tidbits of Swakopmund and Namibia. It's an unusual, quiet little town with lots of buildings that look like they're right out of early 1900s Germany. We walked a bit and drove in his car a bit to really see a huge area of Swakopmund, the townships, and the areas north and south of downtown which are continuing to expand. Really enjoyed the tour and learned a lot. Highly recommend.
Colorful Visit
Deniz E,
Jun 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hans was very knowledgeable about the history and geography of the town. As a fifth generation member of German family, he has lived through all the changes. He was open to questions and comments. My husband and I truly enjoyed all the detailed information. We would recommend this tour to anyone who likes detailed information.
Excellent Guide/tour
Patricia B,
May 30, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Hans was an excellent guide that had a in-dept knowledge of the area since his grandparents migrated from Germany & lived here his whole life which enabled him to provide an in/depth dialogue of the history of the town. He provided a walking and driving tour of the town which we greatly appreciated.
Highly Recommended
Jill F,
Feb 20, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic guided tour of Swakopmund with Hans! He was very knowledgeable and informative. He told us about the history of Swakopmund and showed us lots of examples of historical buildings. He also took us to see all areas of Swakopmund. We really enjoyed our tour and would recommend it.
Excellent guide and time well spent
Elmarie j,
Dec 22, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00The detail provided to us about the historical buildings, events and impact it had on the current "environment" were of great interest to us!.
Half day tour of Swakopmund
Paul C,
Sep 7, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful tour of Swakopmund with our guide Hans-Dieter. The tour started at the harbor where the city originated and continued through the historical center. We saw many parts of the city, including the townships and unmarked graves that most visitors never get to see. It was an excellent way to see the city in under three hours. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has a short amount of time to spend in Swakopmund. .
Experiencing Swakop like a local
Marizette D,
Aug 16, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Experiencing Swakopmund, after learning about the history, culture and modern day day to day living, was much more meaningful than just walking through the town without this background knowledge.
Excellent Experience to Understand Swakopmund
Denise R,
Jan 1, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Hans was prompt. His explication of Swakopmund and Southwest Africa history was clear and fascinating. I loved every minute of his beautiful clear telling of Swakopmund’s unique development. Everything he showed us was most interesting and his stories made it all the better.
From ZAR 700.00
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Operated by Kallisto Tours & Services