Swakopmund was made world-famous when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie made the town their home while awaiting the birth of their twins. And there is a good reason why they came here, of all places. Swakopmund is an isolated oasis where guests can enjoy the sights and scenery in peace, while on a Namibia tour.
About Swakopmund
Before the area was occupied by the German settlers, Swakopmund was known by the San People as “Xwaka Ob. Translated this name means “Rhinoceros River”. In 1892 the German settlers renamed the town “Swachhaub” and when the district was officially proclaimed in 1896, its name was changed to a German name, Swakopmund” which means “Mouth of the Swakop.”
Today Swakopmund is a thriving beach resort city in the Namib Desert on the coast of Namibia approximately 352 km from Windhoek. Most of the buildings in Swakopmund are an example of German colonial architecture.
Buildings worth a visit when in Swakopmund is “The Woermannhaus” which was built in 1906 and includes a prominent tower that is known as the Damara Tower. Today the building is a public library.
Hohensollernhaus was built in 1906 in Neo-Baroque style as a hotel in the town. Today this magnificent building is a condominium. Look up at the entrance to see the statue on the roof.
Hotel Prinzessin Rupprecht was built in 1902 as a military hospital. The hospital consisted of 13 rooms. From 1904 to 1908 the hospital was used as a military hospital and in 1909 it was run as a District Hospital. Today it is a stunning hotel that is steeped in history.
Constructed in 1908 as a private school, the building is known as “Altes Amtsgericht” (Old Magistrates Court) as the school ran out of funds, the government took over the project and made it a magistrates court. During the 1960s it was used as a school dormitory, and today it is a municipal office.
