Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Because nearby Walvis Bay had been annexed by the British-controlled Cape Colony in
1878, Swakopmund remained German South West Africa's only harbour, and conse-
quently rose to greater prominence than its poor harbour conditions would have otherwise
warranted. Early passengers were landed in small dories, but after the pier was construc-
ted they were winched over from the ships in basketlike cages.
Construction began on the first building, the Alte Kaserne (Old Barracks), in September
1892. By 1893 it housed 120 Schutztruppe soldiers, and ordinary settlers arrived soon
after to put down roots. The first civilian homes were prefabricated in Germany, and then
transported by ship. By 1909 Swakopmund had officially become a municipality.
The port emerged as the leading trade funnel for all of German South West Africa and
attracted government agencies and transport companies. During WWI however, South
West Africa was taken over by South Africa, and the harbour was allowed to silt up as
maritime operations moved to nearby Walvis Bay. Strangely enough, this ultimately
turned Swakopmund into a holiday resort, which is why the city is generally more pleas-
ant on the eye than the industrial-looking Walvis Bay.
Sights
Swakopmund brims with numerous historic examples of traditional German architecture.
For further information on the town's colonial sites, pick up
Swakopmund - A Chronicle
of the Town's People, Places and Progress,
which is sold at Swakopmund Museum and in
local bookshops.
