Sightseeing in Windhoek

Christuskirche

The Lutheran curch in Windhoek’s historic centre was build in 1907 after the wars between the German colonialists and the local Khoikhoi, Owambo and Herero where over. The 24 metre spire and its location make it one of Windhoek’s landmarks.

Alte Feste

The Old Fortress or Alte Fest was built by the Germans in 1890 to accommodate the Schutztruppe. The center of colonial Windhoek is the National Museum and presents a nice selection of exhibits and facts on Namibia’s history and culture in a setting of historical impact. If you want to learn about Namibian history this is definitely the place to go.

Tintenpalast

The Tintenpalast, erected by the Germans between 1912 and 1913 as the main administrative building, has remained in this function for all government up to today. The German name Tintenpalast translates into ‘Ink Palace’, indicating all the paperwork done behind these walls. The adjacent Parliament Gardens are a favourite with the locals and home to the Hosea Kutako monument. This first post-independence monument honours the Herero leader who fought for Namibia’s independence during the South African rule.

National Art Gallery

The National Art Gallery presents Namibian art form the past and present. Exhibition alternate regularly and the souvenir shop is also worth a glance.

Reiterdenkmal

The Reiterdenkmal, depicting a mounted member of the German Schutztruppe, was build by the Germans in memory of the colonial wars of 1903 – 1907 against the Herero and Nama. The statue was completed in 1912 but controversially taken down in 2009 to make way for the Independence  Memorial Museum. It now stands 100 metres further south close to the Alte Feste.

Independence Memorial Museum

This museum dedicated to Namibia’s struggle for independence controversially took the place of the Reiterdenkmal next to the Alter Feste. The triangular five-story building will show multimedia exhibits. Construction is to be completed in August 2011 by a North Korean company, causing more discord among Namibian as the construction didn’t benefit the local job market as much as it could have.

Zoo Park

This green lung on Independence Avenue is a favourite hang-out spot for Namibians and visitors alike. There are a pond and a  playground. If you have some time to spare kick back here and read a book or just watch the passers by and take in the relaxed atmosphere.

St. Mary’s Cathedral

St. Mary’s Cathedral also known as St. Marien Kathedrale is recognizable by its two towers and three arches at the entrance. Contstruction of the neo-romanesque building was comepleted in 1908 It’s home to a Roman Catholic community and the seat of the Archiocese of Windhoek.