Posted on August 28, 2011 by sguese

Windhoek may be a long way from Germany, but its northern roots are ever present. Namibia’s capital city blends innovative modern design and that old German colonialism. However this city may be more laid back, funky and eclectic than some traditional German towns. It also awards visitors a prime location on central highlands in an airy basin, enclosed by rolling mountains.
Perhaps the city’s most recognized landmark is Christuskirche. The German Lutheran Church was built purely from local sandstone, giving it its standout appearance. The neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau style continue within. Visitors looking to see a copy of The Resurrection of Lazarus by Rubens will find the altarpiece in Christuskirche a stunning example.

Windhoek’s museums and collections are surprising for a city in the middle of Namibia. The Meteorite Display may have you looking towards the sky in fear after a visit. The site displays the Gibeon Meteor Shower. The meteor shower occurred in southern Namibia, leaving behind 21 tons of extraterrestrial boulders at Gibeon. The National Museum of Namibia is also worth a look. Memorabilia and photos from the town’s colonial period are on display. The museum also shows off a number of indigenous artifacts. Windhoek’s National Art Gallery puts up a permanent collection of works reflecting Namibia’s historical and natural heritage.

Windhoek’s German side may be most clear when it comes to beer. Tours of the Namibia Breweries are given in town. The site used to be the home of the Windhoek Lager. The Lager was the country’s favorite liquid and proves it is always good to have some German influences when it comes to beer. Perhaps Windhoek’s second vice is shopping. The Post Street Mall remains the throbbing heart of the city’s shopping district. Here you will find vendors lined up selling curious, clothing and artwork.

The reason most visit Windhoek is for its location for day trips. Just north of Windhoek, you will find Etosha National Park. To the east lies Namib-Naukluft Park. Apart from the national parks nearby, travellers will find the towering duns at Sossusvlei within reach and the resort town of Swakopmund. However, most come to Windhoek to explore the Daan Viljoen Game Park, just 18 kilometres west of town. The park presents rich wildlife, roaming desert hills. From mountain zebras to warthogs, there are over 200 species here.

The German influenced capital is a far cry from Germany. The weather couldn’t be more different with a dry healthy highland climate. The landscape proves to be the antithesis of its European colonizer. The people are worth watching. Windhoek’s ethnic mix lends itself to a big caf culture. At the country’s geographical heart, there may be German influences, but Windhoek is Namibian first and foremost.

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