Things to do in Lüderitz
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Goerke Haus
Lieutenant Hans Goerke came to Swakopmund with the Schutztruppe in 1904, though he was later posted to Lüderitz, where he served as a diamond company manager. His home, designed by architect Otto Ertl and constructed in 1910 on Diamond Hill, was one of the town's most extravagant.
Goerke left for Germany in 1912 and eight years later his home was purchased by the newly formed Consolidated Diamond Mines (CDM) to house the company's chief engineer. When the CDM headquarters transferred to Oranjemund in 1944, the house was sold to the government and became occupied by the resident Lüderitz magistrate. In 1981, however, the magistrate was shifted to Keetmanshoop, and the…
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Crystal Digging
A rewarding activity is to dig for the lovely crystals of calcium sulphate and gypsum known as sand roses, which develop when moisture seeps into the sand and causes it to crystallise into flowery shapes. The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) office issues digging permits, which are valid for a two-hour dig and up to three sand roses or a total weight of 1.5kg.
Diggers must be accompanied by an MET official, and have to use their hands or other light tools to extract the sand roses (hard tools would damage other buried specimens).
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Felsenkirche
This prominent Evangelical Lutheran church, dominates Lüderitz from high on Diamond Hill. The church was designed by Albert Bause, who implemented the Victorian influences he'd seen in the Cape. With assistance from private donors in Germany, construction of the church began in late 1911 and was completed the following year. The brilliant stained-glass panel situated over the altar was donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II, while the Bible was a gift from his wife.
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Colonial Buildings
Lüderitz is chock-a-block with colonial buildings, and every view reveals something interesting. The curiously intriguing architecture, which mixes German Imperial and Art Nouveau styles (check out the odd little Concert and Ball Hall), makes this bizarre little town appear even more other-worldly.
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Ritzi's Seafood Restaurant
This long-standing institution is the top spot in town for seafood. Not surprisingly, it's always fully booked, so reservations are essential. Imaginative dishes are concocted from fish, lobster, oysters, game meats and beef, but there are usually a few vegetarian options on the menu.
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Ghost Town Tours
This company operates day trips to Elizabeth Bay, deep in the Sperrgebiet, and a full day taking in Kolmanskop, Elizabeth Bay and the Lüderitz Peninsula. These trips require a minimum of four people and permits must be issued at least a week in advance.
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Old Train Station
Lüderitz's first train station was completed in 1907 along with the railway line itself. However, following the discovery of diamonds the facilities became swamped, and a new station was commissioned in 1912 to handle the increased traffic.
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Lüderitz Museum
This museum contains information on the town's history and includes displays on natural history, local indigenous groups and the diamond-mining industry. Phone to arrange a visit outside standard opening hours.
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Coastway Tours Lüderitz
Runs day tours to the 55m Bogenfels sea arch, Maerchental Valley and the ghost town of Pomona in the Sperrgebiet. This tour requires at least four participants and must be booked at least one week in advance.
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Karaman Weavery
This shop specialises in locally woven high-quality rugs and garments in pastel desert colours, with Namibian flora and fauna the favoured designs. It accepts special orders and can post them worldwide.
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Legends
This understated restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and serves up a healthy mix of seafood, grilled meats, pizzas and burgers, as well as the odd vegetarian option or two.
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Atlantic Adventure Tours
Weather permitting, this company sails daily with the schooner Sedina past the Cape fur seal sanctuary at Diaz Point and the penguin colony on Halifax Island.
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Agate Bay
Agate Bay is made of tailings from the diamond workings. There aren't many agates these days, but you'll find fine sand partially consisting of tiny grey mica chips.
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Old Post Office
The old post office was originally designed by railway commissioner Oswald Reinhardt in 1908, though it now serves as the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) office.
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Diaz Coffee Shop
This quaint and cosy coffee shop serves excellent toasties, light meals, coffee and cakes - its Sunday continental breakfast is popular among locals.
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Fairies' Coffee Nook
This waterfront café offers attractive sea views and is the perfect spot to linger over a steaming cup of coffee and a sweet snack.
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Badger's
Although it primarily serves as the town watering hole, Badger's also serves up cheap pub grub as well as takeaway.
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Rumours Grill & Pizzeria
This popular steak house/pizzeria also boasts a bustling sports bar and a German-style beer garden.
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