Luderitz & Kolmanskop

Kolmanskop and Lüderitz are intriguing destinations in Namibia, each carrying a rich historical legacy while offering unique glimpses into the nation’s past and present.

Nestled in the far southwestern corner of Namibia, the ghost town of Kolmanskop speaks volumes of a bygone era of opulence. Once the wealthiest town in Southern Africa, its tale began in 1908 with the discovery of a diamond along the railway at Gratsplatz, sparking a 40-year diamond mining era under the then-ruling German empire. The newfound wealth led to modern amenities unheard of then, like a hospital with the southern hemisphere’s first X-ray machine, a ballroom, a skittle alley, and a power station, all adorned in traditional German architecture. However, as the diamond fields waned in the mid-1950s, the once-bustling town was left to the mercy of the encroaching sands of the Namib Desert. Today, a popular tourist attraction and historical site remains, where tours led by local guides narrate the stories of its wealthy residents and miners amidst the eerily beautiful backdrop of sand-engulfed ruins.

A mere 10 kilometres from the haunting allure of Kolmanskop lies the coastal town of Lüderitz. Founded in 1883 by a German merchant, its distinctive Germanic atmosphere is palpable, reflected in its colonial buildings’ Art Nouveau architectural style. The town, once a hub for colonial trading, a concentration camp, and later a diamond prospecting town, has remained small yet charming, with its fishing harbour being a cornerstone of its existence today​.

Lüderitz offers a blend of desert and seaside ambience, juxtaposed against the pristine Atlantic coastline meeting the rugged Namib Desert. The town beckons with historical landmarks like the Felsenkirche evangelical Lutheran church on Diamond Hill, and its proximity to Kolmanskop makes it a gateway to exploring Namibia’s diamond history. Moreover, the surrounding areas are ripe for exploration, from the wild horses near Aus the appealing coastal beaches, to the scenic Bogenfels rock arch. The array of natural and historical attractions, intertwined with tales of a colonial past, make Lüderitz and Kolmanskop fascinating stops on the Namibian trail​.