Luderitz

Lüderitz is a historic port town on Namibia's Atlantic coast in the //Karas Region. Founded in 1883 by the German merchant Adolf Lüderitz, it was the first settlement in German South West Africa. The town is known for its striking German colonial architecture, with colourful Art Nouveau and Wilhelminian buildings, and its setting on a rocky peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic. The nearby ghost town of Kolmanskop, a diamond-mining settlement abandoned in the 1950s, is one of Namibia's most famous attractions with its sand-filled houses.

By Plane

Lüderitz Airport (LUD IATA) has scheduled flights from Windhoek operated by FlyNamibia. The airport is approximately 12 km south-east of town.

By Train

By Car / Road

Lüderitz is 320 km west of Keetmanshoop on the B4 highway. The road is paved but can be affected by fog and sandstorms. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

The town is compact and walkable. Car rentals and taxis are available for trips to Kolmanskop and the coastline.

• Kolmanskop Ghost Town — the famous abandoned diamond-mining town with sand-filled rooms

• German Colonial Architecture — the Goerke Haus, Felsenkirche (church built on a rock), and the Lüderitz railway station

• Diaz Point — a cross erected by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488

• Lüderitz Waterfront — the harbour and seafood restaurants

• Tour Kolmanskop with a guide (scheduled tours daily)

• Photograph the colonial architecture

• Take a boat cruise to view seals and dolphins

• Visit the desert horse viewing point

Lüderitz is famous for its fresh seafood. Crayfish, oysters, and line fish are specialties. The waterfront restaurants serve excellent seafood platters.

The waterfront bars serve local wines and beers. Lüderitz is known for its fresh Atlantic breeze.

• Mid-range: Lüderitz Nest Hotel — the town's premier hotel, overlooking the waterfront
• Budget: Lüderitz Backpackers — affordable accommodation

Diamonds (from authorised dealers), semi-precious stones, and Namibian crafts are available.

• Kolmanskop (10 km east) — the famous ghost town
• Aus (130 km east) — known for its wild horses
• Fish River Canyon (180 km south-east) — the second-largest canyon in the world