Windhoek – The Heart of Namibia
Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia. It is home to about 500,000 people and is the center of the country’s government, business, industry, and culture. Everything important in Namibia seems to begin here.
A Look at Windhoek’s Past
The name "Windhoek" comes from Afrikaans and means “windy corner.” During the early German colonial days, it was spelled “Windhuk,” but that version is no longer used.
Long before any settlers arrived, the San people (also known as Bushmen) lived in this area for thousands of years. Around the 1850s, people known as the Orlam—descendants of Dutch settlers and Nama women—moved to Windhoek because of the natural hot springs found nearby.
Later, Dutch farmers (Boers) from South Africa built a stone church that could hold 500 people and was also used as a school. A town began to grow, but it was destroyed during violent conflicts between the Nama and Herero groups. By 1873, nothing remained of the early settlement.
In 1884, Germany made Namibia a colony and called it German South West Africa. The British had already taken control of the coastal town of Walvis Bay, but they weren’t interested in the rest of the land. This allowed the Germans to take control of much of the interior, including Windhoek.
At first, the colonial government was based in Otjimbingwe. But in 1890, German captain Curt von Francois chose Windhoek as the new center of administration. The city was officially founded on October 18, 1890, when they laid the first stone of what is now known as the Alte Feste (Old Fortress). A statue of Curt von Francois stands in the city today to remember this moment.
After that, Windhoek grew slowly. From the start, the city was divided by race—white settlers lived in one area, and black residents were moved around several times. By 1916, Windhoek had about 11,000 people, including many who had come from Germany or South Africa.
When World War I broke out, South African troops (under British control) took over Windhoek in 1915, ending German rule.
During the years that followed, the city’s roads and services improved, but the unfair treatment of black residents continued. Schools, hospitals, and housing were separated by race. From 1959 to 1963, forced removals led to protests and violence.
Finally, in 1990, Namibia gained independence from South Africa, and Windhoek became the capital of a free country. Since then, the city has grown quickly in size, culture, and tourism.
Windhoek Today
Windhoek lies right in the middle of Namibia. It connects all major roads going north, south, east, and west. Because the city is surrounded by mountains, the main international airport—Hosea Kutako Airport—is located about 40 km outside the city. A smaller airport serves local flights.
The mountains around Windhoek rise up to 2,000 meters and make it hard for the city to spread out further. The city itself is already high—between 1,625 and 1,725 meters above sea level—so the air is dry and the climate is pleasant most of the year.
Many old buildings from the colonial era still stand today. Windhoek is known for being very clean and well-organized. The German influence is still visible—you’ll find German restaurants, bakeries, street names, beer, and even traditional festivals like the German carnival. In some stores, people still speak German, though English is the official language of Namibia.
There are many interesting places to visit, such as:
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Christuskirche – a beautiful old church in the center of the city
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Tintenpalast – the seat of Namibia’s parliament
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Alte Feste – the old German fort and museum
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National Museum and art galleries
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The Equestrian Statue – a monument from the colonial period
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Katutura Township - vibrant heart of Windhoek.
Almost all major companies in Namibia have their offices in Windhoek, including many with German-Namibian owners. The city continues to grow, with around 12,000 new people moving in each year.
Windhoek is more than just a capital—it’s a city full of stories, culture, and life. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning again, Windhoek offers a warm welcome and a true taste of Namibia.
