Windhoek Travel Guide
Windhoek is the small, attractive capital of Namibia and is situated in the Central Highlands. Surrounded by hills and mountains, it is the country's largest city and occupies the country's geographic and economic heart.
The city centre is characterised by historic German colonial architecture and imposing modern structures. Dominating the skyline is the striking German Lutheran church, Christuskirche, a mixture of Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic design, and the Titenpalast, or 'Ink Palace', the parliament building from where the sparsely populated country is governed.
The railway station is a Cape Dutch edifice dating back to 1912, and the tree-lined Independence Avenue contains pleasant fountains and walkways. It provides a relaxing ambience among the modern buildings of the central business district.
The women of the Herero tribe are very distinctive with their voluminous Victorian-style dresses and colourful headgear, and are the cattle herders of the region; the German influence extends beyond architecture to include the food and locally brewed beer. Polony and sauerkraut are available on the menu among local dishes, and visitors can also dine seafood from the west coast and venison or game steaks from the hinterland. Eating out in Windhoek is a fun and unique experience.