Goerke Haus | Luderitz

Information

Landmark: Goerke Haus
City: Luderitz
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Goerke Haus, Luderitz, Namibia, Africa

Goerke Haus is a restored colonial-era villa situated on the slopes of Diamond Hill in the town of Lüderitz. It is located at 9533+724, Bismarck Street, approximately 10 kilometers west of the Kolmanskop Ghost Town.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is an example of "Jugendstil" (German Art Nouveau) architecture, featuring a vivid blue exterior with white trim and a prominent red-tiled roof. The building includes a distinctive circular tower with a conical cap and several sun-facing balconies. Interior details include original stained-glass windows, dark wood paneling, and period-appropriate furnishings that reflect early 20th-century European luxury.

Location & Access Logistics

The house is located on Bismarck Street in central Lüderitz. It is accessible via paved town roads and is positioned within walking distance of the Felsenkirche. No public transit serves the site, but street parking is available along the steep incline of Diamond Hill. Visitors from outside the town arrive via the B4 highway.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed in 1910, the villa was built for Hans Goerke, a high-ranking official of the German Diamond Company. Following the decline of the diamond rush, the building served as a residence for local magistrates before being purchased and restored by consolidated diamond mines. The site is built upon the same granite bedrock that characterizes the coastal topography of the Lüderitz peninsula.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is a self-guided interior tour of the residence to view the architectural preservation and historical artifacts. Photography of the exterior and the panoramic views of the Lüderitz harbor from the garden is permitted. Visitors can inspect the original 1910 bathroom fixtures and the intricate glasswork in the main dining hall.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility operates as a museum with a small reception desk for entry fee collection. Public restrooms are available inside for visitors. There are no food or beverage vendors on-site, though numerous cafes are located 0.5 kilometers away in the town center. 4G cell signal is strong and consistent throughout the property.

Best Time to Visit

The house is typically open to the public on weekdays from 14:00 to 16:00 and on Saturdays from 11:00 to 12:00. Late afternoon is the optimal time for photography of the harbor view. The building is accessible year-round, although the interior can be cool during the winter months (June–August).

Facts & Legends

The house was so expensive to build that local residents nicknamed it the "Diamond Palace." A specific architectural oddity: the stained glass in the master bedroom was specifically designed to filter the harsh Namibian sun while protecting the delicate imported European wallpaper from fading.