Otavi-Bahnhof (OMEG-Haus) | Swakopmund

The Otavi-Bahnhof, also known as the OMEG-Haus, is a historic railway station located at 73 Sam Nujoma Avenue in Swakopmund. It served as the coastal terminus for the narrow-gauge railway line extending to the copper mines of Tsumeb.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a functional colonial structure featuring a red-and-white color scheme, characteristic of many historic buildings in Swakopmund. It is defined by its long, low-profile architecture and a distinctive wooden veranda. Outside the main building, a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive is permanently displayed, serving as a primary visual marker of the site’s former industrial utility.

Location & Access Logistics

The station is situated approximately 0.8km south of the Woermannhaus and 0.4km south of the Altes Gefängnis. It is located on the eastern edge of the historic town center. The exterior and the displayed locomotive are accessible to the public 24 hours a day for viewing and photography. The interior houses the Sam Cohen Library and archives, which are open during specific weekday hours (typically 09:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00).

Historical & Ecological Origin

The station was built in 1906 by the Otavi Minen- und Eisenbahn-Gesellschaft (OMEG). It was the starting point of the 600mm narrow-gauge "Otavi Line," which at the time of its completion was the longest narrow-gauge railway in the world, stretching roughly 570km into the interior. The line was essential for transporting copper ore from Tsumeb to the coast for export. After the railway was converted to standard gauge and a new station was built, the building was eventually repurposed as a cultural and research center.

Key Highlights & Activities

Locomotive Viewing: The historic steam locomotive on the grounds is a major attraction for railway enthusiasts and photographers.

Sam Cohen Library: The building houses one of the most significant private research libraries in Namibia, containing over 10,000 volumes, historical newspapers, and a comprehensive collection of maps and photographs related to Namibian history.

Archives: The site serves as the archives for the Scientific Society of Swakopmund, providing resources for genealogists and historians.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility primarily operates as a library and research archive. Public restrooms are available for library users. Its location on Sam Nujoma Avenue places it within a short walk of various commercial centers, including supermarkets and cafes. The area is served by high-speed 5G cellular coverage.

Best Time to Visit

The exterior and the locomotive are best photographed in the mid-morning when the sun illuminates the northern facade of the building. For those wishing to access the library or archives, morning visits on weekdays are necessary.

Facts & Legends

A historical oddity is that the "Otavi Line" was built with such speed-averaging one kilometer per day-that it was considered an engineering marvel of its time. A local tip: the Sam Cohen Library contains the "Africana" collection, which includes rare first editions of early Namibian explorers' journals that are not easily found elsewhere in the country.

Nearby Landmarks

Altes Gefängnis – 0.4km North

Woermannhaus – 0.8km North

Swakopmund Railway Station (New) – 0.5km Northeast

Altes Amtsgericht – 0.7km West

Kristall Galerie – 0.6km Northwest