Princess Rupprecht Residenz | Swakopmund

Princess Rupprecht Residenz is a historic colonial building located on Lazarett Street in Swakopmund. Built in 1902, it originally functioned as a military hospital and currently serves as a guest house and retirement residence.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a sprawling, single-story colonial structure characterized by its white facade, red-tiled roof, and extensive verandas. It is built in a "U-shape" around a large, sheltered central garden courtyard which protects vegetation from the harsh Atlantic winds. The architecture is functional and classic, reflecting the German colonial style of the early 20th century, with high ceilings and thick walls designed for temperature regulation.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated at 15 Lazarett Street, approximately 0.4km south of the Swakopmund Jetty and 0.3km east of the National Marine Aquarium. It is positioned in a quieter, residential southern sector of the town center. Access is via paved municipal roads. As it is a functioning guest house and private residence, public access is generally limited to the reception area and for overnight guests. Secure on-site parking is provided for residents and visitors.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed in 1902, the building was named after Princess Rupprecht of Bavaria. It was originally established by the German Women’s Red Cross as a hospital and convalescent home for the colonial Schutztruppe (protection force). During World War I, it served as a military hospital. In the post-colonial era, the building transitioned through various uses before being converted into a guest house and a home for the elderly, managed by a charitable trust.

Key Highlights & Activities

Historical Observation: The building is a primary stop on heritage walking tours, representing the social and medical history of colonial Swakopmund.

Garden Courtyard: The central garden is one of the most established in the town, featuring mature trees and succulents that thrive in the coastal microclimate.

Heritage Accommodation: Visitors can stay in rooms that have been modernized while retaining their original architectural proportions and historic atmosphere.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility operates as a guest house (B&B) with several dozen rooms, a communal breakfast hall, and a library. It is equipped with modern 5G cellular coverage and Wi-Fi for guests. Public restrooms and cafes are located within a 300-meter radius, particularly toward the jetty area. The property is known for its high level of maintenance and preservation of original woodwork and fixtures.

Best Time to Visit

For exterior photography, the mid-morning light provides the best illumination of the white facade. The building’s courtyard is most pleasant during the afternoon when it offers a wind-shielded retreat from the coastal "south-wester" winds.

Facts & Legends

A historical oddity is that the building was specifically positioned away from the main harbor and town center to ensure a quiet, saline-rich air environment for patients recovering from respiratory illnesses and malaria. A local tip: the residence is one of the few colonial buildings in Swakopmund that has remained in continuous public or semi-public service for over 120 years without falling into major disrepair.

Nearby Landmarks

National Marine Aquarium – 0.3km West

Swakopmund Jetty – 0.4km Northwest

State House (Swakopmund) – 0.2km North

Swakopmund Museum – 0.9km North

Woermannhaus – 1.1km North