About The Swakopmund Jetty

The historic jetty in Swakopmund is one of the town’s most outstanding beach side features. It’s a hit with fishermen trying to reap rich harvests from the Atlantic Ocean and pedestrians wanting to admire the ocean from close up.

Location

You can’t miss the Jetty when strolling along A Schad Promenade along the beachfront in Swakopmund.

A History of the Jetty

The jetty was first constructed between 1904 and 1905 by a team of 60 men from the German Eisenbahn-baukompagnie.

It was built to make up for the inefficiencies of the original Mole which proved inefficient as a harbour.

The jetty was originally made of wood and was intended for use as a loading and offloading platform for cargo ships. It measured 275m long by 9m wide. These dimensions soon proved inadequate for the task at hand and the jetty was lengthened by 50m and widened by 5m during 1907.

The wooden construction was unable to withstand the harsh climate of the Atlantic Coast and the ravaging of spring tides, and so in 1912, it was decided to rebuild the jetty out of steel. The original drill bits from this operation are still on display at the entry to the jetty.’

World War I put a stop to the construction almost as soon as it had begun, and the jetty remained unfinished, used only as a fishing platform and a place for romantic seaside strolls.

By 1983, the jetty had disintegrated into a dangerous state and was closed to the public. Locals and tourists alike wanted their jetty back and began a massive fundraising campaign to restore the site to its former glory. In 2005 construction began and the new Jetty was opened on 6 October 2006.

The Town Council was tasked with maintaining the jetty and making it commercially viable. An extensive refurbishment project, including the installation of a restaurant on the jetty, was completed on 14 October 2010.

Accommodation near the Jetty

You will find a good variety of accommodation options  close to the Jetty in Swakopmund. These include hotels, backpackers, lodges and apartments.

Activities at the Jetty

The main attraction at the Jetty has always been fishing. However, this is technically illegal according to a 1989 bylaw which prohibits this activity.

The views of Swakopmund from the jetty are picturesque and ideal for photographers wanting to capture another side of the town. You may also catch sight of dolphins from this lofty vantage point above the waters.

Wining & Dining

The Jetty 1905 restaurant is the main attraction here. This eatery boasts amazing sea views from above and below thanks to glass panels in the floor. It is a popular place to while away a few hours while dining on fresh seafood dishes and fine wine with the best views in town. Vegan, vegetarian and lighter meal options are also available.

You can find out more about the construction of the Jetty at the Swakopmund Museum on Strand Street.

What to Bring

When you take a stroll along the Jetty at Swakopmund, a camera and a pair of binoculars are must-have items. Sun protection is always recommended wherever you go in Namibia, and a jacket will help to stave off any chills blowing in on the ocean breeze.

Getting there

It’s easy to find the Jetty once you reach Swakopmund, just head for the beach. This landmark reaches out to sea opposite the end of Libertina Amathila Avenue adjacent to The Tug Restaurant.

For more information on things to do in Swakopmund, enquire with Destination Namibia via our contact us page or email, and we will gladly assist you.

Disclaimer

Please Note: The details shared herein were correct at the time of publishing. However, with time some of this information may change. We recommend confirming information with suppliers prior to making final travel arrangements. If you do happen to find an issue with any information we’ve shared here, please feel free to contact us so that we can make the relevant changes.