Swakopmund Jetty

What makes it special

The jetty you walk today dates from 1912, when iron and concrete replaced the first wooden pier of 1905. Each pylon is an iron core inside a concrete casing, which is what keeps it standing in the surf. It was built long enough to clear the line where the heavy breakers form.

The deck is split down its length: a promenade on one side, and the other side kept for fishing. On the platform at the seaward end sits the restaurant Jetty 1905, with the widest views of the Atlantic anywhere on the pier.

Looking back from the end, you see Swakopmund's seafront from the water, with the desert beyond the town. It is one of the best places in town to watch the sun go down into the ocean, and the end of the jetty gets busy as the light turns golden.

Visiting

Swakopmund's seafront promenade brings you to the landward end of the jetty, and the walk out is flat and free. Keep to the promenade side of the deck, since the other side is left to anglers.

Walk all the way to the end, stop at the rail for the view back over the town and the desert, then walk back. If you want to stay longer, sit down at Jetty 1905 on the platform and eat with the ocean on three sides.

For sunset, arrive well before the sun drops, because the end fills up as the light turns golden.

Tips

Bring a warm layer. The Atlantic wind on the jetty is cold, and it sharpens as the sun goes down; nights can drop sharply, especially in winter.

Waves often reach the planks and throw salt spray across the deck, so keep a camera or phone that is not splash-proof covered. If you plan to eat at the restaurant at the end, book a table ahead.