Windhoek, Namibia, a German colonial capital (pronounced VIND-hook, meaning Windy Corner), is situated at an altitude of 5,400 ft/1,650 m in the central highlands of the Khomas Region and is the commercial center of Namibia.
Very clean and rather small, Windhoek is pleasant to walk around (the altitude keeps it cool), provided that you're alert to pickpockets and other opportunistic crime. It's a fairly green city with lots of parks and gardens. It offers the best shopping in the country.
The city's colonial past is reflected in its distinctive German architecture. Among the many architectural reminders are the Christuskircke, the German Lutheran Church that dominates the city's skyline, the 1912 Cape Dutch railway station and many of the government buildings. (Many of the structures are jugendstil buildings.) You'll find strudel and an Oktoberfest celebration, too. Most people go to Windhoek to begin and end their tours of Namibia.
Nearby is Daan Viljoen Game Park, where visitors are free to walk around. Another popular nearby excursion is to Gross Barmen, the country's best thermal springs and resort area.
For many visitors to Namibia, a particular highlight is the Desert Express train trip from Windhoek to the charming German-inspired coastal town of Swakopmund. The Desert Express is a luxury train experience through the Namib Desert.
Windhoek's Hosea Kutako Airport is located 28 mi/45 km from the town by tar road.
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