Things to Do in Christuskirche
Christuskirche, Namibia - Complete Travel Guide
Christuskirche, located in the heart of Windhoek, Namibia's capital city, is one of the country's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the nation's colonial heritage. This striking Lutheran church, built between 1907 and 1910 during German colonial rule, stands as a testament to German architectural influence in southern Africa. The church's distinctive neo-Gothic design, featuring local sandstone construction and beautiful stained glass windows, makes it a prominent feature on Windhoek's skyline and a must-see attraction for visitors to the city.
Windhoek itself serves as Namibia's political, economic, and cultural center, offering visitors a unique blend of African and European influences. The city provides an excellent base for exploring Namibia's diverse attractions, from the nearby Khomas Highland mountains to serving as a gateway to the country's famous desert landscapes, wildlife reserves, and coastal regions. With its well-developed infrastructure, vibrant markets, German colonial architecture, and modern amenities, Windhoek offers travelers a comfortable introduction to Namibian culture and history.
Top Things to Do in Christuskirche
Visit Christuskirche and Independence Memorial Museum
Explore Namibia's most famous church with its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes. The nearby Independence Memorial Museum offers panoramic city views and insights into Namibia's struggle for independence.
Booking Tip: Entry to the church is free, but donations are appreciated. The museum charges around N$20 for adults. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to avoid crowds.
Explore Windhoek City Center and Craft Markets
Wander through the historic city center to admire German colonial architecture, browse local craft markets, and visit the vibrant Post Street Mall. The area offers excellent shopping for traditional Namibian crafts, gemstones, and souvenirs.
Booking Tip: Self-guided walking is free, or join organized walking tours for N$150-300 per person. Markets are best visited in the morning when vendors have full stock. Bargaining is expected at craft markets.
Day Trip to Daan Viljoen Game Reserve
Experience Namibian wildlife just 24km from the city center in this beautiful highland reserve. Enjoy game drives, hiking trails, and spot species like kudu, oryx, zebra, and over 200 bird species in the scenic Khomas Highland setting.
Booking Tip: Entry fees are around N$80 per adult. Self-drive is possible with regular vehicles, or book guided tours for N$800-1,200 per person including transport. Early morning visits offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Katutura Township Cultural Experience
Discover authentic Namibian culture in this vibrant township, visiting local markets, traditional homesteads, and community projects. Learn about the area's history during apartheid and experience contemporary urban African life.
Booking Tip: Always visit with a reputable local guide for safety and cultural sensitivity. Tours cost N$300-600 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book through established operators who give back to the community.
Namibian Cuisine and Beer Tasting
Sample traditional Namibian dishes like kapana (grilled meat), potjiekos (pot food), and game meats, paired with local Windhoek Lager or Tafel Lager. Many restaurants offer authentic dining experiences with cultural entertainment.
Booking Tip: Food tours range from N$400-800 per person. Joe's Beerhouse and The Stellenbosch Wine Bar are popular spots. Try street food at the Single Quarters market, but ensure vendors maintain good hygiene standards.
Getting There
Windhoek is accessible via Hosea Kutako International Airport, located 45km east of the city center, which receives international flights from South Africa, Germany, and other regional destinations. Airport shuttles, taxis, and rental cars are available for the 45-minute journey to the city. Overland options include well-maintained roads from South Africa (approximately 12 hours from Cape Town), Botswana, and other neighboring countries. Intercity buses connect Windhoek to major regional cities, though travel times can be lengthy due to vast distances.
Getting Around
Windhoek's compact city center is easily walkable, with most attractions including Christuskirche within walking distance of each other. Taxis are readily available but negotiate fares in advance or use metered taxis. Car rental is highly recommended for exploring beyond the city center and offers the most flexibility for visiting attractions like Daan Viljoen Game Reserve. Local buses serve the townships and suburbs but can be unreliable for tourists. Many hotels offer shuttle services to major attractions and the airport.
Where to Stay
City Center (near Christuskirche)
Klein Windhoek (upmarket residential)
Eros (shopping and dining)
Olympia (quiet residential)
Windhoek West (budget-friendly)
Airport Area (convenient for flights)
Food & Dining
Windhoek's dining scene reflects its multicultural heritage, offering everything from traditional Namibian cuisine to German, Portuguese, and contemporary African fusion dishes. The city center features numerous restaurants serving game meats like kudu, oryx, and ostrich, while German-influenced establishments offer schnitzel and local beer. Popular dining areas include Independence Avenue and the Maerua Mall complex. Street food culture thrives in townships like Katutura, where visitors can try kapana (barbecued meat) and other local specialties. Many restaurants cater to international tastes, ensuring options for all dietary preferences including vegetarian and halal meals.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Windhoek
Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)
When to Visit
The best time to visit Windhoek and Christuskirche is during Namibia's dry season from May to October, when temperatures are mild (15-25°C), skies are clear, and rainfall is minimal. This period offers ideal conditions for sightseeing, photography, and outdoor activities. The shoulder months of April and November can also be pleasant with fewer crowds. Summer months (December to March) bring hot temperatures (up to 35°C) and occasional afternoon thunderstorms, but the landscape is lush and green. Winter (June-August) offers the coolest temperatures but can be quite cold at night, requiring warm clothing.
Insider Tips
Visit Christuskirche during Sunday morning services to experience the beautiful acoustics and hear the historic organ, but be respectful of worshippers and photography restrictions.
The hilltop location near Independence Memorial Museum offers the best panoramic views of Windhoek for photography, especially during golden hour just before sunset.
Combine your visit to Christuskirche with exploring the nearby Tintenpalast (Parliament Buildings) and Supreme Court to see a concentration of Windhoek's most important historical architecture in one area.