The Hansa Hotel, one of Namibia’s oldest hotels, is more than just a place to stay, it is a living piece of history, woven into the very fabric of the community. Recently, the hotel celebrated its 120th anniversary.

The story of the Hansa Hotel began quite by chance in 1905. Paul Miersch, a master hairdresser, was searching for new premises for his salon. Upon acquiring a spacious double-storey building, he found himself with more rooms than he could possibly use. Ever practical, he decided to rent out the extra rooms to guests passing through Swakopmund, a town then on the rise. It soon became clear that providing beds for weary guests was far more lucrative than cutting hair. Before long, Miersch hung up his scissors for good and devoted himself to hospitality, steadily expanding and improving the hotel as Swakopmund itself grew from a small settlement into a bustling coastal town.

Through the years, the Hansa changed hands several times, each owner leaving their mark. In 1954, the hotel entered a golden era under the stewardship of Sebastian and Elisabeth Rummel. Sebastian, a chef of considerable repute, and Elisabeth, a gifted interior decorator, transformed the Hansa into a haven of elegance and culinary delight. Their vision and dedication laid the foundations for the hotel’s enduring reputation. Even after Sebastian’s untimely passing, Elisabeth, with the support of her second husband, Joachim Scheithauer, carried on the work, ensuring the Hansa blossomed into a destination sought after by guests from all corners of the globe.

Ownership eventually passed to Eric Lang, who, together with his wife Gerdi, infused the hotel with renewed energy. Today, the Hansa boasts over 50 Namibian employees, all proud to be part of its legacy. The original 1905 building still forms the core of the property, now complemented by 62 rooms and suites, a fine restaurant, a coffee shop, and a bar, all reflecting a careful blend of heritage and modern comfort.

The Hansa has always been more than a building. Its soul lies in the warmth of its welcome, the pride of its team, and the countless stories shared within its walls. Over the decades, it has hosted royalty, celebrities and explorers alike. It has weathered wars, witnessed the town’s transformation, and remained open to guests save for just a handful of days in its long history.

As the Hansa celebrates its 120th anniversary, the focus is on gratitude, for the generations of employees, the loyal guests, and the Swakopmund community that has supported it throughout. The hotel stands as a symbol of resilience, continuity, and the enduring power of hospitality. It is not merely a hotel, but a cherished meeting place, a home away from home, and a proud part of Swakopmund’s story. Here’s to the next chapter in the Hansa’s remarkable journey, may its doors remain open and its spirit undimmed for many years to come.

Original content: Provided by Hans Hotel Swakopmund’s Heino Küstner 

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘏𝘈𝘕 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘢’𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺.