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Albert Schweitzer Hospital

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Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Gabon)

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The Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné is a world-renowned medical and research center founded in 1913 by the German-French doctor, theologian, and philosopher Albert Schweitzer. Set on the banks of the Ogooué River, the hospital was established to provide essential medical care to the inhabitants of the central Gabonese rainforest. Schweitzer developed the hospital based on his philosophy of 'Reverence for Life,' a principle that guided his humanitarian work for over five decades. Today, the facility remains a functioning hospital specializing in infectious disease research, while also serving as a major historic site. The complex includes a museum that preserves Schweitzer’s original clinic, his living quarters, and his extensive personal library. His lifelong commitment in Lambaréné earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952, turning this remote location into a global symbol of humanitarian aid. The site seamlessly blends historical colonial-era buildings with modern laboratory facilities funded by international partners. Visitors are drawn here to honor the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to serving others in one of the world's most challenging environments. It stands as a unique intersection of history, ethics, and contemporary medical science.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné is a world-famous hospital founded by Albert Schweitzer. Visitors can tour the grounds and the museum dedicated to Schweitzer's life and work.
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Typical hours
The museum and grounds are typically open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekends and holidays may have restricted access; advance appointment is recommended.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed on the grounds and in the museum. Refrain from photography in hospital areas out of respect for patients and staff.
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Time needed
Allow about one hour for visiting the museum and a walk around the grounds. Those keen to delve deeper into history should allow more time.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a boat trip on the Ogooué River, on which the hospital is situated. The nearby town of Lambaréné also provides markets and cultural insights.
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Getting there
Albert Schweitzer Hospital is in Lambaréné, about 250 km from Libreville. You can reach it by car via the N1 or by boat on the Ogooué.
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Insider tip
Respect that the hospital is still operational; check visitor regulations in advance. The museum houses a fascinating collection of Schweitzer's personal belongings.

Geography

Coordinates
-0.69500, 10.22800

Facts

  • Founded in 1913 by Dr. Albert Schweitzer and his wife Helene
  • Located on the banks of the Ogooué River in the town of Lambaréné
  • Schweitzer won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952 for his work at this site
  • Currently operates as a leading international center for malaria research
  • Dr. Schweitzer and his wife are both buried on the hospital grounds
  • The historic hospital buildings are on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Albert Schweitzer MuseumAlbert Schweitzer Museum<1 km · EExplore →
Lambaréné Fishery HubLambaréné Fishery Hub3 km · SExplore →
Lake AzingoLake Azingo22 km · EExplore →
Mabounié Niobium ProjectMabounié Niobium Project22 km · NWExplore →
Lake MandjéLake Mandjé24 km · WExplore →
Lake OnanguéLake Onangué34 km · SWExplore →
FougamouFougamou69 km · NWExplore →
NdjoléNdjolé82 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Albert Schweitzer Hospital (1)

Musée Albert Schweitzer🏛 museum

A museum about the life and work of Albert Schweitzer. Handy for researchers, students and tourists.

🕒 Sa, Su 08:00-18:00; Mo-Fr 08:00-17:30💶

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the Albert Schweitzer Hospital?
The German-French physician and Nobel laureate Albert Schweitzer founded it in 1913.
Is the hospital still in operation?
Yes, it remains an important medical facility for the Lambaréné region.
Is there a museum on-site?
Yes, Schweitzer's former home now serves as a museum, displaying his instruments and writings.
Can you visit Albert Schweitzer's grave?
Yes, he is buried alongside his wife Helene on the hospital grounds.
How far is the hospital from Lambaréné?
It is located just a few kilometers outside the city center on the banks of the Ogooué.
Albert Schweitzer Hospital: where is it located?
Albert Schweitzer Hospital is located in Gabon.
Albert Schweitzer Hospital: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Albert Schweitzer Hospital: why is it worth visiting?
The Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné is a world-renowned medical and research center founded in 1913 by the German-French doctor, theologian, and philosopher Albert Schweitzer.
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Nearby cities

Lambaréné — Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Gabon)
Lambaréné
Famous for the hospital founded by Albert Schweitzer on the Ogooué River.
Ndjolé — Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Gabon)
Ndjolé
An important transportation hub on the Transgabon Railway.
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Lake Onangué
A vast, complex lake system teeming with wildlife and remote fishing villages.
Fougamou — Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Gabon)
Fougamou
A town on the Ngounié River, surrounded by dense forests.

Nature

Ogooué River — Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Gabon)
Ogooué River
The longest river in Gabon, traversing almost the entire country before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
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Lake Azingo
A picturesque lake north of Lambaréné, surrounded by tropical rainforest.
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Lake Mandjé
A smaller lake near the Ogooué River with unique flora.
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Lake Onangué
A large freshwater lake in the Ogooué delta, rich in fish and birds.

More places

Albert Schweitzer Museum — Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Gabon)
Albert Schweitzer Museum
The original buildings of the hospital founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Albert Schweitzer.
Lambaréné Old Quarter — Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Gabon)
Lambaréné Old Quarter
Historic quarters with buildings from the 19th-century trading era on the Ogooué River.
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Lambaréné Fishery Hub
A major location for inland fishing on the Ogooué River and surrounding lakes.
Mabounié Niobium Project — Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Gabon)
Mabounié Niobium Project
A mining project for the extraction of niobium and rare earths near Lambaréné.
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Ndjolé Historical Post
A former French military and commercial outpost on the Ogooué River.
Abanga Rainforest — Albert Schweitzer Hospital (Gabon)
Abanga Rainforest
A lush rainforest along the Abanga River with an extremely high tree density.