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Eduard Bohlen Shipwreck
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The shipwreck of the Eduard Bohlen is one of the most fascinating and frequently photographed relics on the Namibian Skeleton Coast, telling a surreal story of impermanence. The 95-meter-long German freighter ran aground on September 5, 1909, in thick fog while en route from Swakopmund to Table Bay. The extraordinary feature of this wreck is its current location: due to the steady migration of dunes and the accumulation of sand, the ship is now situated approximately 400 meters inland, in the middle of the desert. Over the decades, the wreck has almost completely sunk into the sand, with only the rusted skeleton of the deck and the funnels still protruding from the dune landscape. Following its beaching, the Eduard Bohlen briefly served as accommodation for diamond miners before finally being surrendered to the forces of nature. Visiting this site is only possible with special permits and experienced guides due to its extreme isolation, which further enhances the myth of the 'desert ship'. It remains a silent monument to the hazards of seafaring and the unstoppable power of the Namib Desert.
- Location: Namibia
- Nearby: Sandwich Harbour (68 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 8 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The wreck of the Eduard Bohlen lies in the middle of the desert and is a popular photo subject. Visitors can get up close to the rusting ship; entry is free.
Typical hours
The wreck is accessible at any time as it is on open ground. Visits should be made during daylight to avoid getting lost.
Photography
Photography is unrestricted; the decaying hull gives surreal shots contrasting with the sand. Wide-angle lenses work particularly well to capture the full scale.
Time needed
A visit typically lasts 30-45 minutes, enough time for photos and exploration. If you search the surroundings, you may take longer.
Combine with
The wreck is near Lüderitz and the restricted area known for diamond mines. A further drive to the ghost town of Kolmanskuppe is also a good combination.
Getting there
The wreck is reachable only with a four-wheel-drive vehicle as the road goes through sand. It is about 15 kilometers from Lüderitz; signs show the way.
Insider tip
Visit the wreck at sunrise when the light is especially dramatic and temperatures are pleasant. Bring plenty of water as there are no shaded spots in the desert.
Geography
Facts
- The ship ran aground on September 5, 1909.
- The freighter has a total length of 95 meters.
- The wreck is currently located about 400 meters from the sea.
- The ship's gross register tonnage was 2,272 tons.
- It briefly served as lodging for diamond mine workers.
- The Eduard Bohlen was built in 1891 in Hamburg, Germany.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Eduard Bohlen Shipwreck (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Eduard Bohlen wreck?
A ship that ran aground in 1909 and now lies in the middle of the sand desert.
How to get there?
Only with a guided 4x4 tour, as it is in a restricted area.
Why is it in the sand?
The coastline has changed over decades due to sand deposits.
Is it safe to visit?
Only with authorized guides who know the desert terrain.
What are the rules?
You must not damage the wreck or take parts from it.
Eduard Bohlen Shipwreck: where is it located?
Eduard Bohlen Shipwreck is located in Namibia.
Eduard Bohlen Shipwreck: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Eduard Bohlen Shipwreck: why is it worth visiting?
The shipwreck of the Eduard Bohlen is one of the most fascinating and frequently photographed relics on the Namibian Skeleton Coast, telling a surreal story of impermanence.
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A historic lighthouse near Lüderitz, warning sailors of the rugged, windswept coastline, near the spot where Bartolomeu Dias erected a st…
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One of the oldest surviving buildings in Lüderitz, which once served as an important social gathering place during the first diamond boom.
Felsenkirche Lüderitz
An impressive Neo-Gothic Lutheran church perched high on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, overlooking the town.
Goerke House
An elegant villa on Diamond Mountain in Lüderitz, built in 1910 for mining inspector Hans Goerke, reflecting the wealth of the diamond boom.
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An architecturally appealing historic railway station building that was once a major transport hub for the southern part of Namibia.
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Mountain region at the edge of the Namib.
Felsenkirche
A striking neo-Gothic Evangelical Lutheran church perched on a rocky plateau above the town of Lüderitz.
Lüderitz Colonial History
A port town with fascinating architecture for kids.
Kolmanskop Ghost Town
An abandoned diamond mining ghost town in the Namib Desert, with houses gradually being swallowed by sand.
Elizabeth Bay Mine
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