Bahnhof Hotel Aus

Bahnhof Hotel Aus is a renovated property in the village of Aus, in Namibia's Karas Region. Originally built in 1906, the wooden hotel burned down in 1948 and was rebuilt with bricks. It underwent extensive renovations in 2005 and reopened in August 2006, restored to its former glory. The hotel aims to place Aus on Namibia’s tourist map. Much of the original structure, such as wooden floors, was kept intact during renovation, and the bar was also restored. The property is designed for visitors to the quaint village, offering spaces like a large wooden sundeck. The hotel provides an atmosphere and personal touch designed to set it apart.

Accommodation is available in rooms within the main Bahnhof Hotel building, as well as in self-catering units known as Orange House, Aloe Rock House, and Aloe Rock Cottage. The main hotel offers thirteen en-suite double rooms. One of these rooms is wheelchair-friendly, and another is suitable for families. The self-catering units, Orange House, Aloe Rock House, and Aloe Rock Cottage, offer additional accommodation. Orange House provides individual en-suite twin-bed rooms with showers and toilets. Aloe Rock House features comfortable twin rooms with two separate bathrooms, each with a shower and toilet. Aloe Rock Cottage includes one twin and one single room, with a shared bathroom and an additional toilet. All rooms in the self-catering units are equipped with mosquito nets, fans, and built-in cupboards. The hotel overall provides accommodation in immaculate, elegantly decorated rooms.

A breakfast buffet is included, offering both English and continental options. For lunch and dinner, an à-la-carte menu is available. The Bahnhof salad, featuring fresh herbs from the hotel’s herb garden, is a popular lunch item. Other main course options include fish and chips, game carpaccio, and ostrich breast with sherry and litchi sauce. The hotel’s cuisine combines local flavours with an international flair. Freshly baked bread and cakes are offered daily, with popular choices including chocolate truffle mousse, dark-chocolate ganache, and apple crumble. The hotel bar has been restored and features a footrest made from remnants of the old railway line. Guests can enjoy long, leisurely lunches, snacks, and sundowners while taking in the views from the large wooden sundeck.

Bahnhof Hotel Aus is situated in the southern Namib Desert, in the village of Aus within the Karas Region of Namibia. Aus is located on the B4 trunk road, 125 kilometres east of Lüderitz and 220 kilometres from Keetmanshoop. It is also 123 kilometres from Helmeringhausen and 160 kilometres from Rosh Pinah. The hotel itself is found on the palm tree-lined, tarred main road of Aus, directly opposite the old railway station and across from the village's only filling station. The village and surrounding area are known for their history and natural features. A significant conservation area, the Namib Huib Plateau Park, is located 30 kilometres south of Aus. This park borders the Diamond Sperrgebiet and extends eastwards onto the Huib Plateau, with internal fences currently being removed to rehabilitate the pristine desert section. Nearly a third of the flora species in the Succulent Karoo vegetation area, which Aus is part of, flourish in and around the village. If rainfall is sufficient, the land becomes covered with flowers between March and July.

Bahnhof Hotel Aus suits guests interested in historical sites, desert landscapes, and wildlife. Its location in the small town of Aus, with its rich history dating back to German colonial times, appeals to those seeking a connection to the past. Visitors can explore local attractions such as the commonwealth graves of WWI prisoners and the visible ruins of the prisoner-of-war camp outside the village. The hotel is also suitable for nature enthusiasts, particularly those hoping to see the herd of approximately 170 wild horses, which can be viewed from a viewpoint 20 kilometres south-west of Aus on the way to Lüderitz. The region's unique flora, including seasonal carpets of flowers, attracts those with an interest in botany or photography. With an en-suite wheelchair-friendly room and a family-suitable room, the hotel caters to a range of accessibility and group needs. Its sundeck provides a setting for relaxation, while the diverse menu with local and international options caters to various tastes. The hotel aims to be a base for exploring the area, including the developing Namib Huib Plateau Park.