Colonia-Haus

The Colonia-Haus in Cologne-Riehl is a distinctive part of the Cologne skyline, standing in a prominent spot right on the banks of the Rhine. At 147 meters (155 meters including the antenna), it was the tallest building in Germany from 1973 to 1976. Until 2020, it was also considered the tallest high-rise in Germany used primarily for residential purposes. The landmark-protected building was designed by architect Henrik Busch and completed in 1976. It is named after its original developer, the Colonia insurance company, whose advertising sign adorned the tower until 1998. Today the building has 45 floors with a total of 373 units, including 352 apartments as well as commercial space on the lower levels, and is home to around a thousand people.

The building's amenities are designed with residents' comfort in mind. On the ground floor you'll find a swimming pool overlooking the Rhine, along with a Finnish sauna with a plunge pool, a relaxation room, and fitness and table tennis areas. These wellness facilities have been in place since the building was constructed in 1973. Other conveniences include four high-speed elevators, a parking garage, a bicycle storage room, and a city-run daycare center. The top floor is home to the "Top of Cologne" event space, which can be booked by the public and offers panoramic views of the city. The technical infrastructure includes central ventilation, which provides a base temperature via a district heating connection, while additional heating is supplied by decentralized electric units.

Unfortunately, visitors cannot tour the upper floors, as a doorman controls access. The building is currently undergoing extensive renovation: initial structural damage to the balconies was identified in 1985 and was traced to defects in the concrete in 2009. Its listing on the City of Cologne's register of protected monuments in 2015 made the construction work considerably more difficult. Since cranes were installed on the roof in 2023, preparations have been under way for the actual balcony renovation, with costs estimated at €27 million.