Gartenstadt-Nord

Gartenstadt-Nord is a residential complex in northern Cologne featuring Y-shaped point houses, three-story apartment buildings, and single-family homes arranged around Altonaer Square. The development mixes housing types with green spaces and ground-floor shops throughout the layout.

Construction started in 1957 to address housing shortages for refinery and automobile factory workers in the region. A section was inaugurated in 1959 as a Catholic community settlement by Cardinal Josef Frings.

The name reflects the garden city movement, which aimed to combine housing with green spaces. Visitors can see how homes are arranged around squares with gardens integrated into daily living.

The complex is easily accessible on foot with wide pedestrian pathways connecting different areas and nearby public transit stops. It is best visited on weekends to observe the residential character and see families using the shared spaces around the square.

The original houses from 1936 featured large vegetable gardens that allowed residents to grow their own food for self-sufficiency. This approach represented an early experiment in combining urban living with sustainable practices.

Location: Cologne

GPS coordinates: 50.99465,6.93364

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:15