Chateau d'Eau de Colmar (Colmar Water Tower), Colmar

Welcome to the Colmar Water Tower (Chateau d’Eau de Colmar), a striking neo‑Gothic water tower perched atop one of the city’s highest points. Built between 1884 and 1886 by architect Jean‑Baptiste‑Victor Huen and Swiss engineer Heinrich Gruner, this elegant tower once regulated Colmar’s drinking water supply with a capacity of around 1,200 cubic meters. Standing approximately 53 meters tall, with a shaft diameter of 12.3 meters, it features ornate pointed arches, machicolations, corbels, and rusticated stonework typical of German industrial architecture of the late 19th century.

After serving the city for nearly a century, the tower was decommissioned in 1984, having become insufficient for the growing municipal needs. Its roof was updated in 1961, and soon thereafter, the tower was repurposed for cultural preservation, housing the Musée d’Histoire Naturelle et d’Ethnographie from 1959 to 1985 during its earlier years of disuse. In 1993, it was officially designated a monument historique, securing its legacy as the oldest preserved water tower in Alsace.

Today, the tower stands at the heart of Water Tower Park (Parc du Chateau d’Eau), a serene public garden just south of Colmar’s Old Town. The park spans around 1.4 hectares and is home to some of the city’s oldest trees, a rosarium featuring 38 varieties of roses, swamp cypresses, and redwoods, and the Bartholdi Monument near the southern entrance, honoring Colmar’s famed sculptor.

For visitors to Colmar, the Water Tower offers a peaceful respite and architectural interest away from the bustling Petite Venise and museum districts. A leisurely walk through its garden is perfect for photographs, relaxation, or enjoying a picnic beneath leafy canopies. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply seeking quiet beauty, this hidden gem reveals the quieter side of Colmar’s rich heritage.