Castle pond
The area around the castle pond belonged to the Chemnitz monastery from the very beginning. Abbot Heinrich von Schleinitz had the castle pond built as a fish pond for the monastery in 1493. The Pleißenbach stream, which still waters the pond today, flowed around the castle pond. After the dissolution of the monastery, the pond was placed under the control of the Chemnitz authorities and was purchased by the city of Chemnitz in 1860 and converted into a recreational area.
The Zipper fountain was built on the castle pond island in 1913 and a new concert pavilion was built after the Second World War. During the warmer seasons, rowing and paddle boats can be hired from the castle pond.
Park paths along Promenadenstraße and in the northern part of the complex have been refurbished
Since March, the paths along the northern section of Schloßteichstraße and on Promenadenstraße have been resurfaced over a length of around 500 metres. The planning and implementation of this sensitive construction project were carried out in close consultation with the heritage conservation authority to ensure that the park’s aesthetic and historical requirements were met. In the longer of the two sections, the eastern main path – which runs parallel to Promenadenstraße – has been completely resurfaced over a length of approximately 440 metres. One of the aims of the path refurbishment was to prevent the formation of unauthorised footpaths within the historic grounds.
The northern section of the main path, up to the traffic lights at the junction of Schloßteichstraße and Promenadenstraße, is due to be completed next year.
moreCastle pond area is being renovated
Thomas Kütter, Mayor for Building and Construction, along with department heads Thomas Blankenhagel (Transport and Civil Engineering Department) and Peter Börner (Parks and Green Spaces Department) explained at an information event on 4 March 2026 how the area around the Schloßteich is to be further developed in the coming years.
There is a significant need for action over the coming years, as some of the paths are in very poor condition and, due to a lack of proper connections, well-trodden tracks have formed. Similarly, the water quality of the Schloßteich remains a cause for concern; dredging is long overdue and the Pleißenbach is to be freed from its current encasement.
Renovation of the paths
Initial steps are planned for the next two years: the refurbishment of the eastern main path (running parallel to Promenadenstraße) was completed in August. In addition, the footpath in the north-west has been removed. In 2027, a second phase of works will cover the paths in the northern area leading to Müllerstraße, on the Schloßteich island, and the section connecting Erich-Schmidt-Straße to Bergstraße.
Castle pond area is being renovated
Space for the tram
An important transport planning priority is the planning of the Chemnitz Model route along Leipziger Strasse. In the first section, the route will end at Konkordiapark, without interfering with the existing leisure facilities or newly planted trees. Once the tram line has been built in Hartmannstraße, traffic calming in Bergstraße is planned from May 2029.
New toilet block
The renovation of the old toilet block on Bergstraße is also due to take place, so that it can be used again. The renovation is being carried out as part of the extension of the Chemnitz Model tram line to Limbach-Oberfrohna.
Stream to be uncovered
In the next phase of the project, the Pleißbach stream will need to be uncovered; it currently flows beneath Matthesstraße in a culvert that is in need of renovation. This will serve both to provide flood protection and to upgrade Matthesstraße. To this end, the drainage system for the Schloßteich pond will also need to be redesigned. Initial proposals are already in place.
Castle pond pavilion in new splendour
Monument has received wall relief back
Refurbishment completed in summer 2020 - listed building has received its wall relief back
After two years of construction, the castle pond pavilion was completed in summer 2020. The costs for the one-year renovation totalled 580,000 euros. In addition, services for the laying of water and wastewater pipes were also included. In addition to funding from the ERDF Sustainable Urban Development programme, donations of 17,000 euros were also received from citizens.
The music pavilion on the Schloßteichinsel was designed by architect Rudolf Weiser in 1954 and inaugurated five years later. From then on, it was used as a venue for cabaret and concerts. The entire complex has been a listed building since 1993. For this reason, it was imperative to take conservation issues into account during the current refurbishment. For example, a colour assessment enabled the pavilion to be restored to its original colour. The flooring of the side wing has also been renewed in accordance with conservation requirements. Structural changes were also made to the floor, walls and roof in consultation with the heritage authority. The natural stone paving of the square was repaired and repointed.
The pavilion on the castle pond island is adorned with a wall relief that was previously covered in graffiti. The city had it restored as part of the building's renovation. The dance scene depicted is presumably the work of Chemnitz artist Gerhard Klampäckel (* 15 September 1919 - † 7 March 1998). However, this cannot be said with certainty.
Klampäckel created various public artworks in Chemnitz, including the "Windrose" mosaic at Rosenhof.
Use for events
Organisers can register here
The castle pond pavilion is set to become a cultural hotspot. The "Fuego a la Isla" festival, with performances by international bands and performance artists, songwriters and poetry slammers, shows that nature and culture have long "come together" on the castle pond island. Creative artists and associations want to make the renovated ensemble on the castle pond a centre of attraction once again.
Anyone wishing to use the pavilion on the Schloßteichinsel can contact the Parks Department. The scheduling and contracts for the use of the Schloßteichinsel and the pavilion will be organised there.
Music events and events with commercial operations must also be registered with the City of Chemnitz Legal and Public Order Office.
Schilling figures
Group of statues in the park by the castle pond
The history of the Chemnitz castle pond and Schilling's figures are closely linked. The listed group "Four Times of Day", designed by sculptor Johannes Schilling, can be found in the park not far from the castle pond.
moreFountain in the castle pond
20 metre high water feature
The new fountain system, which opened in 2017, will characterise the appearance of the castle pond for many years to come. The water feature consists of a central jet with a maximum height of approx. 20 metres and a surrounding fountain ring with ten jets; in accordance with the rule of the "golden section" with a maximum height of approx. 8 metres.