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.
Castle pond area is being renovated
In an information event on 4 March 2026, Mayor Thomas Kütter and the department heads Thomas Blankenhagel (Transport and Civil Engineering Department) and Peter Börner (Parks Department) explained how the area around the Schloßteich pond is to be developed in the coming years.
There is a need for extensive action over the next few years, as some of the paths are in a very poor condition and the lack of connections has led to footpaths. The water quality of the castle pond also continues to be a cause for concern; desilting is long overdue and the Pleißenbach should be freed from its current coating.
Renovation of the paths
Small steps are already being taken: The renovation of the eastern main path (parallel to Promenadenstraße) started at the beginning of March. After that, the beaten path in the north-west will be removed. The paths will be given a light-coloured, lime-stabilised surface with dark basalt edging to ensure accessibility. They are expected to be completed by the end of July.
Towards the end of the year, the paths in the northern area to Müllerstraße, on the Schloßteichinsel and in the connection between Erich-Schmidt-Straße and Bergstraße will follow in a second construction phase.
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 imminent so that it can be used again. The refurbishment is being carried out in connection with the extension of the Chemnitz Model tram line to Limbach-Oberfrohna.
Stream to be uncovered
The next stage of the expansion work will involve uncovering the Pleißbach stream, which currently flows under Matthesstrasse in a channel that is in need of renovation. This will serve both flood protection and the upgrading of Matthesstrasse. To this end, the drainage in the castle pond also needs to be rethought. Initial concepts already exist
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.