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.
Schloßteichpavillon im neuen Glanz
Castle pond pavilion in new splendour
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.
Utilisation concept
Organisers can register here
Three years ago, the city council decided on a new utilisation concept for the Schloßteichinsel and the pavilion. In future, the area is to be firmly anchored in Chemnitz's cultural life. This green space is 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 Schloßteichinsel. 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 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 "Four Times of Day" group designed by sculptor Johannes Schilling can be found in the park not far from the castle pond.
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Fountain 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.