Paving over" initiative
abpflaster is a Germany-wide friendly competition in which sealed surfaces such as paving stones, concrete or asphalt are broken up and planted. Residents, local authorities and organisations join forces and unseal public and private areas - to win the competition and improve the future of their neighbourhood. The competition is modelled on its Dutch counterpart Tegelwippen.
The 2026 season runs from 21 March to 31 October 2026.
Chemnitz is paving the way.
What can be paved over?
Gravelled gardens, sealed driveways and paths, front gardens, simply anything where water cannot seep away on the spot. Please only work on your own areas or consult with the owner.
Why take part?
Because it makes us cooler - in the truest sense of the word!
Unsealed, green areas beautify the cityscape and provide cooling. Rainwater can seep away and habitats for plants and animals are created.
Who can take part?
We can only win together! Every unsealed square centimetre counts. Regardless of whether we as a municipality or your company, you yourself, your neighbour, your friends, your school, your daycare centre or your club pave over - everything that is submitted for Chemnitz under paving over will be added up.
You can find the current ranking of our municipality under Ranking.
When will paving take place?
Basically always, but for this competition the areas must be paved during the season from 21 March 2026 to 31 October 2026 and registered on the "Abpflastern" website by the last day of the competition at the latest.
How does it work?
Find your area and take a photo before paving. Pave off happily and measure the area. Then add some soil and plants and take a photo afterwards. Go to Join in and submit your project.
Would you like to see your project on the City of Chemnitz page? Then send us your pictures and a short description. Please make sure that you allow us to use your material to the full extent.
Otherwise you can now show off your project to friends, colleagues and in general and start looking for the next space.
Thank you for taking part, be proud of yourselves!
Do you have any questions or suggestions?
Write an e-mail to stadtnatur(at)stadt-chemnitz.de
What can be paved over?
Gravelled gardens, sealed driveways and paths, front gardens, simply anything where water cannot seep away on the spot. Please only work on your own areas or consult with the owner.
Why take part?
Because it makes us cooler - in the truest sense of the word!
Unsealed, green areas beautify the cityscape and provide cooling. Rainwater can seep away and habitats for plants and animals are created.
Who can take part?
We can only win together! Every unsealed square centimetre counts. Whether we as a municipality or your company, yourself, your neighbour, your friends, your school, your daycare centre or your club - everything that is submitted for Chemnitz under paving will be added up.
You can find the current position of our municipality under Ranking.
When will paving take place?
Basically always, but for this competition the areas must be paved during the season from 21 March 2026 to 31 October 2026 and registered on the "Abpflastern" website by the last day of the competition at the latest.
How does it work?
Find your area and take a photo before paving. Pave off happily and measure the area. Then add some soil and plants and take a photo afterwards. Go to Join in and submit your project.
Would you like to see your project on the City of Chemnitz page? Then send us your pictures and a short description. Please make sure that you allow us to use your material to the full extent.
To the info material
Text above the picture
To the youth competition
Questions or suggestions?
Please send an e-mail to stadtnatur(at)stadt-chemnitz.de