Schloßteich is a charming park pond in Chemnitz, surrounded by greenery and steeped in history dating back to a medieval Benedictine monastery. It's a place where locals have relaxed for generations, rowing boats and strolling past monuments and fountains.

The pond was created back in 1493 as a fish pond for the monastery, and it's still fed today by the Pleißenbach stream. On the island in the middle stands the Zipper Fountain, and throughout the park you'll find the sculpture group 'The Four Times of Day' by Johannes Schilling, originally displayed on the Brühl's Terrace in Dresden. In summer the atmosphere is relaxed and leisurely, with rowing boats and paddle boats available for hire, while in winter the frozen pond becomes a popular natural ice rink for the people of Chemnitz. The surrounding park was significantly expanded after 1930, once the old factory halls of the Sächsische Maschinenfabrik were demolished.

How to get there

• Chemnitz city centre — approx. 15-20 minute walk, easy, flat route suitable for everyone
• Accessible by CVAG city buses (lines 21, 22, 23, 32, 76) to stops in the Schloßchemnitz district

Practical information

• Rowing and paddle boats can be hired during the warmer months
• In winter the pond is used as a natural ice rink, weather permitting
• Free entry to the park, accessible around the clock

Fun fact: the name of the pond and the entire Schloßchemnitz district comes from the palace built after the secularisation of the Benedictine monastery, whose history goes all the way back to 1136.