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Chemnitz joins Gorizia in Italy and Nova Gorica in Slovenia as a European Capital of Culture in 2025, earning this title largely due to its award-winning city center and rich industrial heritage.
Read here about Gorizia and Nova Gorica, European Capital of Culture in 2025.
How to Get to Chemnitz
Chemnitz is a city of 250,000 residents in Saxony, located 50 km from the Czech border in eastern Germany, and is the third largest city in Saxony. The nearest airports are Leipzig, 45 km away, and Dresden, 80 km away. Chemnitz is well-connected by both train and bus.
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Weather in Chemnitz
The best time to visit Chemnitz is June through August, with pleasant temperatures around 22 °C. July is typically the warmest month. From November to March, the average temperature does not exceed 6 °C, with January being the coldest month, ranging from -2 °C to +2 °C. May and September are also good months to visit, with highs reaching around 18 °C.
Where to Stay in Chemnitz
Here are some places to stay during your visit in Chemnitz, Saxony.
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You can book accommodation through Booking.com and explore Chemnitz at your own pace!
What to Visit in Chemnitz
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Sitting along the Chemnitz River and near the Ore Mountains to the north, Chemnitz’s history dates back to the 14th century when it held a monopoly on textile bleaching. In the 19th century, it became known for machine construction, fueled by local coal and lignite mines. The city hosted Germany’s first spinning mill, as well as its first machine tools and first locomotive.
Today, Chemnitz is an important transportation hub and industrial center with a focus on engineering, textiles, automotive, and electronics. Despite being heavily bombed during World War II, Chemnitz has been rebuilt and is home to several attractions:
Town Hall
Admire the Old and New Town Halls located near St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and the High Tower. For guided tours of the Town Halls and tower, contact the Chemnitz Tourist Information office.
Red Tower Chemnitz
This is the city’s oldest surviving building, dating back to the 12th century, and was part of the old city walls. It later served as a prison and a museum. Interior visits are possible by reservation only.
Schlossberg – Chemnitz Museum of History
Housed in a Benedictine monastery from 1150, this museum holds collections showcasing Chemnitz’s history, including beautiful paintings, sculptures, historic textiles, jewelry, furniture, and everyday objects.
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00–18:00; Wednesday 14:00–21:00.
- Admission: €8 (regular), €5 (reduced). Free on the first Friday of each month.
You can rent a car and explore 8 attractions in Chemnitz ! Book your car through Booking.com and choose the vehicle you prefer.
Museum of Saxon Vehicles
Discover the industrial history of Saxony and see textile machines, a working 1896 steam engine, and modern industrial robots. Guided tours and fun programs for kids are available.
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:00–17:00; Saturday-Sunday 10:00–17:00.
- Admission: €8 (regular), €5 (reduced). Free on the first Friday of each month.
Gunzenhauser Museum
Showcases an impressive art collection donated by Munich gallery owner Dr. Alfred Gunzenhauser, including the world’s largest collection of Otto Dix artworks.
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00–18:00; Wednesday 14:00–21:00.
- Admission: €8 (regular), €5 (reduced). Free on the first Friday of each month.
SMAC – Museum of Archaeology
Featuring over 6,000 exhibits, this museum is housed in the former Schocken Department Store. It showcases local history from 300,000 years ago to the industrial era, with the award-winning digital display „Model of Time Dynamic Saxony.”
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00–18:00; Thursday 10:00–20:00.
- Admission: €8 (regular), €5 (reduced).
Zoo Chemnitz
Visit Chemnitz’s zoo and enjoy a variety of animals! Open daily from 9:00, with closing times varying by season.
- Admission: €6.
Karl Marx Monument
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Although Karl Marx never visited Chemnitz, the city was named Karl-Marx-Stadt for 37 years. Today, a 7.1-meter-tall, 40-ton stylized statue of his head remains a significant landmark.
Chemnitz offers a fascinating blend of industrial heritage and modern attractions, making it an intriguing destination for cultural exploration in 2025.
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