Chemnitz city tour

130 years ago, the Slavic settlement of Chemnitz became one of the largest and richest industrial cities in Germany. The city, which was growing incredibly fast at the time, with its many smoking chimneys, was called the Manchester of Saxony or Rußchamtz. The bleaching monopoly for linen in Saxony and the proximity to mining in the Ore Mountains contributed to the early development of industrial structures. With the development of the spinning jenny and the steam engine in England, all hell broke loose here within a few years. Everything that could be built was built: textile machines, locomotives, bicycles, cars. The German arms industry was also strongly represented here until the end of World War II. This marked the end of the city's rise. Chemnitz became Karl-Marx-Stadt and then Chemnitz again. Today, you will experience a city that is searching for its identity. It is a down-to-earth place that offers its residents plenty of creative freedom and still thrives on industry. As Europe's Capital of Culture in 2025, Chemnitz wants to write a new chapter. This time in culture.
During the city tour, you will experience the modern center of the city, which has its origins in today's castle district, as well as areas that were shaped by the times of industrialization and the GDR.