Chemnitz is a hub for mechanical engineering, automotive sciences and microsystems technology. A long tradition of industrial culture has significantly shaped this “City of Modernity”. Here at the TU Chemnitz and its research institutes you will find excellent academic and research conditions. And thanks to its familiar atmosphere and low rental prices, it’s an ideal place to study.
Facts
246,334 Inhabitants ¹
9,817 Students ²
1 Higher education institution ²
WELCOME TO CHEMNITZ
Chemnitz is a large city in the state of Saxony located near the central highland region of the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains). Its time-honoured industrial culture is still alive and well today. Chemnitz is known for mechanical engineering, its auto industry and microsystems technology. Many of the research activities take place at the Technische Universität (TU) Chemnitz. Several of its institutes even belonged to the prestigious German “Excellence Initiative”. Several well-known Fraunhofer Institutes also offer employment to researchers.
Until German reunification in 1990, Chemnitz was called Karl Marx City. Today the city’s most famous landmark is a gigantic sculpture of the philosopher’s head. The monumental bust is displayed on a pedestal in the middle of town. Residents of Chemnitz simply call it the “Nischel” – which means “head” in the Saxon dialect. Measuring seven metres in height, the bronze sculpture is allegedly the second largest portrait bust in the world – after the Sphinx.
Chemnitz is a working-class city with a very eventful history which is still evident today. Thousands of jobs were lost due to the economic turmoil which resulted from the demise of the GDR. But since then, the city has gotten back onto its feet and is growing again. There are still many vacant flats in town, which is why rental prices are very reasonable. It’s not very hard to find a nice, affordable flat.
You can learn more about the city’s industrial history at the . In addition to steam-powered locomotives and many other exhibits, you can also admire the famous Trabi. This iconic car was originally developed in Chemnitz and dominated the streets of the former GDR.
Tip
The Chemnitz River winds its way through the city. The city park stretches up along both sides of the river. After a long day at university, it’s a great place to enjoy a deep breath of fresh air. It’s also an ideal spot for taking a bike tour to get to know the city better.
The city centre has been completely redesigned over the past decades. Today you’ll find modern shopping centres and office buildings around the marketplace in front of the city hall. Chemnitz proudly presents itself as the “City of Modernity” with a number of impressive buildings. For example, the “Stadtbad” (municipal indoor pool), built in the famous Bauhaus style, is definitely worth seeing. You can combine exercise and sightseeing in one visit.
Interview
ARPINE FROM ARMENIA
LIVING IN CHEMNITZ
Life in Chemnitz takes place in the centre of town. This is where you’ll find pubs and bars. The campus on Reichenhainer Strasse is just as important for students, who often meet there after classes to participate in numerous student clubs. In the former pedestrian zone “Brühl” near the main train station, there are a number of beautiful cafés and stylish, alternative shops.
The Theaterplatz is where the popular „Film Nights“ take place during the summer. You can get together with friends and watch the latest movies on a big screen under the open sky. The Museum Gunzenhauser is a very famous Chemnitz museum which features the famous Expressionist painters. This and the König Albert Museum are definitely worth visiting. We also recommend going to the opera on Theaterplatz. As a student, you normally receive a concession rate on tickets to the opera and ballet.
When the weather is nice, many residents of Chemnitz like spending time at the “Schlossteich” – a lake located in a park a bit north of the city centre. That’s where you can hang out, meet with friends or rent a rowboat in the summertime. The Küchwald at the north end of the city is an even larger recreational area. If you like jogging, the park has kilometres of paths perfect for running.
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