Schönau

Did you know Schőnau was once a small farming settlement? Imagine a time long ago in 1300 when it was first mentioned as “Schoena” a beautiful place in the Kappelbach valley. This is Schőnau a district of Chemnitz nestled in its western part. It’s bordered by other districts Rottluff Altendorf Kappel Stelzendorf and Siegmar. Schőnau’s history is rich and full of surprises. It belonged to the Chemnitz Benedictine monastery by 1375. The Schőnau manor was the largest of many small farms. Most of these farms were absorbed by the manor until the 18th century. Some were even used as building plots for the emerging industrialization. Schőnau became its own rural community in 1838. The area flourished. A glove factory appeared in the late 18th century. A stocking factory and a Wanderer vehicle factory followed in the 19th century. After Neustadt joined Schőnau in 1922 the two merged with Siegmar in 1935 to become Siegmar-Schőnau. This was a significant event in Schőnau’s history. Before the late 19th century Schőnau belonged to the St Nikolai parish in Chemnitz. Their church near today’s Falkeplatz had to close in 1882 due to structural issues. A new church was planned. Schőnau formed its own parish and built its own church. Construction started in 1885 and it was consecrated in 1887. Since 1936 it has borne the name Lutherkirche. The former Neustadt district emerged in the 16th century. Poor farmers settled around the Hőckericht manor first mentioned in 1375. Neustadt was initially part of the St Nikolai parish before joining Schőnau. Today the A72 highway runs right through where Neustadt used to be. It marks the current boundary between Schőnau and Siegmar. Only Neustädter Strasse remains as a reminder of Neustadt. Until 2004 the Gasthof Neustadt stood on Zwickauer Strasse. Neustadt’s former town hall still exists. Heavily damaged in World War II it was partially rebuilt and now serves as an apartment building. Schőnau’s industrial past is evident. The Chemnitz Arena is nearby. So is the Braustolz brewery and a Siemens branch. The B173 road and the Dresden-Werdau railway line run through Schőnau. The Chemnitz-Schőnau stop is served by regional trains between Dresden and Zwickau. The A72 forms Schőnau’s western boundary. The CVAG operates bus lines 41 43 26 23 73 and the night line N16 in Schőnau. Tram line 1 ended near the Schőnau church in 1988. It used to reach Reichenbrand but this stopped in 1981. From 2008 until 2011 it was line 2 and returned to line 1 in 2011 due to construction at Chemnitz main station. Schőnau has a fascinating story. It’s a testament to its resilience and enduring spirit. From its humble beginnings as a small farming community to its role as a thriving industrial hub Schőnau’s legacy is one of growth transformation and adaptation. A visit to Schőnau provides a glimpse into Chemnitz’s past. A reminder of the rich tapestry that makes up this vibrant city.