Fancy a tale of two villages becoming one? Then listen to the story of Kleinolbersdorf-Altenhain. This area is now Chemnitz’s second-largest district. Once, Kleinolbersdorf and Altenhain were separate. They united in 1974. In 1997, they became part of Chemnitz.
Let’s start with Kleinolbersdorf. The village was first noted in 1322. The lords of Schellenberg gave Olbersdorf to Chemnitz Monastery. After the Reformation, the area fell under the authority of the Chemnitz Office. By 1541, it was called Alberßdorf. The “Klein-” prefix distinguished it from other places with the same name. In 1789, Kleinolbersdorf built a new church. This happened after a fire destroyed the old medieval one. Around 1830, there were about 20 estates and 26 houses. A hosiery employed 60 people around 1900. A furniture factory employed 20. Many residents worked in Chemnitz factories.
Now, let’s step over to Altenhain. Altenhain was first mentioned in 1317 as “Altenheyn.” Ulrich von Ywan sold his forest in Altenhain to Chemnitz Monastery. By 1548, Altenhain was part of the Chemnitz Office. In 1810, there were 17 farms. By 1902, there were 16. These farms covered about 485 hectares.
Both villages share a history tied to the land. After the Reformation, both villages came under the Chemnitz Office. Agriculture and forestry were the main sources of income. Hosiery factories were also important. Kleinolbersdorf and Altenhain merged in 1974. They had been connected for a long time by common lords.
Do you know about the Gasthaus “Goldener Hahn” in Altenhain? In 1738, a local judge got permission to build the “Alterhahn” inn. In 1798, a blacksmith shop was added. Legend says a rooster crowed when Napoleon’s troops invaded. This alerted the defense, leading to the troops’ defeat. Hence, the name “Goldener Hahn” meaning Golden Rooster.
Have you heard about the Sternmühle? Around 1540, a sawmill existed in the Schwarzbach valley. This valley is now called Sternmühlental. The mill cut wood into boards. A bakery and tavern also operated there. The official tavern started in 1844. August Bergt got a license for the “Sternmühle.” The façade shows the inn’s history. It was designed by Gerhard Franke from Grüna. The Sternmühle is a popular destination near the Black Forest.
Today, Kleinolbersdorf-Altenhain has grown since becoming part of Chemnitz. The garden city of Kleinolbersdorf has expanded again. Altenhain’s town hall square has been nicely redesigned. Despite these changes, Kleinolbersdorf-Altenhain retains its village charm.