Chemnitz in the state of emergency: opening of the Capital of Culture Year!

On January 18, 2025, Chemnitz will celebrate the official start of the Capital of Culture 2025 with an opening ceremony. The event attracts several tens of thousands of visitors and results in extensive traffic and security measures. As early as January 15, the preparatory road traffic measures begin with smaller closures. In a significant step, Brückenstraße will be completely closed from 9 a.m. to January 23, 6 p.m.

The security measures have been reinforced, especially with regard to an attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg. Six meetings are registered on the opening day, including one of the DGB and a demonstration of the Free Saxons with up to 2000 participants, four of whom are already approved. The police and city are well prepared for the meetings and have implemented corresponding security concepts.

traffic adjustments and parking spaces

The transport network is strongly adjusted during the celebration. On January 18, additional road closures in the city center, especially in the Street of Nations and Carolastraße, will follow, which apply until midnight. Deadover routes are signposted via the Bahnhofs, Dresdner and Hartmannstraße. The Chemnitz Verkehrsbetriebe (CVAG) and the City-Bahn have changed their timetables and offer increased connections. On January 18, the buses and trains run from 3 p.m. every ten-minute cycle, supported by 75 additional trains and 49 buses, which also ensure that the connections are safe until the night.

The city recommends using the approximately 8,000 parking spaces outside the city center or the journey by public transport in order to relieve traffic in the center. Parking garages such as the Galeria Kaufhof and town hall passages remain accessible, while special parking facilities are provided.

The central events of the day start with stage programs from 11 a.m. and culminate at 7 p.m. in the opening ceremony in front of the Karl Marx Monument. Access to the opening show takes place via locks with controls.