Hikers shape Chemnitz: Summer construction site brings a breath of fresh air!

Hikers shape Chemnitz: Summer construction site brings a breath of fresh air!

Craftsmanship is flourishing in Chemnitz – and not just on paper. Around 100 young craftsmen and women embarked on the traditional journey, also known as “Walz”, and ended up in the cultural capital. The summer construction site, the largest annual meeting of hiking enthusiasts, takes place at eight different locations around Chemnitz, including the Botanical Garden and the Kulturscheune in Weiditz. Not only is there work here, but the tried and tested craft tradition is also upheld, he reports MDR.

What exactly do the traveling journeymen do? On the one hand, the roof of the cultural barn is being renovated and new stairs are being built for a former servants' house. On the other hand, the participants explain to us the ban on cell phones during the waltz - a rule that focuses on manual skills and social exchange. The journeymen are only allowed to spend the money they earn on food, but not on accommodation or transport.

Hiking as an experience

The reality of life for the traveling journeymen is just as diverse as their origins: Theresa, a 26-year-old carpenter from near Marburg, has been on the road for two and a half years. Sedric, the 22-year-old stonemason from the island of Rügen, has only discovered the freedom of wandering four months ago and is now having his first experience with a clay building. The story of Lennart, a 28-year-old boat builder who has been traveling for almost three years and wants to share his experiences with others, is also spectacular.

This hiking movement is not only an adventure, but is also recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in Germany. Every year around 450 journeymen take part in this tradition, which extends far beyond national borders. In 2025, Chemnitz will increasingly carry out charitable projects, an initiative that is supported by regional associations and aims to live the idea of ​​cosmopolitanism in everyday work, according to the Chemnitz2025.

Support from local initiatives

In order to support the journeymen and at the same time promote regional projects, the former journeyman Thomas Heidenreich leaves no stone unturned. He has set himself the task of organizing the summer construction sites in and around Chemnitz. With a call to craftsmen from the region, he wants to collect and support ideas. Anyone interested can contact us at any time via his cover letter and offer support. This shows how important the craft is not only for the individual journeymen, but also for the community that benefits from their commitment HWK Chemnitz reported.

A great example of passing on knowledge and experience is Theresa, who plans to accompany a young carpenter on her journey for three months and introduce her to the special facets of the craft. The journey is an invitation to develop and learn from each other - a step into the future of craftsmanship, which is more than possible in Chemnitz.