The stadium, now located within the city of Wernigerode, originates from an ice rink built on its site in the then village of Schierke in 1911, when it became a popular winter resort in Germany (600 m above sea level). It hosted various competitions, including the national ice hockey championship in 1934. In 1950, the ice rink was replaced with a stadium - also with natural turf - for the first GDR winter sports championship that was held that year. Over time, the stadium received the status of a heritage site, but at the beginning of the 21st century it became dilapidated and required “reactivation”.
During the reconstruction of the terrace from local granite and
the wooden judges' tower, which was the subject of protection, have been preserved. At the same time, the ice cover was made artificial and provided the opportunity to use the stadium for concerts and performances, sports events, etc. in summer. The arena's capacity is now around 2,400 spectators. The name of the building was given by Schierker Feuerstein - the manufacturer of the herbal balm of the same name, originally produced in Schierk.
The most noticeable element of the renovation is the curved roof on a steel frame made of frame and cable mesh, covered with a PTFE membrane. Its shape made it possible to cover 2,700 m2, while preserving views of the mountains and the sky for people in the stadium. The roof is supported by two pillars, to which are attached compact buildings with a cafe, changing rooms, technical and administrative premises. A similar roof was erected by the same architects and engineers.
for Volkswagen in Wolfsburg.
The project for the Schierker Feuerstein arena was awarded the German Design Award 2019 and entered the 'long list' of the DAM 2019 award (which ultimately
received another reconstruction of the building of the era of the GDR).
