The invention relates to an energy guiding chain for guiding cables, hoses and the like between two connecting points that move relative to each other, comprising a plurality of tubular chain links (1), which are connected to each other in articulated fashion and made of plastic, and each of which displays a bottom wall (2), adjoining, opposite side walls (3, 4), and a cover wall (5), where the cover wall (5) is or can be detachably connected to the side walls (3, 4), the side walls (3, 4) each display a pivot pin (6) and a joint opening (7) for the articulated connection of adjacent chain links (1), the pivoting angle is limited by stops (8) in both pivoting directions, and the cover walls (5), side walls (3, 4) and bottom walls (2) overlap over the entire pivoting angle. On an energy guiding chain of this kind, the protection of the interior is to be even further improved, and handling during opening and closing of the energy guiding chain facilitated. According to the invention, this is made possible by the fact that the cover wall (5) displays at least one fastening tab (11) on each side, in that the fastening tabs (11) reach over the outer surfaces of the side walls (3, 4), in that snap-in elements (12) are provided on the inner surfaces of the fastening tabs (11) facing towards the outer surfaces of the side walls (3, 4), in that mating snap-in elements (13) are provided on the outer surfaces of the side walls (3, 4), interacting with the snap-in elements (12) of the fastening tabs (11), and in that the snap-in elements (12) and mating snap-in elements (13) form a hinge on at least one side of the energy guiding chain.