Visiting old Prussians & famous Berliners — discover the cemeteries of Berlin with the S-Bahn

Stone angels, cast-iron crosses, huge crypts, Hebrew inscriptions, monumental statues and famous names — Berlin's cemeteries are as varied as the city itself. In addition to both magnificent and modest grave decorations, the cemeteries also offer you a quiet and peaceful experience in nature amongst the hustle and bustle of the capital city. On the old cemeteries you stroll under old trees, enjoy the peace and quiet of the big city and avoid the countless joggers that are omnipresent in all parks of the city. In this Collection, we take you on eight hikes to ancient, unique and secluded cemeteries.

In the late 18th century, the General Prussian Land Law stipulated that all burial sites must be set up outside of cities. At that time, there were several smaller and larger cities spread out over what now constitutes as Berlin: the double city of Berlin-Cölln with its fortress walls, the wealthy Charlottenburg, the sophisticated Schöneberg and the tranquil Wilmersdorf. In between, several cemeteries were built on former fields. This is why many of the cemeteries in this Collection date back to this period: the Georgen-Parochial cemetery with its magnificent avenues in Friedrichshain, the Dorotheenstädtische Friedhof with its famous deceased in Mitte or the Alte Zwölf-Apostel-Friedhof in Schöneberg with its beautiful statues.

At that time, the Tempelhofer Feld was still used by the Berlin garrison for drills and at its edge, the Garrison Cemetry was used as the cemetery for the Prussian officers. Prussian King Wilhelm I maintained close relations with the Ottoman Empire and donated part of his garrison cemetery as a burial ground for members of the Ottoman embassy which makes the Turkish cemetery at Tempelhofer Feld the oldest Muslim cemetery in Germany.

Not only Christians and Muslims found their final resting place on Berlin soil – there are also many Jewish cemeteries in the city. The largest of them is the Jewish cemetery in Weißensee – with an area of 40 hectares this is the largest Jewish cemetery in Europe .

You see, on your walks around the Berlin cemeteries you will certainly not get bored: You not only enjoy the chilly shade of the trees in the Berlin summer, but also learn something about the history of the capital, its religions and their burial rituals and admire the grave design over time.

In times of Corona, our tour suggestions are mainly one thing: inspirations for hikes and bike tours in the near future, when the everyday restrictions are less strict. Please stay healthy, protect yourself and other people. Avoid any unnecessary travel — if the urgent desire for fresh air lures you out on our tours, please observe the distance and hygiene rules. By the way, FFP2 masks are mandatory in the Berlin S-Bahn!