North of Tempelhofer Feld between the Kreuzberg hotspots of Südstern and Marheinekeplatz lies a hidden, sombre world: four adjoining cemeteries that provide not just a memorial to those lost but also a home to tranquil nature. Together the graveyards cover more than 20 hectares of heritage-protected gardens, offering the perfect space for a quiet, thoughtful walk that includes sculptures, gravestones and crypts. What awaits is a quite spectacular architectural journey, from classicism and historicism to art nouveau and modernism. Surrounded by statue-adorned stone walls, Friedhof Dreifaltigkeit II can be reached from the western side, from which a network of alleyways extends – unchanged since the site was laid out in 1811. Continuing on via the Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof II you reach the Friedhof Jerusalem IV, lined with charming avenues of aged linden trees.
Head towards the southern side you come across a quiet corner where a number of dilapidated mausoleums stand surrounded by cared-for but modest grounds. During your stroll through the paths and monuments, you might come across a few names you recognize – Martin Gropius is one of the figures buried at the site. Even in winter, the cemeteries teem with flora and fauna, and are thought to be one of the most species-rich green spaces in the area. It’s a place that offers a real sense of meditative relaxation – a thoughtful idyll in the middle of a hectic Kiez.
Text: Benji Haughton / Photos: Merle Büttner
Friedhof Dreifaltigkeit II, Friedrichswerderscher Friedhof II, and Friedhof Jerusalem IV are looked after by Der Evangelische Friedhofsverband Berlin Stadtmitte.
Daily 8–20h
