Be sure to pack sturdy shoes, because right on the outskirts of Berlin lies the Südwestkirchhof Stahnsdorf, which, with its impressive 206 hectares, is one of the region’s most fascinating destinations. The monumental complex was opened in 1909 to accommodate Berlin’s rapidly growing population and today serves both as an active cemetery and as a vast landscape monument.
The Südwestkirchof is the tenth-largest cemetery in the world and the second-largest in Germany after the Ohlsdorf Cemetery. Anyone looking to escape the noise of the city for a few hours can stroll through dense pine forests, discover ornate mausoleums, and enjoy an enchanting park-like atmosphere that is unmatched anywhere in Germany.
A stroll through Norwegian Wood and a world-famous TV series setting
In the middle of the thicket, you’ll suddenly come across a wooden cemetery chapel that looks like it could have come straight out of a Scandinavian fairy tale. Architect Gustav Langenbeck designed the building—consecrated in 1911—in the style of a Norwegian stave church, complete with ornate carvings and colorful stained-glass windows. For TV series fans among you, the gloomy setting may also seem suspiciously familiar. Netflix filmed several key scenes from the hit mystery series *Dark* in the misty avenues surrounding the chapel.
In addition, the Südwestkirchhof features numerous art-historical graves reflecting the funerary culture of the early 20th century. One of the most famous tombs is undoubtedly that of the merchant Julius Wissinger. His Expressionist tomb, designed by Max Taut and Otto Freundlich, was erected here in 1920.
The final resting place of Berlin’s prominent figures at the Südwestkirchhof
Amid ivy-covered arbors and ancient giant trees, you’ll encounter names at every turn that have significantly shaped Berlin’s and Germany’s history. Among those laid to rest on the grounds is silent-film visionary Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau (Nosferatu), whose tomb attracts film enthusiasts from all over the world. Just a few steps away lie the entire Siemens family, graphic design legend Heinrich Zille with his striking grave, and TV host Dieter Thomas Heck.
Getting There: How to Reach Your Destination Stress-Free
By public transportation, take the S-Bahn to Wannsee or Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, and from there take bus 623 directly to the “Stahnsdorf, Bahnhofstraße” stop. By car, head to the address via Potsdamer Allee. You’ll find free parking right in front of the main entrance.
📍 Location: Bahnhofstraße 2, 14532 Stahnsdorf
📆 Date and time: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. until dusk
⏳ Duration: About 2 to 3 hours for a leisurely tour
💵 Cost: Free admission (donations for maintenance are welcome)
ℹ️ Website: suedwestkirchhof.de
