Jewish Cemetery Weißensee Berlin
Europe's second-largest Jewish cemetery, a vast and solemn memorial ground with over 115,000 graves and poignant Holocaust tributes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Jewish Cemetery Weißensee Berlin
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's second-largest Jewish cemetery, a vast and solemn memorial ground with over 115,000 graves and poignant Holocaust tributes.
"A deeply moving and historically significant site, offering a profound connection to Berlin's Jewish past."
🤝 Respectful Etiquette
Dress modestly. Placing stones on graves is customary. Wash hands at the station upon leaving.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The cemetery is large, so wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Holocaust Memorial
Central area
A poignant memorial dedicated to victims of the Holocaust, serving as a solemn reminder of history.
Herbert Baum Monument
Specific section
Honoring the anti-fascist resistance fighter, a key figure in Jewish resistance history.
Vast Grave Fields
Throughout the cemetery
Explore over 115,000 graves, showcasing diverse Jewish history and traditions across generations.
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visitation
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Respectful Etiquette
Dress modestly. Placing stones on graves is customary. Wash hands at the station upon leaving. +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The cemetery is large, so wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking.
🗺️ Explore with a Guide
Consider a guided tour to understand the rich history and significance of the site.
📸 Photography
Be mindful and respectful when taking photos, especially near graves or memorials.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Respectful Etiquette
Dress modestly. Placing stones on graves is customary. Wash hands at the station upon leaving. +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The cemetery is large, so wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking.
🗺️ Explore with a Guide
Consider a guided tour to understand the rich history and significance of the site.
📸 Photography
Be mindful and respectful when taking photos, especially near graves or memorials.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Jewish Cemetery Weißensee for its immense historical significance and solemn beauty. Many find it a deeply moving and important place for remembrance, particularly the Holocaust memorials. While its size can be overwhelming, the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with history are highly valued.
"The Cemetery of Weissensee in Berlin is a beautiful and tranquil historical site, known for its serene atmosphere and stunning architecture. Established in the 19th century, it serves as the final resting place for notable figures, including artists, writers, and politicians. The cemetery is also renowned for its impressive graves and memorials, reflecting different architectural styles. A peaceful place for reflection, it offers visitors a glimpse into Berlin’s rich cultural and historical heritage."
Dani Baal
"A truly peaceful place for a walk and surprisingly intact, if somewhat run-down, old grave stones. It's enormous, so give yourself plenty of time! Not open on Saturdays and men are required to wear a hat."
Tom Linton
"In this cemetery people could see the history. Especially for me. I am a Chinese, when I wandered among the tombs, I found a tombstone which was carved with the word “China”. As a Chinese I can’t help having a look, but it was a tragic story. The owner of this tomb died in 1940. Before he leaved for Guangdong of China to flee from that calamity，he was arrested by SS, and then he was murdered. In Second World War, although Chinese people at that time were invaded by Japanese militarism and lived in the war-torn territory, they still accepted and helps a lot of jews. Today I saw this tombstone, I believed there must be some karma or connection between us in history, cause there were thousands tombs in this cemetery, but I just encountered this tomb and saw this tombstone. I hope the owner of this tomb could Rest In Peace and his soul could fulfill his wish in another world. Finally I hope everyone in his or her Life could enjoy the eternal peace, and all the wars could stop in the future.
Ps: you can only enter into the cemetery through the main entrance, cause the cemetery is enclosed with high walls. You can’t get into the cemetery with any other entrance, while the google map offered a wrong route, so It costed me a lot of time to find the right way."
Z vovo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is accessible via public transport. Take tram M4 or M13 to the 'Herbert-Baum-Straße' stop. Buses 150 and 250 also serve the area.
Limited parking may be available near the entrance, but public transport is generally recommended due to the cemetery's size and potential for crowds.
While possible, it's a significant distance. Public transport is the most efficient way to reach the Weißensee Jewish Cemetery from central Berlin.
Tram M4 or M13 to 'Herbert-Baum-Straße' is a direct and convenient option. Check local transport apps for real-time schedules.
The surrounding Weißensee area has parks and local amenities. The Jewish Museum Berlin is a separate, significant site worth visiting if you're interested in Jewish history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the cemetery is generally free, but donations are appreciated to help with maintenance.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official cemetery website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
No, there is no mandatory entrance fee. However, donations are encouraged to support the upkeep of this historic site.
It's advisable to check the cemetery's specific holiday schedule, as hours may be altered or the site may be closed on certain Jewish holidays.
Guided tours are often available and highly recommended. Booking in advance is usually advised, especially during peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Dress modestly, avoid loud behavior, and be respectful. Placing a small stone on a grave is a common practice. Wash your hands at the designated station upon leaving. +1
Yes, placing stones is a traditional gesture of remembrance. You can find small stones at the cemetery office or bring your own. +1
It is one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe, covering a vast area with over 115,000 graves.
Basic facilities, including hand-washing stations, are typically available. It's wise to bring your own water, especially during warmer months.
Photography is generally permitted, but always be discreet and respectful. Avoid intrusive shots, especially of mourners or private ceremonies.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand entrance, the Holocaust memorial, and the tree-lined avenues offer striking photographic opportunities. Capture the atmosphere of peace and remembrance.
While generally allowed, be mindful of privacy and respect. Avoid photographing individuals without their consent and refrain from intrusive shots.
Any camera or smartphone can capture the beauty. Consider a wide-angle lens for expansive shots and a prime lens for detailed grave inscriptions.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in cemeteries to maintain peace and respect. Always check local regulations before flying any aerial devices.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers softer, more atmospheric conditions for photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more interactive, you could turn it into a 'history hunt' for specific memorials or unique gravestone designs, always with a focus on respect. Ensure children wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved. Bringing a small notebook for them to sketch or write down observations can also be a good way to keep them engaged. Remember to explain the tradition of placing stones as a way to show respect and remembrance.
🤔 History Enthusiasts
Explore the various architectural styles of the gravestones, which can reflect different eras and artistic trends within the Jewish community. The sheer scale of the cemetery offers a unique perspective on the size and influence of Berlin's Jewish population before WWII. Pay close attention to the Holocaust memorials and understand their context within the broader history of the site. Consider researching specific families or individuals before your visit to make your exploration more targeted and meaningful. The cemetery is a living testament to a community's resilience, tragedy, and enduring legacy, offering countless avenues for historical inquiry.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance of Weißensee
Within its expansive grounds lie numerous memorials, most notably the Holocaust Memorial, a stark and moving tribute to the victims of Nazi persecution. This memorial, along with others commemorating WWI soldiers and resistance fighters like Herbert Baum, underscores the cemetery's role as a site of remembrance and reflection on Germany's complex past. Exploring Weißensee offers a tangible connection to the history of Jewish people in Berlin and the devastating impact of the Holocaust.
Visiting Weißensee is an opportunity to engage with history on a deeply personal level. It's a place where the past is not just remembered but felt. The quiet dignity of the grounds, the stories etched in stone, and the overarching sense of remembrance make it a crucial destination for understanding Berlin's heritage.
Visitor Etiquette and Traditions
Modest dress is highly recommended, reflecting the solemnity of the location. While there isn't a strict dress code, avoiding overly casual or revealing clothing is advisable. Many visitors opt to cover their heads, though this is not always a strict requirement for non-Jewish visitors. Upon leaving the cemetery, it is customary to wash your hands at the designated station, a practice symbolizing purification after visiting the departed.
It's important to move through the cemetery quietly and respectfully. Avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior. The cemetery is a place of peace and remembrance, and visitors are expected to contribute to that atmosphere. Understanding and observing these traditions enhances the experience and shows due reverence for the site and its inhabitants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit