Ohlsdorf Cemetery
World's largest park cemetery, Ohlsdorf is a vast, green sanctuary of art, history, and nature with unique memorials.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lush greenery & wildlife
Ohlsdorf Cemetery
Best Time
Lush greenery & wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World's largest park cemetery, Ohlsdorf is a vast, green sanctuary of art, history, and nature with unique memorials.
"It's the biggest rural cemetery in the world, and the fourth-largest overall, a truly unique place."
🚲 Rent a Bike
Navigate the vast grounds easily by renting a bike. Essential for covering more ground!
🗺️ Grab a Map
Don't get lost! Pick up a map at the entrance to plan your exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Garden of Women
Eastern part of the cemetery
A unique section dedicated to women, featuring poignant glass cubes and children's drawings.
Ouija Tombstone
Section 'P'
Discover this intriguing and unusual tombstone, a unique find for those seeking the unconventional.
Impressive Mausoleums & Sculptures
Various sections
Marvel at magnificent mausoleums and intricate sculptures, showcasing diverse artistic and historical significance.
Diverse Burial Sections
Throughout the cemetery
Explore distinct areas like the Jewish cemetery, Muslim graves, and war graves, reflecting a rich history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scale
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Rent a Bike
Navigate the vast grounds easily by renting a bike. Essential for covering more ground!
🗺️ Grab a Map
Don't get lost! Pick up a map at the entrance to plan your exploration.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort for your feet.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture the stunning scenery, unique tombstones, and abundant wildlife.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent a Bike
Navigate the vast grounds easily by renting a bike. Essential for covering more ground!
🗺️ Grab a Map
Don't get lost! Pick up a map at the entrance to plan your exploration.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort for your feet.
📸 Bring Your Camera
Capture the stunning scenery, unique tombstones, and abundant wildlife.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, carry water as you'll be covering a large area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ohlsdorf Cemetery for its immense beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and historical significance, often comparing it to a vast park. Many are impressed by the sheer scale, the diverse and artistic memorials, and the abundant wildlife. Some find it easy to get lost, and a few mention the need for clear signage in certain areas.
"It was beautiful walk, l7shes greenery.
Lot of history here.
The walk was amazing saw many mushrooms and plenty of wild life, and some amazing tombstones.
Wild life i encounter was:
Ducks, hawk, mice, frog, rabbit, and bunch of other birds."
chef_narb
"Beautiful, quiet and peaceful place. I can't believe this was the first time we've been there, living relatively close, but I'm certainly planning on visiting more often. The park is large, and kept nicely, so much beautiful greenery and beautiful statues to look at. The graves are neat and tidy, many have flowers planted and it looks so nice while they bloom. The free roaming geese are an added attraction. A truly wonderful place!"
Sara Czerny
"One of the most beautiful (and unique) cemeteries I have visited. It's the biggest rural cemetery in the world (and the fourth-largest overall). I didn't know what a rural cemetery was (also known as a garden cemetery) so had to check Wikipedia. It's a style of cemetery that became popular in the mid-19th century due to the overcrowding and health concerns of urban cemeteries. They were typically built a few miles outside of the city, far enough to be separated from the city, but close enough for visitors. They often contain elaborate monuments, memorials, and mausoleums in a landscaped park-like setting. Statues and memorials included depictions of angels and cherubs as well as botanical motifs such as ivy representing memory, oak leaves for immortality, poppies for sleep and acorns for life. The Ohlsdorf cemetery is almost 1000 acres with 12 chapels, 11 miles of streets and 2 city-run bus lines with 25 bus stops in the cemetery. It employs over 200 full-time gardeners. 2 million people from all over the world visit the cemetery every year and 40% of all burials in Hamburg take place there."
Irma Zandl
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Ohlsdorf Cemetery easily via public transport. Take the S-Bahn line S1 towards Poppenbüttel or Hamburg Airport and get off at the 'Ohlsdorf' station. From there, it's a short walk to the main entrance.
Yes, there are parking facilities available for visitors arriving by car. However, due to the cemetery's size, it's often recommended to use public transport.
Surprisingly, yes! Ohlsdorf Cemetery has its own internal bus lines with multiple stops, making it easier to navigate the extensive grounds.
The cemetery is largely wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and available seating throughout.
The cemetery is generally open daily from early morning until dusk. Specific hours can vary slightly by season, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Ohlsdorf Cemetery is free. It functions as a public park, allowing visitors to explore its grounds without admission fees.
Yes, guided tours are often available, offering insights into the history, art, and unique sections of the cemetery. Check the official website for schedules and booking information.
You can visit most sections freely. For specific historical or notable graves, a map is highly recommended. Some areas might have restricted access for ongoing services.
While the cemetery itself is free to enter, any on-site museums or special exhibitions may have separate admission fees. It's advisable to check in advance.
The cemetery provides maps at the entrance, which are crucial for locating specific graves or sections. Online resources or asking at the information center can also assist.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, allowing you to capture the beauty and history. However, always be respectful and avoid intrusive photography, especially near services or private memorials.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries to ensure peace and privacy. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by the cemetery management.
The 'Garden of Women', the various mausoleums, the Jewish and Muslim sections, and areas with mature trees and water features are particularly photogenic.
Yes, you can photograph tombstones for personal interest. However, be mindful of the privacy of the deceased and their families.
While not always advertised, some local photography groups might organize tours. It's worth checking local event listings or photography forums.
🎫 🌳 Nature & Wildlife
Visitors often report seeing ducks, hawks, frogs, rabbits, various birds, and even mice. The mature trees and ponds create a rich habitat.
Yes, it's often described as a park cemetery or garden cemetery due to its extensive green spaces, mature trees, and landscaped areas.
While not designated birdwatching spots, the diverse flora and water bodies attract a variety of bird species throughout the cemetery.
Picnics are generally permitted in designated areas, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Be sure to clean up after yourself.
The cemetery boasts over 2000 trees, many of which are over 100 years old, contributing to its park-like atmosphere and ecological value.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The cemetery's park-like atmosphere makes it feel less like a traditional cemetery and more like a large, interesting park. For a more structured visit, look for guided tours that might cater to a broader audience, or focus on finding unique and visually interesting tombstones and sculptures that can spark a child's imagination. Remember to emphasize the importance of respectful behavior throughout your visit. 🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Taphophiles
The 'Garden of Women' and the diverse religious sections provide rich historical and cultural insights. Solo exploration allows for a personal and reflective experience, where you can wander at your own pace, discover hidden corners, and connect with the stories etched in stone. Don't forget to grab a map and perhaps a bike to maximize your exploration time. 📸 Photographers
+1 Explore the unique artistic expressions on tombstones, the poignant memorials in the 'Garden of Women', and the distinct character of the Jewish and Muslim burial grounds. The changing seasons also offer different photographic opportunities, from spring blooms to autumn foliage. Remember to be mindful of light and composition, and always maintain a respectful distance and demeanor while capturing your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Museum: Art and History
The cemetery also features significant historical sections, including a mass grave for victims of Operation Gomorrha, British Commonwealth War Graves, and memorials for resistance fighters, offering solemn reflection on pivotal moments in history. Beyond the individual graves, Ohlsdorf is renowned for its themed sections. The 'Garden of Women' is a particularly moving area, featuring over 400 gravesites dedicated to women, often adorned with glass cubes and children's drawings, creating a deeply personal and touching atmosphere.
The presence of Muslim graves since 1941 and the dedicated Jewish cemetery highlight the cemetery's role in accommodating diverse religious and cultural burial traditions within Germany. For those interested in the unique and even macabre, the cemetery holds hidden gems like the 'Ouija Tombstone'.
Navigating the Green Labyrinth
+1 With over 11 miles of internal streets and numerous pathways, getting lost is a common, albeit often enjoyable, experience. Upon arrival, grabbing a map from the main entrance is crucial. These maps detail the various sections, points of interest, and internal bus routes.
Social
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