It’s not just haunted places like abandoned houses and still waters that give us goosebumps – cemeteries also have their very own spooky charm. These sites are not only places of remembrance, but also fascinating retreats that exude a dark history and mysterious atmosphere. Some of Hamburg’s cemeteries have a special cultural significance and are characterized by their scenic beauty, while at the same time being shrouded in legends and gruesome stories. We would like to introduce you to the most interesting of them, so that you have enough inspiration for some eerily beautiful days!
1st Ohlsdorf Cemetery
“You don’t die in Hamburg, you go to Ohlsdorf”. At least that’s the saying among Hanseatics. Here lies the largest park cemetery in the world, where 1.5 million people have found their resting place. In 2012, it was even voted the most beautiful cemetery in Germany. At the same time, however, it is also one of the most eerie places in Hamburg due to its incredible vastness and considerable age. The extensive grounds are dotted with lakes and ponds, chapels and numerous monuments. There are also five impressive mausoleums in the north of the park cemetery, which you should definitely visit.
📌 Location: Ohlsdorf Cemetery | Fühlsbüttler Straße 756
2nd Jewish cemeteries in Hamburg
This cemetery, which was established in 1611, is considered one of the most important monuments to Jewish culture in the whole of Germany due to its age. It was originally divided into two cemeteries: One for Portuguese merchants and one for deceased from Germany. It was finally closed in 1869 and has been preserved ever since. Here you will find exceptionally ornate tombs as well as numerous graves of famous rabbis.
📌 Location: Jewish Cemetery Hamburg | Königstraße 10a, Altona
3rd Öjendorf cemetery
Located in a bird sanctuary, you will find plenty of nature at the cemetery in Öjendorf. This ranges from lush green spaces and wooded areas to the adjacent lake in the east of the grounds. This makes it much closer to nature than most resting places and a correspondingly popular place for quiet relaxation. A special feature here: It is open to burials of all religions and nationalities.
📌 Location: Öjendorf cemetery | Manshardtstraße 200, Öjendorf
4. main cemetery Altona
As the name suggests, this cemetery is located in the Altona district. Designed in a park-like style, it offers a peaceful and natural environment with old trees, well-tended meadows and shady paths that invite you to linger. It is therefore not only a place of remembrance, where prominent personalities have also been laid to rest, but also a place of mysterious and timeless beauty.
📌 Location: Altona main cemetery | Stadionstraße
5th New Harburg Cemetery
A natural atmosphere can also be found at the New Harburg Cemetery. Originally planned as an extension of the old Harburg cemetery, it quickly developed into an independent facility. Historic gravestones and monuments bear witness to the cemetery’s long history and lend it a special charm. It is also home to the graves of local personalities who have had a significant impact on the life and history of Harburg.
📌 Location: New Harburg Cemetery | Bremer Str. 236