Jewish cemetery in Hamburg-Altona

The Jewish cemetery in Hamburg-Altona is a burial ground on Königstrasse containing over 6,000 graves with Hebrew inscriptions spread across two hectares. The tombstones span several centuries starting from 1621 and document the long history of this site.

The cemetery was founded in 1611 as a burial ground for Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews from Hamburg, Altona, and Wandsbek. It remained in use until 1878, preserving nearly 270 years of these communities' presence in the region.

The burial sections display different artistic traditions between the communities: Sephardic tombs feature ornamental carvings, while Ashkenazi stones maintain simpler designs. These visual contrasts show how distinct religious customs coexisted within this shared space.

The cemetery can be visited on specific days, and guided tours are available to help understand the history and inscriptions better. It is best to check opening times in advance, as these may vary seasonally.

The Eduard Duckesz House on the grounds offers Orthodox Jews special facilities to visit without entering the main cemetery area itself. This arrangement shows how the site has preserved and respected traditional religious practices.

Location: Altona

Inception: 1611

Opening Hours: Monday off; Tuesday 15:00-17:00; Wednesday off; Thursday 15:00-17:00; Friday off; Saturday off; Sunday 14:00-17:00

Website: https://jüdischer-friedhof-altona.de

GPS coordinates: 53.55000,9.95000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:00