Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark

The Sowjetischer Ehrenfriedhof Baruth/Mark is a memorial cemetery in Brandenburg with an honor court at its center, featuring a 20 meter obelisk topped with a red star and flanked by two tank monuments. The grounds contain orderly rows of graves, pathways, and planted areas that structure the space and guide visitors through the site.

The site was established after World War II as a resting place for Soviet soldiers who fell during the Battle of Halbe in 1945. The cemetery evolved into a major memorial and underwent comprehensive restoration in the early 2000s.

The cemetery features inscriptions in both German and Russian, reflecting its role in maintaining remembrance across two nations after reunification. Visitors walking through the grounds experience a shared space where both languages acknowledge the soldiers remembered here.

The cemetery is freely accessible during daytime and offers ample space to walk and pause among the graves. Visitors should allow time to take in all the site's details and reflect, as the solemn nature of the place calls for an unhurried pace.

During the Cold War, Soviet truck drivers maintained the custom of honking their horns as they passed the cemetery gate to pay respects to their fallen comrades. This unusual tribute faded away after reunification, when circumstances in the region fundamentally changed.