Waldfriedhof, cemetery in Blankenburg, Germany
The Waldfriedhof in Blankenburg is a forest cemetery at the town's edge that holds graves spanning more than 130 years of local history. The grounds spread across sloped terrain beneath tall trees with hundreds of stone markers in different styles, including a memorial chapel built in 1928, a war graves section, and areas for soldiers who died in both world wars.
The cemetery was established in 1885 when the old burial ground near the town walls became too small for the growing population. The Martha Chapel was added in 1928 as a memorial after a local merchant's young daughter passed away, and later sections for soldiers from both world wars and forced laborers were created.
The cemetery takes its name from its location within a wooded area and serves as a place where visitors learn about local figures who shaped the region. Through QR codes placed at selected graves, people can discover stories of scientists, artists, and community members whose contributions left a mark on the town.
The cemetery is open for free exploration on foot, with paths that follow the natural slope of the terrain and are easy to walk. Visitors can scan QR codes at selected graves to access information on their phones, and maps provided at the entrance help locate specific graves and memorial areas.
The cemetery holds the grave of a soldier from the Battle of Waterloo, revealing how major European history reached directly into this small town. This remarkable connection to a famous battle gives the site a dimension that extends far beyond local remembrance.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
