Tucked away in Berlin’s Reinickendorf district lies Kirchhof Dorotheenstadt III. Its entrance is discreet. You’ll find it in the backyard of an apartment building. This might seem unusual. It’s a hidden gem.
Kirchhof Dorotheenstadt III opened in 1894. It’s a significant part of Berlin’s history. It covers 7.8 acres. The cemetery was founded by the former Dorotheenstadt community. It later came under the auspices of the Friedrichstadt parish in Berlin-Mitte. Since 2009 the Evangelical Cemetery Association Berlin City Centre has managed it. An old inspector’s house at the entrance is a protected landmark.
What makes Kirchhof Dorotheenstadt III unique? Unlike many cemeteries. Graves here aren’t perpetual. After 20 to 30 years graves are leveled and reused. Germany doesn’t use toxic embalming fluids. Bodies decompose naturally. Families can extend the grave’s use for another 30 years. War graves however are permanent memorials. They are maintained by the cemetery.
The cemetery’s character is defined by mature trees and low hedges. A chapel built in 1967 holds up to 85 mourners. Various plots are available for burials. There are options for both casket and urn internments. Low-maintenance grave types are also offered.
Kirchhof Dorotheenstadt III is now closing. Only reburials in existing sections are allowed. No new plots are available. The cemetery offers a serene atmosphere. It’s a peaceful place. It’s a reminder of life’s cycle. A place where history and nature intertwine. Kirchhof Dorotheenstadt III. A quiet corner of Berlin’s past and present.