Whispers of history linger here at the Vorwerker Friedhof. This expansive cemetery in northern Lübeck is more than just a resting place. It’s a living testament to Lübeck’s past. It’s the largest of Lübeck’s six municipal cemeteries. Covering 53 hectares it offers a unique blend of history and tranquil beauty.
The Vorwerker Friedhof opened in 1907. Its story began much earlier though. In 1902 a proposal for a new cemetery near Schönböckener Strasse was rejected. The city then proposed the current site a state-owned area near Vorwerker Weg. The cost was substantial around 94560 Marks. Even the construction of the first chapel was initially denied in 1904. The existing mortuary however was larger than the one on Israelsdorfer Allee. This detail highlights the evolving needs of the city and its citizens.
Designed as a garden cemetery by Erwin Barth its layout was entrusted to August Langenbuch the cemetery superintendent. The first burial took place on May 13 1907. This marked the opening of Lübeck’s largest cemetery then. This event was attended by members of the cemetery authority and representatives from the St Lorenz and St Matthäi parishes.
The Vorwerker Friedhof’s history is intricately woven with the city’s history. The two chapels showcase architectural styles of their eras. Chapel 1 built between 1908 and 1909 represents Heimatschutz architecture. Chapel 2 dedicated on December 6 1958 represents a later style. Both house bells one cast by J F Weule in 1949 and the other by Petit & Gebr Edelbrock in 1959. These details highlight the craftsmanship and evolving styles over time.
The cemetery has more than just individual graves. It holds war graves of various nationalities from World War I and II. The mass graves of concentration camp victims are poignant reminders of a dark chapter. Almost 3000 victims including Germans Dutch Poles Estonians Latvians Ukrainians and Russians rest here. American British French Belgian and Norwegian soldiers were later repatriated between 1947 and 1949.
A memorial to victims of war and tyranny stands within a walled courtyard. Its walls feature a sgraffito by Walther Jahn depicting the Stations of the Cross. A grave for an unknown victim is placed before the memorial’s entrance. Its inscription movingly commemorates all those who perished under various circumstances.
The Vorwerker Friedhof’s unique history is intertwined with its serene landscape. Paths wind through the grounds leading visitors past diverse memorials and sections dedicated to different groups. It’s a place of reflection where the past and present coexist. It is more than just a cemetery. It is a site reflecting the enduring spirit of Lübeck a place to remember and reflect. The Vorwerker Friedhof invites visitors to take a pause and ponder the stories etched into its grounds.