Considering where we are going to next, have you ever wondered where prominent figures of Munich find their final resting place? That place is the Waldfriedhof Solln. Let me guide you through its history and significance.
The Waldfriedhof Solln is a cemetery in the Solln district of Munich near Warnberg. But do not confuse it with the Muenchner Waldfriedhof. The Waldfriedhof Solln is distinct from the Alter Teil and Neuer Teil. It is also different from the Friedhof Solln.
Established in 1936, the Waldfriedhof Solln was designed by architect Bruno Biehler. At the time, Solln was an independent municipality south of Munich. Soon after the cemetery’s creation, Solln was incorporated into Munich. The main entrance is located on the south side at Warnbergstrasse 2. The building complex at the entrance includes a church-like cemetery hall. It also features murals and ancillary facilities. Today, this complex is listed in the Bavarian List of Monuments.
Notably, the Waldfriedhof Solln and an old oak avenue on Warnbergstrasse serve as habitats for rare lichens. These include Bryoria fuscescens. Over time, the Waldfriedhof Solln has been expanded twice. It now covers almost 7 hectares. It provides approximately 3000 burial plots. These include family graves, urn graves and niche spaces.
The Waldfriedhof Solln’s burial district encompasses the city district quarters 19.51 to 19.59. Many well-known personalities have been buried here. Werner Abrolat was an actor. His grave site is number 28-3-158. Carl Johann Becker-Gundahl was a painter. He was also a university professor and a member of the Munich Secession. His grave site is number 41-3-30. Franz Biebl was a composer. Josef Blaumeiser was a caricaturist. His grave site is number 19-W-2. Vera Bruehne was controversially convicted in a double murder case. She was later pardoned. Her grave site is number 13-1-102. Hans Cossy was an actor. He was also Vera Bruehne’s husband from 1937 to 1953. They share grave site number 13-1-102.
Edgar Dacque was a paleontologist and theosophist. His grave site is number 7-1-12. Georg Faber was a mathematician. His grave site is number 28-1-107. Gebhard Fugel was a painter. His grave site is number 6-W-22. Eva-Maria Goergen was a chamber singer. Her grave site is number 8-2-30a. Richard von Hertwig was a zoologist. His grave site is number 17-W-1. Hans Hotter was a bass baritone. Alfred Hueni was a composer and singer. His grave site is 8-2-32b. Felicie Hueni-Mihacsek was a soprano. Her grave site is 8-2-32. Eugen Kalkschmidt was a writer. His grave site is number 13-1-91. Wilhelm Ritter von Leeb was a Field Marshal in World War II. His grave site is number 17-W-2. Elvira Lange was a singer. Her grave site is 13-2-11/12.
Georg Maier was the founder of the Iberl Bühne. Beate von Molo was a director. Her grave site is number 38-2-12. Conrad von Molo was a director. His grave site is number 38-2-12. Max Rauh was a painter. His grave site is number 5-4-24. Dietrich von Saucken was a general in World War II. His grave site is number 17-1-125. Heinrich Schmitt was a Bavarian State Minister. His grave site is number 21-W-5. Edith Schultze-Westrum was an actress and voice actress. Her grave site is number 16-W-24. Weiss Ferdl was a folk singer. His grave site is number 3-W-3.
As we conclude our visit to the Waldfriedhof Solln, remember that this place is more than just a cemetery. It is a testament to the lives and legacies of those who shaped Munich’s cultural landscape.