“Buchholzer Straße 8” is not the most cheerful address in Berlin. Here lies the Friedhof Pankow IV. This municipal cemetery in Niederschönhausen holds stories of old Berliners. It holds stories of those who shaped this city.
Friedhof Pankow IV spans about 1.4 hectares. It is smaller than other cemeteries in the district. But its historical gravestones are remarkable. The cemetery began in the early 19th century. It became necessary due to population growth.
In 1854, two farmers donated land to Niederschönhausen. One farmer, Liedemit, received a family burial plot for his generosity. In 1886, the community bought more land. Fritz Liedemit’s son sold it for 6,000 marks. He also secured a free burial site.
At the Friedhof Pankow IV, the early 20th century saw the construction of a Feierhalle. This hall was built in a romantic style. It still stands today.
Many notable people are buried here. These include Wilhelm Dieckmann and Carl von Ossietzky. Also interred here are Ernst Rehfeldt, Max Skladanowsky, and Robert Uhrig. In 2000, their graves became listed monuments in Pankow. The proximity of the cemetery to the “Städtchen Pankow” is noteworthy. This was the first residence of East German government members.
The Friedhof Pankow IV features five burial walls. They run along the cemetery’s edge. These walls show both the wealth and pride of the residents. The Liedemit family has special usage rights. This is due to their original land donation.
After 1990, family burial sites became available again. Before that, the possibility was removed by the law of the GDR. The Friedhof Pankow IV now also has a large urn community area. This meets the growing demand for anonymous burials.
The Friedhof Pankow IV also includes a war grave site. It has 20 individual graves and two mass graves. These hold 28 victims of war and tyranny.
Among the notable figures buried at Friedhof Pankow IV is Carl von Ossietzky. He won the Nobel Peace Prize. Max Skladanowsky an inventor is also buried here. Liedemit the farmer who donated land rests here as well. Hermann Moldenhauer a local mayor is here too.
Take a moment to reflect on the lives commemorated here. The Friedhof Pankow IV is not just a burial ground. It is a chronicle of Niederschönhausen. It is a chronicle of Berlin’s past.