Established as a burial ground for hospital patients, Friedhof XII stands as a testament to Berlin’s history. This cemetery is located in the Buch area of Berlin. It borders Schwanebeck.
Originally opened in 1908, Friedhof XII served a vital purpose. It was a final resting place for those unclaimed by family from nearby hospitals. The hospitals were built by Ludwig Hoffmann. These hospitals cared for people with limited life expectancies. The village of Buch soon adopted it as their municipal cemetery.
In 1920, Berlin incorporated Buch. Administration of Friedhof XII then fell to Berlin-Pankow. This transition marked a new chapter for the cemetery.
During World War I, 183 soldiers found their final resting place here. These soldiers died in Buch hospitals that had been converted into military hospitals. A war grave section exists. It is called Ehrenhain. This section holds 1,579 victims of Nazi terror and persecution.
Friedhof XII directly borders Brandenburg. This location just outside Berlin’s city limits adds to its unique character. The cemetery spans approximately 143,000 square meters. About 2 acres are no longer used for burials.
The cemetery has Roman numerals I-XII to differentiate it from others. Graves in Germany are not permanent. After 15-20 years, graves are leveled and reused. This occurs because Germany does not use toxic embalming. Coffins and bodies decompose naturally. Families can purchase extensions to the grave. This provides another 15-20 years of repose. Otherwise, the grave is reused, and the marker becomes gravel. War graves remain memorials. The cemetery owner maintains them. Historically significant graves are also protected indefinitely.
The original Friedhof XII chapel was damaged in World War II. It burned down in 1949 after being repaired. A new chapel was inaugurated in 1954. The new design was functional. Its interior is effective. It serves its purpose well.
Friedhof XII’s need for space decreased over time. The need for “social burials” from hospitals also declined. In 2008, unused sections were partially closed. These areas became available for conversion to grass areas. This reduced the cemetery’s size by 5,750 square meters. It is now 137,250 square meters.
Two war grave sites exist. They commemorate 1,579 victims of war and tyranny. These sites were redesigned in the 1980s. They receive permanent protection from Berlin. A large wooden cross stands at the end of the main path. It serves as a symbol of remembrance.
The Ehrenhain is near the entrance. It is to the left of the main path. It is a triangular area. It contains the remains of military personnel. It also has hospital deaths from Buch hospitals until 1946. Forced laborers, civilian bomb victims, and air force assistants are buried here. Each grave has a slanted majolica plate. The plate displays the name, birth and death dates, and war years.
Victims of World War I lie at the end of the main path. The path leads from the entrance to the memorial cross. Grave slabs of individual graves are inlaid on both sides of the path. These are set in rows in the lawn.
Some private burials from 1945 are notable. These are to the right of the main path near the entrance. Gravestones and ground-level plates mark civilian graves.
Baumfeld is an area for tree burials. It is located behind the chapel. Urns are buried at the base of individual trees. The trees are surrounded by ivy rings.
Friedhof XII is easily accessible. It is located at Schwanebecker Chaussee 50. A large parking lot is across from the entrance. Bus 893 stops nearby. The stop is Lindenberger Strasse.