AWCH The Quiet Way

When we die, where do we want to be buried? At some point, we have all thought of this dilemma. For those of us who happen to be long-term residents of Hamburg, it would be well worth a visit to Friedhof Ohlsdorf, the Ohlsdorf Cemetery. It happens to be the largest in the world with over 400 hectares of grounds. It is actually more like a park than your normal cemetery, at least the ones I have meandered through. Advertised as a park cemetery, it has bus stops, bicycle paths and walking trails – something to suit everybody’s needs. From November to March, it is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00 and from April to October, from 8:00 am to 21:00 . There are six entrances, one of which is only for pedestrians. The other five can be driven through by car or bus. Within its grounds, is a fabulous collection of artistic garden architecture as represented by a vast array of symbols from your classical angels and lions to minimalistic stones. Behind every bush there seems to be a surprise. My understanding is that the rhododendrons, in full bloom, are an incredible sight to behold for they are ancient. On the grounds, one can find lakes, chapels, a museum, mausoleums, rose gardens, etc. The diversity is enormous. I do not intend to cover it all since I am still in the phases of exploration and discovery myself but I will write about two places I am familiar with.

For those who want to admire a sampling of the diversity of angels to be had in the cemetery, I can recommend the angel walk. It is food for thought when musing about what one wants put on one’s grave, if you intend to be buried in the ground as opposed to being cremated and having your ashes dispersed by the wind. They have chosen 12 angels from over 200 that are currently displayed in the cemetery. There is a map available with the route and a description of each grave site and its accompanying angel. These maps are available at the information centre which is open every day from 11:00 to 15:00. Interested in the protection of historic monuments? Well, here is your chance. They are looking for sponsorship of historical burial places. If you are interested in the “Adopt a Tomb“ program, please call 59 38 80 for further information or look under www.friedhof-hamburg.de.

In case you want to be buried only with other women, there is the Garden of Women. It is described as a quiet place to rest and is sponsored by the Garden of Women Society. Only females are buried here amongst the rhododendrons. According to the brochure, the women responsible for influencing the history of Hamburg, in contrast to the male personalities, are quite often soon forgotten. When the time was up for one of their tombstones, and no one else was willing to pay, then normally it was destroyed. However, now they are placed in the Garden, thus providing a special place for them to be appropriately remembered and honoured. Many important and well-known women are buried here. In case you are interested, you can buy a place here for your urn. If you were to decide to purchase a site here, you would also be contributing to the costs for the restoration of the historic gravestones. One also has the option of a community grave location. For future reference, please call the Society, which also offers guided tours through the Garden. I must warn you though that, at this point in time, all grave locations are sold out. So if you want to be buried here, you must wait. Please call beforehand (59 38 87 00) to find out what the waiting list looks like!

If you are in the middle of the city, feeling frazzled and need a place to unplug and calm down, head for Ohlsdorf. Or, if it is a beautiful day and you want to go for a quiet walk, head to Ohlsdorf. In the spring, ride your bike through its park grounds and enjoy the blooming flowers. If you happen to drive by one of its entrances and have an extra 10 minutes, definitely take the time to drive through. At 30 kph you will truly enjoy the scenery, whatever time of year it is.

My favourite gravestone caption, as of yet, is from the Brocher family and reads as follows:

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.