Garten Der Frauen

Introduction

Nestled within the vast and historic Ohlsdorf Cemetery—renowned as the world’s largest rural cemetery—the Garten der Frauen (Garden of Women) is a unique and moving memorial dedicated to honoring women who have shaped Hamburg’s cultural, social, and political landscape. Established in 2001, this approximately 1,700-square-meter sanctuary transcends the traditional cemetery by blending rescued gravestones with contemporary memorials, art installations, and educational opportunities. It stands as both a place of remembrance and as an active space for reflection, learning, and community engagement.

The Garten der Frauen was created in response to the frequent loss of women’s graves due to time-limited leases and a lack of recognition for their achievements. Today, more than 50 historic gravestones and hundreds of memorials honor over 400 women from diverse backgrounds, including artists, educators, political activists, resistance fighters, and everyday heroines. Symbolic features such as a remembrance spiral, wave-shaped stones, rose trellises, and the iconic Märchenbank (fairy tale bench) invite visitors to reflect on women’s enduring impact.

The garden is open year-round with no admission fee. Wheelchair-accessible paths and informative plaques are provided throughout. The adjacent historic water tower houses a documentation and exhibition center, open during summer months with guided tours and special events. The garden is easily accessible by public transport, making it a welcoming destination for all.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, student, or casual visitor, the Garten der Frauen offers an inspiring journey into Hamburg’s female heritage, combining commemoration, art, and education.

For further details, see the official garden website (garten-der-frauen.de), Ohlsdorf Cemetery information (friedhof-hamburg.de), and historical context via Demokratie Geschichte (demokratie-geschichte.de).

Historical Background

Women’s Role in Hamburg History

Throughout Hamburg’s history, women's contributions were often overlooked. Their stories and achievements, from social reformers to artists and resistance fighters, were frequently lost when graves were cleared due to non-renewal of leases. The Garten der Frauen was established to redress this imbalance and provide a dedicated space to honor women who shaped the city (demokratie-geschichte.de).

Ohlsdorf Cemetery: The Setting

Founded in 1877, Ohlsdorf Cemetery spans nearly 400 hectares and is a park-like space that harmonizes nature, architecture, and sculpture. It is one of Europe’s largest cemeteries and a significant cultural landscape. The loss of many women’s graves within this vast area was a key factor in the creation of the Garten der Frauen (friedhof-hamburg.de).

Founding and Mission

Formally opened in 2001 by a dedicated association, the Garten der Frauen is located in section P 27, near the historic water tower on Cordesallee. Its mission is to rescue and preserve gravestones of historically significant women, create new forms of memorialization, and foster awareness of female contributions to Hamburg’s history (garten-der-frauen.de).

Preserved Gravestones and Memorials

The garden features over 50 preserved gravestones and numerous remembrance stones for women whose original graves no longer exist. These include notables such as educator Lola Rogge, artist Gretchen Wohlwill, politician Emmy Beckmann, parliamentarian Paula Westendorf, and resistance fighter Käthe Tennigkeit. Each is accompanied by biographical plaques for deeper engagement (kulturkarte.de).

Living Memorial: Activities and Expansion

The Garten der Frauen is a dynamic, living memorial. Guided tours, educational workshops, and temporary exhibitions are offered, especially in summer. Projects like the "Spirale der Erinnerung" (Spiral of Remembrance) and installations linking the stories of different women with colored threads highlight the network of female influence in Hamburg’s past. Since 2018, the association has also worked to commemorate women buried elsewhere in the city (kulturkarte.de).

Art and Landscape Features

The garden’s design incorporates rose trellises, a central fountain, park benches, and artistic works such as the stele with drawers by sculptor Doris Waschk-Balz. The Märchenbank, inaugurated at the garden’s opening, provides a space for rest and reflection. Artistic and botanical elements are carefully integrated to create an atmosphere of tranquility and inspiration (kulturkarte.de).

Significance in Memorial Culture

The Garten der Frauen exemplifies gender-inclusive remembrance, integrating rescued gravestones, new memorials, and educational initiatives. It addresses the historical neglect of women in public memory and sets a precedent for similar projects elsewhere in Germany (demokratie-geschichte.de).

Location and Accessibility

Located in section P 27 of Ohlsdorf Cemetery, the Garten der Frauen is accessible via public transport—S-Bahn and U-Bahn to Ohlsdorf station—followed by a short walk. The documentation center in the water tower is open Sundays from May to September (friedhof-hamburg.de).

Visiting Information

Hours

• April to October: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• November to March: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The documentation center in the water tower is open Sundays from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (May–September).

Admission and Tickets

Entry to the Garten der Frauen and Ohlsdorf Cemetery is free. No tickets or advance booking are required for general visits (garten-der-frauen.de).

Guided Tours and Events

• Guided Tours: Offered every Sunday from May to September, 3:00–5:00 PM, with no advance registration required (laurustico.de).
• Anniversary Event: Held on the first Sunday in July with special talks, performances, and commemorations.
• Special Exhibitions and Workshops: Rotating exhibitions and interactive events in the documentation center.

Accessibility

All main pathways are wheelchair accessible. The documentation center is partially accessible; visitors with mobility concerns should contact the association for details.

Directions

• Address: Cordesallee 85, 22337 Hamburg
• Public Transport: U-Bahn line U1 or S-Bahn line S1 to Ohlsdorf; follow signs to the cemetery entrance and section P 27.
• Parking: Limited parking available at the cemetery entrance.

Nearby Attractions

• Ohlsdorf Cemetery’s extensive parklands and sculpture collections
• The water tower museum and documentation center
• Other historic sites, museums, and cultural venues in Hamburg

Interpretive and Interactive Features

• Biographical Plaques: Weatherproof aluminum plaques share stories of the women commemorated.
• Audio Installations: Select graves have audio recordings of or about the women honored (digitales-deutsches-frauenarchiv.de).
• Art and Literature Displays: Excerpts and reproductions of the work of honored artists and writers.
• Digital Map: Online resource showing former residences of commemorated women (garten-der-frauen.de).
• Quiz and Learning Offers: Educational programs for children and adults.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours?
A: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM (April–October), 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (November–March). The documentation center is open Sundays from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (May–September).

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, admission is free for both the garden and cemetery.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, every Sunday from May to September, 3:00–5:00 PM.

Q: Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, most main paths are accessible, though some historic areas may be uneven.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Discreet photography is allowed; please maintain a respectful atmosphere.

Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Take U1 or S1 to Ohlsdorf station, then walk to section P 27 near the water tower.