Pragfriedhof Stuttgart
Pragfriedhof is one of Stuttgart’s largest and most historically significant cemeteries. Its tree-lined avenues, winding paths, monuments and park-like grounds reflect the 19th-century garden cemetery movement. It is both a resting place for notable figures and a record of Stuttgart’s architectural, artistic, multicultural and interfaith history.
The cemetery also serves as an urban green space. Its mature trees and plant life support biodiversity and a stable microclimate, while its quiet paths offer space for walking and contemplation.
History and development
Pragfriedhof was founded in 1823 outside Stuttgart’s then city limits to meet growing demand for burial places and the hygiene requirements of the time. Another account gives its establishment as 1873.
Between 1873 and 1876, architect August Beyer carried out major expansions and designed new buildings, including an administrative building and a mortuary. The central chapel was built in 1876.
The Jewish, or Israelite, section is dated variously to 1873, 1874 and 1877 in different accounts. It is a significant record of Jewish history in Stuttgart and is protected as a historic site. The section has more than 2,300 documented gravestones, counted as of 1991, and includes a memorial to victims of the Nazi era.
Between 1905 and 1907, Wilhelm Scholter designed and built the Jugendstil ceremonial hall and the municipal crematorium. The crematorium dates to 1907 and is still Stuttgart’s only municipal crematorium.
In 1922, Pragfriedhof became part of the Stuttgart-Nord district. After the Second World War, the cemetery added an anonymous urn burial field in 1952 and, in 2003, a field for children who were stillborn or miscarried, named “Kleinste der Kleinen.”
Today, the grounds are described as covering both 20 hectares and approximately 21 hectares. Pragfriedhof is Stuttgart’s third-largest cemetery by area and its largest by number of graves, with approximately 29,000 burial places. It also has a columbarium.
What to see
The cemetery’s design features cross-shaped axes, winding paths, tree-lined avenues, an ornate main entrance and semi-circular paths. Historicist buildings and a Brutalist celebration hall below the crematorium show different stages in the development of funerary architecture.
The central chapel is a Neo-Romanesque building with rounded arches, robust stonework, a prominent bell tower and stained glass. It remains a setting for funeral services and commemorations. The Jugendstil hall and crematorium by Wilhelm Scholter are also notable architectural features.
Mausoleums and family tombs display Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Classical styles. Marble and bronze sculptures—including angels, mourning figures and allegories—reflect changing approaches to remembrance.
The Jewish section has gravestones with Hebrew inscriptions and traditional symbols, as well as its Holocaust memorial. Another architectural highlight is the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Alexander Nevsky, also rendered as Alexander Nevskyj.
Notable people buried at Pragfriedhof include:
- Willi Baumeister, modernist painter
- Eduard Mörike, poet
- Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin, airship pioneer
- Anna Sutter, opera singer
- Claire Waldoff, cabaret performer and singer of the 1920s
- Theodor Heuss
- Eduard Otto Moser, industrialist
Mature trees, seasonal flowers, benches and water features contribute to the grounds’ tranquil, park-like setting.
Practical visiting information
Opening hours and admission
Pragfriedhof is open daily, and entry is free. Published opening schedules differ:
- One schedule gives daily hours of 7:00 to 19:00, with closing at 17:00 in the winter half-year.
- Another describes typical daily hours as 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with seasonal variations possible.
- A further schedule lists opening from 07:15 on weekdays and 08:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
Getting there and accessibility
The U-Bahn station “Pragfriedhof” is served by line U15. The cemetery is also accessible by U-Bahn lines U5, U7 and U15, and several bus lines stop near the main entrance. Parking is available.
The cemetery is generally accessible. Most main paths are flat, paved and wheelchair accessible, though some older areas and paths may be uneven.
Tours and other visitor information
Regular thematic tours cover the cemetery’s history and architecture. Tours are also offered seasonally through Stuttgart tourism and can be booked via Stuttgart Tourist. Registration or advance booking may be required. School visits and exhibitions also support educational and cultural engagement.
Photography is permitted for personal use; visitors are asked to be discreet and considerate of ongoing services. Maps and virtual tours are available on the official Stuttgart tourism site, along with photo galleries and interactive maps on Stuttgart Tourist websites.
Tips for visitors
Spring and autumn are noted for their foliage, while mornings are suggested for quiet reflection. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Visitors should keep noise low, maintain a respectful manner and be considerate of cemetery services. Pets are generally discouraged.
Nearby places
Nearby destinations mentioned include Feuersee and Stuttgart’s city center. The Stuttgart Library and Killesberg Park can be combined with a visit, and other recommendations include Schlossplatz, the Altes Schloss and Waldfriedhof. Public transport provides connections to nearby sites.
FAQ
When is Pragfriedhof open?
Published schedules differ by season and day; see the opening-hours details above.
Is there an entrance fee?
No. Entry is free.
Is the cemetery accessible for wheelchair users?
Most main paths are accessible, though some areas may be uneven.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Tours are offered regularly and seasonally; some require advance booking.
How can I get there by public transport?
U-Bahn lines U5, U7 and U15 serve the cemetery, and several bus lines stop near the main entrance.
Can I take photographs?
Yes, for personal use and with consideration for services.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are generally discouraged.
When is a good time to visit?
Spring and autumn are noted for foliage, and mornings for quieter visits.
