Waldfriedhof Lauheide
A vast, serene cemetery known for its peaceful atmosphere and well-tended grounds, offering a quiet escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Easier navigation & pleasant atmosphere
Waldfriedhof Lauheide
Best Time
Easier navigation & pleasant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, serene cemetery known for its peaceful atmosphere and well-tended grounds, offering a quiet escape.
"This cemetery is really quiet, and everyone there is very nice—both the visitors and the gardeners who lovingly tend the graves."
🗺️ Map Your Route
Phone GPS can be unreliable. Record your route or memorize it, especially if visiting for the first time. :iphone:
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
Improves visibility and makes navigating the large grounds much easier. :sunny:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Munster Heath War Cemetery
Within Waldfriedhof Lauheide
A poignant and well-maintained section, often cited as a particularly beautiful part of the cemetery.
Polish Field of Honor
Within Waldfriedhof Lauheide
An area noted for its relative good maintenance, offering a sense of respect and remembrance.
Room of Remembrance
Within Waldfriedhof Lauheide
A quiet space for reflection, though signage could be improved for easier location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Waldfriedhof Lauheide
Grave Decoration Policies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Map Your Route
Phone GPS can be unreliable. Record your route or memorize it, especially if visiting for the first time. :iphone:
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
Improves visibility and makes navigating the large grounds much easier. :sunny:
🚾 Check Accessibility
Administration can be accommodating, even providing wheelchairs on public holidays. :wheelchair:
🧐 Understand Decoration Rules
Be aware of restrictions on grave decorations before visiting. :flower:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Map Your Route
Phone GPS can be unreliable. Record your route or memorize it, especially if visiting for the first time. :iphone:
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
Improves visibility and makes navigating the large grounds much easier. :sunny:
🚾 Check Accessibility
Administration can be accommodating, even providing wheelchairs on public holidays. :wheelchair:
🧐 Understand Decoration Rules
Be aware of restrictions on grave decorations before visiting. :flower:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Waldfriedhof Lauheide is generally perceived as a beautiful and peaceful cemetery, appreciated for its quiet atmosphere and the loving care given to its grounds. Visitors often find it a serene escape from urban life. However, its vast size can lead to disorientation, and some find the restrictions on grave decorations to be limiting.
"Schöner Friedhof"
Nicola Anne “Nicky” Macdonald
"This cemetery is really quiet, and everyone there is very nice—I mean both the visitors and the gardeners who lovingly tend the graves. I think that's really nice.
The cemetery itself is quite large, so it's easy to get lost. That actually happened to us the last time: I was there with my parents and brother when we were taking our aunt to the grave. It was raining heavily, and after we were finished, we wanted to find the exit—and that's exactly where we got lost. 😅🙈
It took us a full 30 minutes to find the exit again. It was cold, muddy, and wet.
As for the administration: Well, it's okay. The employee is friendly, but unfortunately, you're not allowed to do a lot of things, even though you've paid for the grave. Many things are simply not allowed there. In other cemeteries, you can decorate the graves much more beautifully. The only problem is that the city chose this cemetery. We actually wanted the spot at the forest cemetery in Dodesheide, but unfortunately, we were turned down. Now we have to keep driving to Telgte—which is 53 km from where we live.
But that's another topic.
And as for the GPS on your phone: It goes completely crazy there. Sometimes you don't even know where you are. So it's best to go on a sunny day, memorize the exact route, maybe record a video or map the route—that way, it'll be easier to find your way later."
IGame Baker
"Apparently a jury once voted this cemetery the most beautiful cemetery in Germany. I don't know what criteria were used, but I was very disappointed. The Munster Heath War Cemetery was the most beautiful part for me. However, the maintenance of this area is carried out by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The Polish field of honor also looks relatively well maintained. I was personally horrified by the design of the Russian field of honor and the area of forced laborers. I have already visited several cemeteries, both at home and abroad, but Lauheide was the biggest disappointment for me so far."
Katrin Scheffler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waldfriedhof Lauheide is located in Telgte. While specific public transport details are not widely shared, it's recommended to check local transport schedules. Driving is a common option, but be prepared for potential navigation challenges within the cemetery itself. Some visitors mention it's a significant drive from their homes, suggesting it's not always the most convenient location for everyone.
Finding your way within Waldfriedhof Lauheide can be challenging due to its size. Phone GPS is notoriously unreliable here, so it's advised to map your route beforehand or record a video of your path to help you find your way back.
Information on specific parking availability is limited, but as a cemetery, it is generally expected to have parking facilities for visitors. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on busier days, to secure a spot.
While not explicitly detailed in user feedback, public transport options to cemeteries can vary. It's best to consult local public transport websites or apps for the most up-to-date information regarding routes and schedules to Waldfriedhof Lauheide.
One visitor mentioned it's a 53 km drive from their home, indicating it can be a considerable distance depending on your starting point. It's important to factor in travel time when planning your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Waldfriedhof Lauheide is a cemetery, and typically, there is no entrance fee for visitors. Access is generally free, allowing for peaceful contemplation and remembrance.
Cemeteries usually have generous opening hours, often from dawn till dusk. For specific times, it's recommended to check the official website or contact the administration directly, though general access is usually permitted throughout daylight hours.
Yes, plots can be booked at Waldfriedhof Lauheide. However, one reviewer noted that their preferred spot at another cemetery was unavailable, leading them to this location, suggesting availability can vary.
While generally accessible during daylight, it's always wise to be mindful of local customs and any posted signage regarding specific visiting hours or any temporary closures for maintenance or events.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Waldfriedhof Lauheide as it is a public cemetery. You can visit at your convenience during its operational hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is described as very quiet and peaceful, with both visitors and gardeners being very nice and lovingly tending to the graves. It's considered a place away from the hectic everyday life of the big city.
Yes, it is quite large, which can make it easy to get lost. Visitors have reported spending significant time trying to find exits, especially in adverse weather conditions.
The Munster Heath War Cemetery is highlighted as a beautiful and well-maintained section. The Polish field of honor also appears relatively well-maintained. However, some areas like the Russian field of honor and the area for forced laborers have been described as horrifying by one visitor.
While not extensively detailed, the administration has been accommodating, even providing wheelchairs on a public holiday. Basic amenities like restrooms are usually available in such large public spaces.
Photography is generally permitted in cemeteries for personal use, but it's always respectful to be discreet and mindful of ongoing ceremonies or private moments. There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but respect for the solemn nature of the place is paramount.
📸 📸 Photography
The Munster Heath War Cemetery and the Polish Field of Honor are often cited for their aesthetic appeal and well-maintained appearance, making them good subjects for photography. The overall peaceful ambiance also lends itself to reflective and somber shots.
No specific photography restrictions are mentioned in reviews. However, as a place of remembrance, visitors are expected to be respectful and discreet. Avoid intrusive photography, especially of mourners or private ceremonies.
Given the nature of the location, landscape photography focusing on the greenery, trees, and architectural elements like monuments and chapels would be fitting. Portrait photography of individuals is generally discouraged unless it's for a specific memorial purpose and done with utmost sensitivity.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in cemeteries and public spaces due to privacy concerns and potential disturbance. It's best to assume drones are not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise by the administration.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Sunny days can be good for general views, but overcast days can offer a more diffused and moody light, suitable for the solemnity of a cemetery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Reflective Visitors
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Vast Grounds
For those unfamiliar with the layout, it's wise to memorize key landmarks or the general direction of the main entrance and exits. If you are visiting a specific grave, try to note nearby features or paths. The experience of getting lost can be particularly unpleasant if the weather is poor, as one visitor recounted a cold, muddy, and wet ordeal trying to find their way out. Therefore, checking the weather forecast and dressing appropriately is also a practical tip for a more comfortable visit.
Understanding Grave Decoration Policies
Despite these restrictions, the cemetery is still considered beautiful by many, with specific areas like the Munster Heath War Cemetery and the Polish Field of Honor being noted for their well-maintained appearance. The administration has also shown a willingness to accommodate, with one instance of providing a wheelchair on a public holiday, indicating a level of helpfulness.
Historical Significance and Areas of Note
However, the cemetery also contains areas that have evoked strong negative reactions. The design of the Russian Field of Honor and the area dedicated to forced laborers have been described as horrifying by some visitors, highlighting the complex and sometimes difficult history that cemeteries can represent. These areas serve as stark reminders of past conflicts and human suffering, offering a different, more somber perspective compared to the more conventionally maintained sections. The Room of Remembrance is another significant feature, providing a quiet space for reflection, though visitors suggest improved signage would aid in its discovery.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit