Skogskyrkogården, Stockholm, Sweden

Skogskyrkogården (“The Woodland Cemetery”) is a cemetery founded in 1917. Its design reflects the development of architecture from national romantic style to mature functionalism. Skogskyrkogården came about following an international competition in 1915 for the design of a new cemetery in Enskede. The design of the young architects Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz was selected. Work began in 1917 on land that had been old gravel quarries that were overgrown with pine trees and was completed three years later. The architects' use of the natural landscape created an extraordinary environment of tranquil beauty that had a profound influence on cemetery design throughout the world.

The crematorium, with its remarkable Faith, Hope, and Holy Cross Chapels was Gunnar Asplund's final work of architecture, opened shortly before his passing in 1940. In 1994, Skogskyrkogården was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the Tallum Pavilion, visitors can see an exhibition about the cemetery and the story of its origins and the two architects whose vision created it.

References:

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User Reviews

Michał Górski (11 months ago)
Really impressive UNESCO cemetery inside the forest. It's something that you probably can't find anywhere else in the world. Really worth a visit, walking in silence. Then you can take a rest on the grass on the hill next to the main entrance.

Michael Nowak (11 months ago)
It is here, in the forest cemetery Skogskyrkogården, located on the outskirts of Stockholm, that many famous and distinguished people for science, culture and history of Sweden are buried. Here are the graves of, among others: Greta Garbo - a famous actress and Hollywood star, Eyvind Johnson - winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1974. This place is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is called "a grove for the dead". Walking around such a charming place, we can spend up to two hours there. There is a lovely cafe on site with fresh delicious cakes and brewed coffee. If you want to escape from the crowds in the city center for a moment, I highly recommend it. It will be a special time for you to breathe.

Ela Jurko (15 months ago)
Beautiful graveyard, for us that are used to catholic style more flashy graveyards this is really discrete and serene. You can see that it was built to complement the nature rather than change it.

Arda Çetinkaya (2 years ago)
Very spiritual place…And a really good example of how can a country show respect to dead. I have visited this place in All Saints’ Day. A very well organized natural place. An very good example for Rest In Peace.

Russell Ramsey (2 years ago)
Very peaceful and contemplative place with some inspiring architecture in harmony with the natural surroundings. Well worth a visit. Good audio guide too.

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