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Cemetery of the Nameless
Memorial of the nameless souls
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Cemetery of the Nameless

Memorial for the nameless shipwrecked of the Elbe estuary

The Cemetery of the Nameless on Neuwerk is an impressive memorial to the many unknown victims of shipwrecks and strandings in the North Sea. Founded in 1319, this cemetery is one of the oldest of its kind and was even consecrated by a bishop.

Due to the dangerous conditions in the Elbe estuary, especially near the Scharhörn Reef, shipwrecks and driven deaths have occurred frequently throughout history. A regulation stated that a carpentered coffin always had to be ready to bury the casualties. Nowadays the dead are transferred to the mainland, but in the past this was often difficult, especially in winter.

Most of the crosses in the cemetery do not bear names, but there is one exception: the grave of an 18-year-old sailor from Bremen who drowned in 1928. His tombstone has a touching poem commemorating the homeless. The real number of burials is unknown, and the number of crosses is only symbolic.

The Cemetery of the Nameless is a place of remembrance and reflection, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of Neuwerk Island and the fates of those whose lives ended at sea.

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Details on location, times, costs and target group as well as tips

Where.
  • The cemetery of the nameless is located in the south of the island.
When.
  • The cemetery is open around the clock and accessible at any time.
Who?
  • For those interested in the history of the island and the fates of the castaways.
Cost:
  • Access to the Cemetery of the Nameless is free of charge.
Tips!
  • Take time for a moment of silence and reflection at the cemetery.
  • Take the opportunity to learn more about the history of Neuwerk Island and the dangers of the North Sea.

A place of rest and remembrance on Neuwerk – the Cemetery of the Nameless commemorates the fates of the shipwrecked whose lives ended at sea.

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