Introduction to the Brothers Grimm

Before moving to Europe, I had only visited cemeteries for funerals. A place to be respected, I never considered them as part of the tourist trail. However, my perspective changed after visiting the historic and alluring Pere-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Walking among the resting places of famed Parisians, like Molière, Oscar Wilde, and Chopin, allowed me to drink in the oh-so-French, slightly decrepit beauty.

Back in Berlin, my gaze turned to the various German cemeteries with new eyes. Tucked into random corners of the city, I discovered that Berlin is full of notable figures who have passed away, including the famous Brothers Grimm, or Brüder Grimm.

History of Grimms’ Fairy Tales

The brothers are most famous for “Grimm’s Fairy Tales” (Grimms Märchen), first published in 1812. Jacob and Wilhelm had a talent for taking fables from around the world and merging them with their own style and moral compass. As architects of generations of childhood dream worlds, their stories remain favorites today, introducing characters like Hansel and Gretel (Hänsel und Gretel), Cinderella (Aschenputtel), Rumpelstiltskin (Rumpelstilzchen), and Snow White (Schneewittchen) to children around the world.

Nonetheless, contemporary Disney interpretations of these characters pale in comparison to their original Grimm versions. In the authentic tales, children sometimes die, witches are truly wicked, and the harsh moral lessons are evident. These stories reflect the core values of German culture, akin to the terrifying tales still told today, such as Der Struwwelpeter. Due to their moral lessons and themes of nationalism, these stories were even manipulated by Hitler for propaganda purposes, promoting ideology through programs like the Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth).

Despite their tumultuous history, the fairy tales have endured and are frequently revisited. New editions of the books are reliably printed cada year. The 2014 film Into the Woods explores the Grimms’ fairy tale world, while television shows like Once Upon a Time and Grimm have delighted audiences for multiple seasons.

History of the Brothers Grimm

The brothers themselves led captivating lives. Born in the late 1700s in Hanau, Germany, they excelled in their studies and attended the Friedrichsgymnasium. Following their graduation, they enrolled at the University of Marburg.

Eventually, they secured positions at the University of Göttingen and even participated in the political upheaval and peasant revolt of 1837, siding with the Göttingen Seven in protest. As the country grappled with hardships, they embarked on another major project: the writing of the German Dictionary (Deutsches Wörterbuch).

They re-joined academia in Berlin at Humboldt University in 1840. Wilhelm died in 1859, followed by Jacob in 1863. The city became their eternal resting place at the Alter St-Matthäus-Kirchhof cemetery. Their legacy continues, drawing many fans who visit their graves regularly.

Where are the Brothers Grimm Buried?

Hidden away in a quiet section of Schöneberg, among ancient family plots and towering angel statues, lies the grave of the Grimms. Surprisingly understated compared to the grandeur of other notable residents, the brothers’ plot is marked by four simple stones. Yet, flowers and cards continuously adorn their grave.

Other Points of Interest in Alter St.-Matthäus-Kirchhof

A map near the entrance highlights notable graves—such as the Grimms—but walking throughout the entire grounds reveals an array of elaborate plots, both new and old.

A plaque memorializes a group of would-be Hitler assassins, including Graf von Stauffenberg. After their execution on July 21, 1944, they were buried here, but their remains were later exhumed, cremated, and their ashes scattered. The plaque tells their story and pays tribute to their sacrifice.

A modern children’s section in the back left corner of the cemetery is another moving place to visit.

If your exploration leaves you thirsty, a small cemetery café is available for refreshments.

Visitor Info for the Graves of the Brothers Grimm

• Website: www.zwoelf-apostel-berlin.de
• Address: Großgörschenstraße 12, 10829 Schöneberg Berlin
• Phone: 030 7811850
• Directions to the Grimms’ grave site: Tucked deep within the park, follow the main path; a wall of graves will be on your right. Walk along it, and just before the wall ends, you will find four graves facing the entrance.
• Transit: BVG – Yorckstr. (S1)
• Hours: 8:00 AM – Dusk