In doing so, the state capital is also responding to changes in the burial preferences of its citizens. At the same time, it is taking into account the growing importance of cemeteries for the urban environment and as places of recreation. The plan, which Mayor Christiane Hinninger presented together with the commissioned planning firm, calls for the preservation of all cemeteries. 

Mayor Christiane Hinninger says: “Cemeteries are important places of remembrance for family members. But cemeteries are also green retreats in the heart of our city—they provide space for recreation and biodiversity, and make an important contribution to climate adaptation. We want to better integrate the cemeteries into existing urban green corridors and further develop their ecological functions, for example through nature-oriented maintenance, flowering meadows, and climate-adapted plants. At the same time, cemetery fees—which finance maintenance, buildings, and facilities—must remain affordable in the long term.”

Gabriele Wolter, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, emphasizes: “As funeral customs are changing, the economic pressure on cemeteries is increasing. We want to develop them in a way that strengthens their ecological qualities and their role as places for people to gather, while at the same time providing mourners with the space and tranquility they need.”

Due to demographic trends, the number of burials will rise slightly by 2040. However, the proportion of (space-saving) urn burials—which are already at a high level in Wiesbaden (around 80 percent)—will continue to increase. As a result, the demand for burial space will continue to decline. Many family members also prefer gravesites that require little or no maintenance on their part. 

Since smaller burial plots require less space, areas can be reorganized. For example, once burial periods have expired, contiguous green spaces are created. These can be designed as near-natural meadows or quiet recreational areas—a benefit for animals, plants, and people alike. The plan outlines specific approaches to further improve the quality of the environment, such as the care and maintenance of buildings and green spaces. The existing tree population and unsealed soil also make an important contribution to the urban climate.

The development plan also examined the condition of the funeral halls. Depending on the location, renovations, adaptations, or alternative uses are recommended. Cultural events such as readings or concerts are conceivable—provided they are compatible with the character of the respective cemetery. Decisions on how buildings will be used in the future will be made on a case-by-case basis for each location. 

The public has already been involved in the planning process: In 2025, interested residents were able to share their ideas online as well as via digital voting devices at five cemeteries and at the citizens’ office. This feedback has been incorporated into the plan. It shows that Wiesbaden residents visit cemeteries not only to tend to graves and grieve, but also increasingly for recreation. Many of them appreciate the park-like character of these places and can envision opening the cemeteries even more to cultural and educational offerings in the future. 

The cemetery development plan has not yet been finalized. The results will now be presented to the local advisory councils at separate information sessions, after which they will be submitted to the relevant committees. The plan serves as a technical and strategic foundation for further development: The individual measures or fee changes will be submitted to the political committees in separate decisions, prioritized according to urgency. 

The cemetery development plan can be accessed at: www.friedhoefe-wiesbaden.de (opens in a new tab).