A late 19th-century cemetery near Berlin showcasing the lives and legacies of prominent figures from the world of horse racing.
Cemetery History
The Old Cemetery is located in the district of Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten, just a few kilometers from Berlin. Today, Hoppegarten is best known for its horse racing track, which opened in 1868 and brought profound change to the village. It transformed from a rural settlement into a cosmopolitan center with an international population accustomed to a different lifestyle.
New streets and large houses with extensive stables and training facilities were built, and jockeys and trainers from England, Scotland, Austria, France, and other countries made Hoppegarten their home. Due to rapid population growth, the small cemetery by the village church soon became insufficient. In 1884, a new burial ground was established, now known as the “Old Cemetery,” which opened in 1892 with its first burial.
The cemetery covers around 5,500 square metres. A straight path leads from the entrance to the funeral hall, with family burial plots along both sides, many belonging to notable figures from the world of horse racing. After the Second World War, the cemetery fell into neglect, which helped preserve many graves in their original form. Today, it remains an important testament to the history of horse racing in Europe.
In 2016, the municipality of Hoppegarten acquired the cemetery to ensure its preservation, and in 2025 the first wall tombs were restored.
Architecture and Landscape
When the cemetery was established in the 19th century, it was supported by significant private contributions. Manor owner Heinrich von Treskow provided the land and financed the construction of the funeral hall. The Union Club, owner of the racecourse and organiser of the races, also contributed financially, while trainer George Long donated 40 lime trees.
The funeral hall was built between 1891 and 1892 according to plans by architect August Meißner from Friedrichshagen (Berlin). Limestone from the nearby Rüdersdorf quarries—widely used in Hoppegarten—served as the main building material. The identity of the landscape architect remains unknown.
The Old Cemetery has largely preserved its original layout. Although the once dense rows of lime trees have gradually disappeared and some burial areas are no longer in use, the funeral hall, many graves, and the overall structure remain largely intact. Its design is modest; its uniqueness lies in the exceptional concentration of graves belonging to international figures from the world of horse racing.
Cemetery Significance
The Old Cemetery of Dahlwitz-Hoppegarten is a key witness to the history of horse racing. The opening of the Hoppegarten racecourse in 1868 attracted leading figures from across Europe and transformed the village within a few decades from an agricultural community into an international centre of the sport.
By 1876, around 120–130 horses were stabled in Hoppegarten; by 1900, this number had grown to about 900 during the summer season. By the late 19th century, the town was known as the “German Newmarket.” This transformation is reflected in the cemetery, where jockeys, trainers, and racing personalities from England, France, Austria-Hungary, Scotland, and beyond are buried.
The preserved gravestones show both integration and continuity: some inscriptions are in German, others remain in English, reflecting strong ties to their countries of origin. Today, the cemetery forms an important part of Hoppegarten’s racing heritage, located within walking distance of the active racecourse.
Visitors are drawn to the graves of notable racing figures, and information boards are planned to provide historical context and biographies. Guided tours are also offered by the Kulturverein “Grünes Tor” Hoppegarten e.V.
