My view through the gate of the Old Jewish Cemetery in Munich.
A new city, a new cemetery to visit. While in Munich, I wanted to visit a Jewish cemetery. I live in rural Minnesota; no Jewish cemeteries here. I found this great information on the old Jewish cemetery and I was intrigued. (Thanks so much to the author of that post. The map was incredibly helpful).
I studied the Munich transportation system mapped my route. Take the train from Donnersbergerbrucke to Marianplatz, then the U-bahn to Brudermuhlstrasse. Get off there and walk a few blocks to the cemetery.
It was a cold, dreary, rainy day. I had just spent about three hours outside on a walking tour of the city. But I had my hat and rain coat and gloves, so I set off on my adventure.
Train, subway, walking. No problem. I felt very cosmopolitan.
But I was disappointed when I got to the cemetery. It was walled and the gates closed.
At least the bars of the gates were wide enough that I could snap some photos.
Oh, what a travesty! I have never visited a cemetery I was not able to enter. How much I wanted to walk around inside! I saw what I could, peering through the iron bars of the gates. I didn’t know why it was closed. It was a late Monday afternoon. Perhaps because of the city’s history, they are worried about vandalism or people visiting the cemetery for the wrong reasons. I was disappointed that I couldn’t get in, but I understood why it may have been closed off.
The view from the front gate. Look at that rubble of gravestones to the right. What’s that story? The rainy, cloudy day would have provided a perfect backdrop to a somber cemetery visit.
But I really wanted to get in. A car was parked at one gate. Was someone inside? At the gate there was a mailbox and what appeared to be an intercom. Should I buzz it? I speak little German. If someone answered, what would I say? How do I explain myself in English? Would they trust me, that I was simply a tourist who wanted to see the cemetery?
I walked away, but then walked back. How often would I be in Munich? I at least needed to try to get in. I’d figure out a way to explain myself and if I was turned away, at least I tried. I pressed the button, quickly, like I was afraid of getting a shock. No one answered. Perhaps they could see me through a camera and didn’t want to bother with a stranger. Or maybe no one was inside. So I walked away for good. I tried and didn’t get in. At least I didn’t walk away wondering “what if?”
Anyway, now I have incentive to go back to Munich. Next time I will try to arrange a tour of the cemetery. How I would love to see inside.
I was on a walking path outside the gate. According to “The Old Jewish Cemetery of Munich” blog post, this Tahara was built in 1882.
If you want to go, here’s a map:
If You Have Five Seconds to Spare 
So interesting, Rachael! Glad you went back and tried again. Sorry it didn’t work out. I hope you make it back someday. I wondered about the gravestones in a pile, too.