Memorial for those lost to HIV/AIDS

To mark the 20th anniversary of Aidshilfe Heidelberg, the memorial for those we've lost to HIV/AIDS was officially dedicated at the Heidelberg Mountain Cemetery (Bergfriedhof) on May 13, 2006.

The city's cemetery department was incredibly supportive and provided a quiet, shaded space on the historic cemetery grounds. Together with dedicated volunteers and staff from Aidshilfe, they lovingly maintain this peaceful place of reflection. A stonemason couple generously donated a stele and a bench where visitors can sit and take a moment. The old black obelisk is adorned with a red solidarity ribbon and a memorial plaque featuring the following words (originally in German):

„We hold hands and weep for our friends, our partners, our loved ones, and everyone we have lost to AIDS. We will never forget you!“

Our memorial is a truly special place for us: here, the memory of those with HIV/AIDS is kept alive even after they have passed away. Every year around World AIDS Day, we gather for a small ceremony at this wonderfully peaceful spot and lay down a stone for every single person we have lost.

This memorial isn't just for us, it is an important place for all loved ones to say goodbye and find comfort. It is a place of remembrance, for a brother, a friend, a son, a mother, a partner, a client...

How to get there: 

• Start: Parking lot at the Cemetery Office (Friedhofsamt) / Bergfriedhof Administration | 📍 Address: Steigerweg 25, 69115 Heidelberg
• Directly across from the parking lot, you will find an entrance gate to the cemetery.
• After passing through the gate, turn left and walk along the cemetery wall.
• After about 100 meters, you will see the memorial on your right-hand side.

📍 View on Google Maps

🗺️ Flyer for walking tours with an overview map of the Bergfriedhof: The memorial is located on Route I (red), marked as No. 20.

Public Transportation:

• Weststadt / Südstadt stop (approx. 400 meters away): Bus 29 / Trams 23 and 24 / S-Bahn lines S1, S2, S5, and S51
• Alois-Link-Platz stop (approx. 250 meters away): Bus 39

Go to the VRN timetable and journey planner

Accessibility Note: The footpath from the entrance to the memorial is gravel-paved and slightly uphill. The area immediately around the memorial is paved with cobblestones, and there is a stone bench right at the site where visitors can sit and rest. The Bergfriedhof has a dense tree canopy, meaning the area is often quite shaded, cool, and damp. Particularly during autumn and winter, moisture and fallen leaves can make the paths slippery. If you are unsteady on your feet or use mobility aids, we recommend coming with a companion for your safety.
If you do not have someone to accompany you: Please get in touch with us - we are more than happy to support and assist you!

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• Learn more about the mountain cemetery (Bergfriedhof)
• Information about historic walking tours of the Bergfriedhof (also available digitally)

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