Where Are the Hohenzollerns Buried? From the Great Elector to Crown Prince Wilhelm

The Hohenzollern dynasty shaped the rise of Prussia and the German Empire. This guide takes you through the lives, legacies, and burial places of each major Hohenzollern ruler—from The Great Elector, who laid the foundation of Prussian power, to Crown Prince Wilhelm, the last heir to the German throne.

The Great Elector – Friedrich Wilhelm (1620–1688)

Known as the architect of Prussia’s military and administrative strength, Friedrich Wilhelm modernized his territories and laid the foundation for what would become the Kingdom of Prussia. He died in Potsdam and is buried in the Hohenzollern Crypt of the Berlin Cathedral, inside a marble sarcophagus designed by Johann Arnold Nering.His first wife, Louise Henriette of Nassau, and second wife, Dorothea of Schleswig-Holstein, are also buried in the Berlin Cathedral.

King Friedrich I (1657–1713)

The first King in Prussia, Friedrich I elevated the Hohenzollern status with lavish court life and the foundation of cultural institutions. He rests in the Hohenzollern Crypt of the Berlin Cathedral.Three of his wives are also interred there: Elisabeth Henriette of Hesse-Kassel and Sophie Charlotte of Hanover, though their original tombs were lost during the demolition of the Memorial Church in 1975. His third wife, Sophie Luise of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, is buried separately in the Schelfkirche in Schwerin.

King Friedrich Wilhelm I (1688–1740)

Nicknamed the “Soldier King,” he is remembered for building the formidable Prussian army and a frugal, militarized state. Originally buried in the Garrison Church in Potsdam, his remains were relocated after WWII. Today, he lies in the Mausoleum at the Church of Peace (Friedenskirche) in Potsdam, next to his son. His wife, Sophie Dorothea of Hanover, is buried in the Berlin Cathedral.

King Friedrich II (1712–1786)

Better known as Frederick the Great, he led Prussia through the Seven Years’ War and turned it into a European power. Though originally buried in Potsdam’s Garrison Church, he was reinterred in 1991 according to his will, on the terrace of Sanssouci Palace, near his beloved greyhounds.His wife, Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Bevern, who lived mostly apart from him, is buried in the Berlin Cathedral.

King Friedrich Wilhelm II (1744–1797)

for his love of music, mysticism, and a more relaxed court life. Though his reign saw the first partitions of Poland and growing unrest in France, he often delegated governance in favor of private pleasures. He is buried in the Hohenzollern Crypt of the Berlin Cathedral. His official wives, Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel and Friederike of Hesse-Darmstadt, lie beside him. Among his most influential companions was Wilhelmine Encke, later Countess Lichtenau, a favorite mistress elevated to nobility. Though never officially recognized as a spouse, she wielded great influence at court. After a dramatic life—including a brief marriage, scandal, and exile—she died in 1820 and was buried at St. Hedwig’s Cathedral in Berlin. Her remains were later moved to the St.-Hedwigs-Friedhof near the Berlin Wall, where today a small memorial plaque marks the spot. He also married Julie von Voß, who was buried (likely) near the altar of the Schlosskirche in Buch; though her grave disappeared over time, a restored epitaph now marks her memory in the park. His third partner, Sophie von Dönhoff, was buried in the village cemetery of Beerbaum, where her grave was rediscovered and rededicated in 2010.

King Friedrich Wilhelm III (1770–1840)

Known for resisting Napoleon and later overseeing the Wars of Liberation, he introduced major reforms in Prussia. He is buried in the Charlottenburg Palace Park Mausoleum in Berlin.His beloved wife, Queen Luise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who became a symbol of national pride, lies beside him. His second wife, Countess Auguste von Harrach, is also buried there.

King Friedrich Wilhelm IV (1795–1861)

An idealist and patron of the arts, he drafted a constitution for Prussia but failed to fully satisfy liberal movements. His tomb lies beneath the choir of the Church of Peace (Friedenskirche) in Potsdam. His heart, in a romantic gesture, is kept in the Charlottenburg Mausoleum.His wife, Elisabeth Ludovika of Bavaria, is buried beside him in the Friedenskirche.

Kaiser Wilhelm I (1797–1888)

The first German Emperor, he oversaw the unification of Germany in 1871 with the help of Otto von Bismarck. He rests in the Charlottenburg Mausoleum in Berlin.His wife, Augusta of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, is buried alongside him.

Kaiser Friedrich III (1831–1888)

Emperor for only 99 days, Friedrich III was a liberal reformer whose early death altered the course of German history. He is buried in the Mausoleum at the Church of Peace in Potsdam. His wife, Victoria, Princess Royal of Great Britain, daughter of Queen Victoria, shares the tomb.

Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859–1941)

The last German Emperor, Wilhelm II led the empire into World War I and lived out his exile in the Netherlands. He is buried in a private mausoleum at Huis Doorn, near Utrecht.His first wife, Auguste Viktoria of Schleswig-Holstein, is buried in the Antikentempel in Sanssouci Park, and his second wife, Hermine von Schönaich-Carolath, rests there as well.

Crown Prince Wilhelm (1882–1951)

Though he never ruled, Crown Prince Wilhelm remained a symbolic figurehead for monarchists during the Weimar and Nazi eras. A heavy smoker, he died in exile and is buried in the family cemetery at Hohenzollern Castle, in the Offiziersgärtchen of St. Michael’s Bastion. His wife, Crown Princess Cecilie, and several of their children are also buried there.