Grave of Henry Dunant

The Grave of Henry Dunant in Zurich marks the resting place of the man behind the founding of the Red Cross. It lies in Sihlfeld Cemetery in the Wiedikon district, close to the main entrance.

Who was Henry Dunant, and why visit his grave?

Dunant, also written Henri, was a Swiss humanitarian and businessman and a co-founder of the Red Cross. In 1901 he received the very first Nobel Peace Prize. He died on 30 October 1910 in Heiden and was laid to rest in Zurich. The grave is a quiet stop for anyone interested in the history of humanitarian aid. It is not a ticketed attraction.

What does the grave look like?

Visitors describe a plot that stands fairly apart near the cemetery entrance and is larger than the neighbouring graves. It is a simple memorial among the paths, with no museum and no long interpretive signs, so read a little about Dunant beforehand. A visit on site takes about a quarter of an hour.

What is Sihlfeld Cemetery?

The City of Zurich opened Sihlfeld in 1877 as its first central cemetery for all residents, regardless of class or religion. A crematorium was planned from the start and was built ten years later, the first of its kind in Switzerland. Today it is the largest cemetery in Zurich, covering roughly 200,000 square metres, and one of the larger green spaces in the city centre. It was extended several times, in stages between 1877 and 1964.

Who else is buried here?

Sihlfeld holds many well-known names. They include Johanna Spyri, author of "Heidi", the writer Gottfried Keller, the German Social Democrat August Bebel, and the authors Alfred Polgar and Walter Mehring. You can easily combine Dunant's grave with a few others on one walk.

How do I get there, and when should I go?

The cemetery is at Aemtlerstrasse 149-151, 8003 Zurich. The grounds are open during the day. One listing gives 7:00 to 20:00 from 1 May to 31 August, so check the city's website for the other months. Go in the morning or early afternoon in daylight, when it is calm. Entry is free.

How should I behave?

This is a working cemetery, not a park. Keep your voice down, stay off the graves and take your litter with you. Take photos discreetly so you do not disturb people visiting their own relatives.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Henry Dunant's grave?

In Sihlfeld Cemetery at Aemtlerstrasse 149-151 in Zurich's Wiedikon district. Visitors place it near the entrance.

Is there an entrance fee?

No. The cemetery is open to the public during the day, though opening hours can change with the season.

How long should I plan for?

The grave itself takes about fifteen minutes. If you also want to see the graves of Spyri, Keller or Bebel, allow around an hour for an unhurried walk.

Did Dunant die in Zurich?

No. He died in Heiden in 1910 and was buried in Zurich at Sihlfeld Cemetery.