Light and Shade, Life and Death – The Artists` Necropolis in the Habichtswald

In the northern section of the Upper Habichtswald – near the Kassel district of Harleshausen – visitors can hike to the Artists' Necropolis, a singular site of art and remembrance nestled amidst dense woodland. "What makes the Artists' Necropolis so special is that artists of documenta stature design their own gravesites there, at a location of their own choosing, during their lifetime," notes Harald Kimpel. The necropolis was initiated by the artist and Kassel art professor Harry Kramer, who successfully pushed the project through despite initial resistance and ultimately established it as a permanent foundation. The invited artists are granted the opportunity, while still living, to reflect upon (their own – and our shared) mortality and to give artistic form to these contemplations. Ultimately, the site is envisioned to feature up to 40 artistic memorials, each entering into a dialogue with both the surrounding natural environment and visitors who come to explore them. Streckenlänge: 6,5 km Naturparkführer: Jörg Daniel