In 1994, UNESCO designated Skogskyrkogården as a World Heritage site. This designation is unique because Skogskyrkogården is a relatively recent cemetery that remains actively in use.
Skogskyrkogården is an outstanding example of how architecture and a designed cultural landscape from our century have merged into a cemetery. This creation has had a great influence on the design of cemeteries around the world.
UNESCO, a United Nations organization, determines which places qualify as World Heritage sites. As of 2024, the list includes 1,223 sites across 168 countries, encompassing both cultural and natural heritage.
Skogskyrkogården, Swedish UNESCO Council’s website
Skogskyrkogården, Unesco World Heritage Centre’s website in English
Learn more about world heritages
The World Heritage Convention
There is an agreement between countries that deals with protecting special places in the world. The agreement is called the World Heritage Convention and dates back to 1972.
World Heritage, UNESCO’s website
World Heritage Sites in Sweden
In Sweden, the National Heritage Board and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency coordinate the work on Swedish world heritage sites. They also propose which places Sweden should include on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites. Sweden has 15 world heritage sites (2023).