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, Unesco World Heritage Centre’s website in English
Learn more about World Heritages
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
Two Swedish agencies, the National Heritage Board and the Environmental Protection Agency, manage the country's World Heritage sites. They also decide which new locations to recommend to UNESCO. As of 2023, Sweden has 15 official World Heritage sites.