Over 1,000 German Monuments Lost in Two Years, Foundation Reports
In the last two years, Germany has seen the loss of more than one protected monument each day, as reported by the Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz in its 'Schwarzbuch' (Black Book), which documents 1,077 irretrievable losses. This 324-page report outlines 21 specific cases, pointing to problems such as weakened regulations and economic impracticality. Among the significant losses are the 'Untere Linde' inn in Oberkirch, which was demolished in September 2025, and the 'Haus Kern' in Berlin-Zehlendorf, destroyed in 2025 despite its monument status being granted in 2023. Additional examples include a half-timbered farmhouse in Winkelhaid, the facade of the former Hotel Kaiserhof in Eckernförde, and the Mack Pyramid in Monheim, which has lost its protected designation. The foundation warns that the effectiveness of monument protection is diminishing.
Key facts
- At least 1,077 monuments were irretrievably lost in Germany in the past two years.
- This amounts to more than one monument lost per day.
- The Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz published these findings in its 'Schwarzbuch' (Black Book).
- The Black Book spans 324 pages and details 21 loss stories.
- Steffen Skudelny, head of the foundation, said monument protection is often seen as a spoilsport and a powerful lobby.
- Eva Masthoff cited economic unfeasibility, neglect, uncoordinated construction, fires, and vandalism as main causes.
- The Heinz Mack Pyramid in Monheim lost its protected status after an expansion was built over it.
- The 'Haus Kern' in Berlin-Zehlendorf was demolished despite being listed in 2023 because a 2022 building permit had priority.
- The 'Untere Linde' inn in Oberkirch was demolished in September 2025 after structural defects were discovered.
- The foundation criticizes 'optical monument protection' exemplified by the Hotel Kaiserhof in Eckernförde, where only the facade remains.
Entities
Artists
- Heinz Mack
- Bruno Ahrends
- Robert Giersch
- Rolf Vennenbernd
- Steffen Skudelny
- Eva Masthoff
Institutions
- Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz
- Bayerischer Landesverein für Heimatpflege
- dpa
Locations
- Germany
- Monheim
- Nordrhein-Westfalen
- Oberkirch
- Baden-Württemberg
- Berlin
- Berlin-Zehlendorf
- Winkelhaid
- Bayern
- Eckernförde
- Schleswig-Holstein
- Köln-Roggendorf