Burial in FriedWald

Friedwald burial is a special form of natural burial that is subject to certain requirements in Germany. Anyone interested in this type of burial should know the legal framework and organizational requirements.

Who can opt for a Friedwald funeral?

In principle, anyone can choose a Friedwald burial, regardless of religion or worldview. It is particularly suitable for:

• People who want a natural and environmentally friendly burial
• People who would like to spare their relatives the long-term maintenance of their graves
• Families who prefer a joint resting place on a tree
• Deceased persons who made appropriate funeral arrangements during their lifetime

The decision for a Friedwald burial can be decided during their lifetime or made by survivors in the event of death. It is also possible to select and reserve a tree or grave site in FriedWald while you are still alive.

What are the legal regulations?

Friedwald burial is subject to certain legal regulations in Germany:

1. Burial obligation: Like all other forms of burial, Friedwald burial is also regulated by law. Burial may only take place in officially approved funeral forests. Funerals on private property are not permitted in most federal states.
2. Friedhofszwang: In Germany, there is generally a cemetery requirement, which states that deceased persons may only be buried in an officially approved cemetery or funeral forest. FriedWald is a recognized alternative to traditional cemeteries.
3. rest periods: As with other forms of burial, FriedWald also has a prescribed rest period. This varies depending on the location, but is usually at least 15 to 99 years.
4. Documentation & Approval: Burial in FriedWald requires a death certificate and approval from the responsible FriedWald administration.

What is the role of cremation?

Cremation is a mandatory requirement for FriedWald burial, as only urns containing the deceased's ashes may be buried in FriedWald. There are the following important aspects:

• Cremation must be carried out in an approved crematorium.
• Only biodegradable urns may be used, which decompose in the soil and do not leave any pollutants behind.
• The ash is usually buried directly in the root area of the selected tree.

Since cremation is required, this should be taken into account when preparing for burial. Anyone who decides on a Friedwald funeral during their lifetime can set this down in a funeral order or pension contract.

FriedWald has various types of burial, which are individually tailored to the wishes and needs of the deceased and their relatives. Depending on the budget, desired exclusivity and space requirements, there are several options available.

Individual tree, community tree & base

Single tree:

• The most exclusive form of burial site in FriedWald.
• A single tree is reserved for one person or a couple.
• The resting place can be individually designed, e.g. with a name plate.
• Ideal for people who want a private, undisturbed resting place.

Community tree:

• A tree where several people are buried independently of each other.
• Each person has their own place, but there is no connection between the deceased.
• A cheaper alternative to a single tree.
• Suitable for people who are interested in a natural burial but do not want an exclusive tree.

Base place:

• The easiest and cheapest option in FriedWald.
• The resting place is allocated by the operator.
• Relatives are unable to select a specific tree.
• Particularly suitable for people who have no special wishes regarding the location of the tree and prefer an uncomplicated solution.

Family or friendship trees

Family tree:

• A joint resting place for several family members on a tree.
• Enables relatives or close friends to be buried in the same tree
• Particularly popular with families who want to have a common resting place for generations.

Friendship tree:

• An option for people who want to share a resting place with their friends or other close confidants.
• An alternative for people who do not want to be buried with their family but with an elected community.

Both family and friendship trees provide a personal and familiar atmosphere for the final resting place.

Special burial sites: shooting star tree & memorial site

shooting star tree:

• A special burial ground for misborn or stillborn children as well as babies who died early.
• A place of mourning and remembrance for parents and loved ones.
• Sensitively designed trees, which are often decorated with a small memorial stone or plaque.

Remembrance place:

• A burial ground for deceased people whose ashes were not buried or scattered in Germany.
• Offers relatives a place of remembrance and remembrance.
• Enables a symbolic connection to a loved one, even if their physical remains aren't resting there.

The costs for a Friedwald funeral vary depending on the type of grave, location and additional services. Unlike a classic burial, which involves grave maintenance, tombstone and cemetery fees, the costs of cemetery burial are usually clearer and often cheaper in the long term.

Price range depending on location and type of grave

The total costs of a Friedwald funeral consist of several components, the most important of which is the purchase of the resting place. The prices vary depending on the type of grave chosen:

Base area (assigned tree space): from 590€

• The cheapest option for a funeral in FriedWald.
• The space is allocated by the FriedWald operator; it is not possible to freely choose the tree.

Individual space on a freely selectable tree: between 890€ and 1,390€

• The burial site can be selected individually on a specific tree.
• A more personal alternative to the base seat.

Your own tree as a resting place: between 2,890€ and 7,490€

• An exclusive resting place for one or more people.
• Price depends on location and tree species.
• Great for family or friendship trees

These prices include long-term use of the burial site without additional grave maintenance costs, as nature takes care of it.

Additional fees (burial, urns, administrative costs)

In addition to the costs for the burial site, there are other fees for the burial itself:

Burial costs: approx. 450€

• Includes the opening of the grave, the lowering of the urn, and the official burial ritual.

Urn costs:

• Only biodegradable urns are allowed in FriedWald.
• Price depending on material and design

Optional name plate:

• Small plaque on the tree to mark the resting place.
• Price is usually between 50€ and 100€.

These costs should be considered when planning a Friedwald funeral. Depending on individual requirements, the total costs can be adjusted accordingly.

Comparison: FriedWald costs vs. classic burial

Friedwald burial is not only a natural alternative, but in many cases also cheaper than traditional burial in a cemetery.

Burial in FriedWald differs in many aspects from traditional burial in a cemetery. It follows a natural, dignified process and offers a calm, harmonious atmosphere in the middle of nature. The entire process can be individually designed to meet the wishes of the deceased and loved ones.

Planning and organization of the ceremony

Burial in FriedWald requires careful planning, which can be carried out before death in the form of funeral provision or is organized by the survivors. The process can be divided into the following steps:

Selection of the FRIEDWALD location

• Relatives or the deceased person during their lifetime choose a specific tree or have a base location assigned to them.

Cremation and preparation of the urn

• Since only urn burials are allowed in FriedWald, cremation takes place first in a crematorium.
• The ashes are placed in a biodegradable urn, which completely decomposes over time.

Arranging an appointment for the funeral

• The funeral is coordinated with the Friedwald administration and the funeral home.
• The desired process and possible rituals are discussed.

Arrival and meeting point in FriedWald

• On the day of the funeral, mourners meet at a central meeting place, usually a forest parking lot or a place of worship.
• A Friedwald forester or undertaker accompanies the mourning society to the grave ground.

Design options for the funeral service

In FriedWald, the funeral service can be arranged according to individual ideas. However, there are some special features here, as certain traditional elements of a cemetery (such as a tombstone or solid floral decoration) are not allowed.

Possible design elements:

Free or religious ceremony:

The eulogy can be delivered by a priest, a freelance funeral orator or a relative.

Musical accompaniment:

• Acoustic music such as singing, guitar or violin playing is possible.
• Loud loudspeakers or electronic music are not permitted in most FRIEDWALD locations.

Flowers & memorial objects:

• Bouquets and natural decorations can be removed during the ceremony.
• Wreaths or non-biodegradable items are not allowed.

Personal farewell rituals:

• A last word at the grave, joint commemoration or symbolic actions such as throwing flower petals into the grave are possible.

Depending on your wishes, the funeral service can be designed simply or individually, always in harmony with the natural environment.

Who can attend the funeral?

In principle, anyone who was close to the deceased can attend a Friedwald funeral. However, there are differences in organization:

Public funeral service:

• All relatives, friends and acquaintances are invited.
• There is no fixed limit on the number of participants.

Private funeral in a small group:

• Some families want a silent, personal ceremony only with close relatives.

Burial without funeral service:

• If no funeral service is required, the urn can also be buried silently.

There is no obligation to hold a big ceremony — every farewell can be individually designed.

How long does a Friedwald funeral last?

The duration of a burial in FriedWald depends on the organization of the funeral service.

• Easy urn burial without ceremony: cca 20-30 minutes
• Burial with a short farewell speech: cca 30-45 minutes
• Burial with detailed funeral service: cca 45-90 minutes

The Friedwald burial is generally quieter and more intimate than a traditional burial, as there are no distractions from the cemetery operation.

Memovida — We organize your FriedWald funeral

We will guide you through the entire process of planning and carrying out a Friedwald funeral. From choosing the resting place to organizing the ceremony to burial, we are here to assist you sensitively and professionally. Create a non-binding offer now and receive transparent price information based on your individual wishes.

A central difference between a Friedwald burial and a classic burial in a cemetery is grave care. In FriedWald, nature itself takes care of the burial site, which offers both ecological and practical benefits. Relatives don't have to worry about cleaning or planting — instead, the resting place remains a natural part of the forest.

No grave care by relatives required

In the case of a traditional burial site in the cemetery, the survivors or a commissioned gardener are responsible for maintaining the grave. These include:

• Regular removal of weeds
• Changing plantings depending on the season
• Cleaning tombstone and border

In FriedWald, this maintenance effort is completely eliminated. The burial site is not artificially modified, but remains integrated into the natural cycle of the forest. Leaf fall, moss growth and other changes are natural processes that are not disturbed.

Natural design of the grave

The design options for a burial site in FriedWald are deliberately reduced in order to preserve the naturalness of the forest. There are therefore certain rules:

• Not an individual tombstone: Instead of a traditional tombstone, there is only a small name plate on the tree, if desired.
• No artificial decorations: Wreaths, candles, figurines or non-biodegradable objects are not allowed.
• Only limited floral decoration: Fresh flowers may be laid down during burial but must be removed later to maintain ecological balance.
• Tomb remains untouched: There are no bordered graves or marked paths, so the forest retains its natural structure.

These principles ensure that FriedWald remains a natural, undisturbed retreat in the long term.

Responsibility of the FRIEDWALD operator

Although no classic grave maintenance is necessary, FriedWald operators take care of preserving the forest:

• Regular forest maintenance: Controlled forestry work ensures forest stability and prevents damage to trees.
• Preservation of routes: Hiking trails and access to the burial sites are maintained to make the visit pleasant for relatives.
• Long-term use of the burial site: Each FRIEDWALD location is designed for permanent use so that relatives do not have to worry about the future of the resting place.

The rest periods of a FriedWald burial site are usually long-term and can last up to 99 years. As a result, the resting place will last for generations.

For Friedwald burial, there are special requirements for the urn used. Since FriedWald is a protected natural area, only biodegradable urns may be used. These special urns completely decompose over time and release the ash to the soil, integrating it into the natural cycle.

Requirements for biodegradable urns

Not every urn is approved for Friedwald burial. To ensure environmental protection, the urns must meet the following criteria:

• Biodegradable material: The urn must be made of a material that completely decomposes without leaving any residue.
• No plastic or metal: Conventional urns made of plastic, metal or ceramic are not permitted as they do not dissolve in nature.
• Free from harmful substances: The materials used must not contain any harmful substances that could pollute the soil or groundwater.

The choice of urn is an important aspect of planning, as not every urn is automatically suitable for a Friedwald burial.

Choices and design

Despite the strict requirements, there is a wide selection of stylish and natural urns that meet the individual wishes of the deceased and loved ones. The most common materials are:

wooden urns:

• Made from untreated wood or wood fibers.
• Particularly close to nature and harmonious in a forest environment.

Natural material urns:

• Made from plant materials, such as corn starch or cellulose.
• Often decorated with filigree patterns or symbolic engravings.

Sand and clay urns:

• They consist of purely natural minerals and break down over time.
• Often visually based on classic ceramic urns, but biodegradable.

Paper and cardboard urns:

• Eco-friendly alternative made from recycled natural fibers.
• Very quickly degradable and easy to transport.

The choice of urn can be made depending on personal taste, budget and desired disintegration process. Some urns can be personalized with engravings or symbols to add an individual touch.

How long does it take to biodegrade an urn?

The length of time in which a biodegradable urn completely decomposes depends on several factors:

• Urn material: Wood urns often take several years, while urns made from natural plant materials expire more quickly.
• Soil condition: Urns decompose faster in moist soil than in dry or sandy soil.
• Temperature and weather: Depending on the season and location, biodegradation can take a different amount of time.

In most cases, the urn is within 6 months to 5 years completely decomposed. The ash is gradually integrated into the soil.

Advantages and disadvantages of Friedwald burial

Friedwald burial is a special form of burial that differs from traditional cemetery burials. While it offers many benefits, there are also some aspects that may be considered a disadvantage for some people. An informed decision should take both sides into account.

Benefits of a Friedwald funeral

1. Natural and environmentally friendly form of burial

Friedwald burial takes place in the middle of nature, without the use of tombstones or artificial grave decoration. As a result, the natural environment is preserved and the burial has a low ecological impact.

2. No grave maintenance required

A major advantage for relatives is the elimination of grave care. Nature takes over this task completely, so that survivors do not have to worry about maintaining the burial site. This saves time, effort and long-term costs.

3. More cost-effective than a traditional funeral

Since a Friedwald burial requires neither a tombstone nor regular maintenance, the total costs are usually lower than those of a traditional burial. There are also no costs for cemetery fees or mandatory grave care contracts.

4. Quiet, dignified atmosphere

The Friedwald funeral offers a natural and peaceful place of last rest. Many relatives find the peaceful environment comforting and prefer the silence of the forest over the often busy environment of a cemetery.

5. Individual arrangement of the farewell ceremony

Although there are certain restrictions, the funeral services in FriedWald can be very individual. Music, rituals and personal farewell words can be freely chosen to make a personal and dignified ceremony possible.

6. Long-term rest and consistency

Most Friedwald burials have rest periods of 15 to 99 years, so that the burial sites are preserved for a long time. Relatives do not have to worry about reburial later or expiring a grave rental.

Disadvantages of Friedwald burial

1. No individual grave design possible

Since the burial sites deliberately remain close to nature, traditional tombstones, floral decorations or other personal designs are not allowed. Only a small name plate on the tree is possible. This can be a disadvantage for relatives who want a visible memorial site.

2. Restricted options for funeral ceremonies

Since Friedwald funerals take place exclusively in the forest and in the open air, certain elements of a classic funeral service cannot be implemented. Loud music, large funeral processions or extensive decorations are generally not permitted.

3. Accessibility to the burial site may be difficult

In contrast to a cemetery with paved paths and fixed parking spaces, FriedWald burial sites are often located in the middle of the forest. Depending on the location, access can be difficult for older or disabled people, especially in bad weather.

4. Limited availability in certain regions

Although the number of FriedWald sites is growing, there are still no nearby funeral forests in some regions of Germany. Relatives may have to accept longer journeys.

5. Cremation as a requirement

Since Friedwald burial can only take place with a biodegradable urn, cremation is absolutely necessary. For people who prefer traditional burial, this may not be the right choice.

6. Restricted options for memorial rituals

Some relatives find it difficult not to have a classic tombstone or fixed location for rituals. While candles can be lit or memorial objects left behind in a cemetery, this is not permitted in FriedWald.

Alternatives to Friedwald burial

If Friedwald burial is out of the question, there are various natural and classic alternatives:

• RuheForst & other funeral forests — Similar to FriedWald, but often with different concepts and regional features.
• Anonymous Forest burial — An urn burial in a funeral forest without individual identification.
• Tree burial on private property — Possible in Bremen under certain conditions.
• Burial at sea — The ashes are buried in a water-soluble urn in the sea.‍
• Natural burial in the Alps — Burial of ashes on an alpine meadow or in a mountain forest, e.g. in Switzerland or Austria.

Friedwald funerals are available at numerous locations in Germany. More than 80 officially designated FriedWald areas offer a natural alternative to traditional burial in the cemetery. Choosing the right location can depend on various factors, such as geographical proximity, landscape, or personal ties to a particular region.

How do I find the right FriedWald?

Various factors play a role in choosing the right FriedWald:

• Proximity to home: Many relatives prefer a resting place that is easily accessible to facilitate visits.
• Personal commitment: Some people choose a cemetery forest that is located in a landscape that means a lot to them, such as a forest near their home town or a popular hiking area.
• Natural environment: Depending on the location, the vegetation of the forests varies — from dense deciduous forests to sparse mixed forests.
• Availability of burial sites: Not all FriedWälder have free spaces at all times. It may be useful to find out about reservation options early on.

Site visit and selection

Many FriedWald locations regularly offer free forest tours where interested parties can visit the place and find out more about the funeral options. This gives you the opportunity to:

• To become familiar with the conditions of the forest
• Get to know different types of trees and burial sites.
• To clarify open questions with FriedWald foresters or funeral advisors.

Frequently asked questions

Is FriedWald cheaper than a cemetery?

Yes, as there are no grave maintenance and tombstone costs, a Friedwald burial is often cheaper than a classic cemetery burial.

How much does a tree cost in FriedWald?

Depending on the location, a private tree costs between 2.890€ and 7.490€.

What does cemetery burial mean?

A cemetery burial is a natural urn burial at the roots of a tree in a funeral forest.

What is allowed in a FriedWald?

Biodegradable urns, small name plaques and natural funeral services are allowed, while tombstones, candles and artificial grave decorations are prohibited.

How long does a grave exist in FriedWald?

Depending on the location, the rest period is between 15 and 99 years.

Is it possible to bury trees in your own garden?

In Germany, this is only available in bremen allowed, in other federal states only under strict exceptional conditions.

What is the difference between a FriedWald and a RuheForst?

In FriedWald Burials take place exclusively at the roots of trees, while in RuheForst Burial under shrubs or stones in so-called resting biotopes is also possible.

What do you wear in FriedWald?

Weatherproof, comfortable clothing in muted colors that match the natural environment is recommended.

What happens to the urn in FriedWald?

The biodegradable urn completely decomposes over time so that the ash enters the natural cycle.

How is the funeral in FriedWald going?

After an individual funeral service, the urn is buried on the tree, often accompanied by personal words or music.

What does a cemetery burial cost in full?

Depending on the type of grave and additional services, the total costs start at 2,740 euros.