Dresden Sea Burial

A burial at sea is a special and respectful form of farewell in which the ashes of a loved one are handed over to the sea. This type of burial is particularly suitable for people who felt a deep connection to water or wanted to retreat into the cycle of nature.

During burial at sea, the deceased person's ashes are filled into a special, biodegradable urn and taken out to sea, where they become part of the natural cycle. This unique farewell place offers relatives a place of remembrance without the need for classic grave care. The exact location of the burial is often recorded on maps so that the family has the opportunity to visit this place.

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The process of a sea burial

Burial at sea usually takes place according to a regular procedure:

Transfer of ashes: After cremation, the ash is placed in a water-soluble urn, which dissolves in water in an environmentally friendly manner.
Farewell on the water: The relatives who want to accompany the funeral board a ship. A personal farewell ceremony may include sprinkling flowers, words of remembrance, or playing music.
Burial of the urn: The urn is lowered into water, where it slowly sinks to the bottom of the sea. The burial site is usually marked on a card so that the family can return to this place later.

The ceremony on board

The farewell usually takes place on a ship provided by the respective sea funeral shipping company. As soon as the burial position is reached, the relatives gather for the farewell ceremony. After a memorial speech and chimes, the flag is set at half mast and the urn is released into the water. Flowers or painted stones can be given as a farewell gift. The ship then makes rounds around the burial site before making its way back. Coffee and cake can often be served on the way back.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The weather conditions are closely monitored in advance so that the burial at sea can take place under dignified and safe conditions.

Do you have to attend the burial at sea?

Participation in the burial at sea is optional. The relatives are free to decide whether they want to attend the ceremony or not. The deceased's wishes are always respected and the burial can also be carried out without the family present.

Remembrance and remembrance after the ceremony

After the funeral, the relatives receive a card with the coordinates of the burial site. Many families later use this place for memorial moments or to scatter flowers on the water. Some shipping companies also offer regular memorial cruises.

Sea burials for people from Dresden: places and opportunities

Since sea burials in Germany may only be carried out on the open sea, at least 3 nautical miles from the coast, burial at sea in Dresden or the surrounding area is not possible. Instead, the Baltic Sea and the North Sea are the next options.

Baltic Sea (e.g. from Rostock or Warnemünde)

The Baltic Sea is a popular choice for sea burials and is easily accessible from Dresden. Ports such as Rostock or Warnemünde offer specialized shipping companies the opportunity to hold silent funerals or ceremonies in the presence of relatives.
For example:

Usedom sea burial
Albrecht sea burial
Sea burial eagle
Malte Fischer Sea Funeral Service
Lake burial Hohe Düne

North Sea (e.g. from Cuxhaven or Büsum)

There are also designated sea areas for sea burials in the North Sea, such as from Cuxhaven or Büsum. For many people, the North Sea symbolizes freedom and infinity, which makes it a suitable place of final rest.

North Sea burial
Nordlicht shipping company
Malte Fischer Sea Funeral Service

Lübeck Bay

Baltic Sea burials

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Costs of a burial at sea

The costs of a funeral at sea vary depending on the provider and type of ceremony and usually include the urn, the transfer of the ashes, the ship's burial, and the ceremony itself.

Silent burial (without relatives): starting at around 150€.
Accompanied funeral (with relatives): from around 1,500€ to 3,000€, depending on the ship and number of guests. The costs may be higher for larger ceremonies.

In addition, there are the regular funeral costs for a cremation, which are around 2,000-4,000 euros. Due to the omission of grave costs, sea burial remains the cheapest type of burial.

Benefits of a burial at sea

Burial at sea offers many benefits:

connection with nature: The atmosphere on the water is perceived by many as particularly peaceful and sublime and is particularly suitable for people who feel connected to the water.
Freedom of care: Without a traditional grave, there is no need for grave maintenance, which relieves the burden on survivors.
Personal farewell ceremony: A burial at sea leaves room for a very individual and private ceremony on the water.‍
environmental friendliness: The urns used are made from biodegradable materials that completely dissolve in water

Support with sea burials for Dresdeners

Our team is there to help you organize and carry out a sea funeral. From transporting the ashes to planning the ceremony and coordinating with the shipping company — we will work with you to create a peaceful farewell in harmony with nature.

Burial at sea in the south?
For all those who want a burial in the Mediterranean Sea, we offer affordable alternatives in warmer waters through our partners in Saint Tropez and Port d'Andratx.

Let us arrange a respectful and natural farewell together — for a final journey that remains connected to nature.

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Sea burials from Dresden — A dignified farewell in harmony with nature