Woodland Burial in Germany — Process, Costs and What Comes After

Introduction

We understand that you may be going through an exceptionally difficult time — or that you are gathering information in advance to make an important decision with care. In either case, we would like to help you understand every aspect of the woodland burial (Waldbestattung) in Germany: from the first considerations through to the question of how the memory of a loved one can be preserved for the long term.

The woodland burial is one of the fastest-growing forms of burial in Germany. An increasing number of people are choosing a tree in a forest as their final resting place — rather than a traditional grave in a cemetery. The reasons are varied: a deep connection to nature, the wish for a maintenance-free grave or the idea of becoming part of the natural cycle of life.

Yet a woodland burial also raises questions: What does it truly cost? How does the interment process work? What is the difference between FriedWald and RuheForst? And above all: if there is no gravestone — how do families preserve their memories?

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about the process, the costs of a woodland burial (Waldbestattung Kosten) and the ways to keep memories alive beyond the physical resting place. This article is intended for those considering a woodland burial as well as for family members who, following an interment in the forest, are looking for a lasting place of remembrance. Since no gravestone is permitted at a woodland burial, many families complement the natural resting place with a digital memorial page — a permanent home for photographs and memories.

What Is a Woodland Burial?

A woodland burial (Waldbestattung) is the interment of a deceased person's ashes in a biodegradable urn at the roots of a tree within a specially designated burial forest. According to a Forsa survey, approximately 25 per cent of Germans now prefer this nature-based form of burial.

The Concept: Nature Instead of a Cemetery

The idea behind the woodland burial is both simple and profound: a tree takes the place of a gravestone, and the forest becomes the cemetery. The resting place lies within a protected, forestry-managed woodland area that has been approved as a burial forest (Bestattungswald). In this way, Germany's cemetery obligation (Friedhofszwang) — the legal requirement that all human remains must be interred in a registered cemetery — is met, because the burial forest holds the same legal status as a conventional cemetery.

A woodland burial always requires a prior cremation (Einaescherung). The urn is made of biodegradable material and decomposes in the soil over time. Gradually, the nutrients merge with the root system of the tree — a natural cycle that many families find deeply comforting.

Who Is a Woodland Burial Suited For?

A woodland burial is frequently chosen by:

• Nature-loving individuals who wish for a resting place surrounded by greenery
• Families seeking a maintenance-free grave — in the forest, there is no grave upkeep
• Secular-minded people who prefer an alternative to a traditional church cemetery
• Environmentally conscious individuals who value an ecologically responsible form of burial
• Those planning ahead who wish to relieve their family of the ongoing obligation of grave maintenance

FriedWald vs. RuheForst — What Is the Difference?

The two largest providers of woodland burials in Germany are FriedWald and RuheForst. Both offer a nature-based interment, but they differ in concept, pricing and the degree of customisation available. FriedWald currently operates approximately 97 locations across Germany, whilst RuheForst offers around 86 locations.

FriedWald: Uniform Prices, Clear Concept

The advantage of FriedWald lies in its transparency: the woodland burial costs are identical at all locations. The interment fee is a uniform 450 EUR, with the burial plot costs added on top. Whether you choose a basic plot (590 EUR), a selected plot (890-1,390 EUR) or a dedicated family tree (2,890-7,490 EUR), the prices are straightforward to calculate.

RuheForst: Greater Variety, Location-Dependent Prices

With its so-called RuheBiotope, RuheForst offers greater variety in the type of resting place: in addition to trees, you may also choose shrubs or boulders as the burial site. However, prices vary from one location to another. It is therefore strongly advisable to contact your preferred RuheForst location directly.

The Process of a Woodland Burial

The woodland burial process is divided into three phases: preparation, the interment itself and the period that follows. The ceremony in the forest typically lasts between 15 and 45 minutes and may be designed as either a religious or a secular service.

Before the Interment: Selecting a Tree and Planning

The first step is selecting the burial forest and the specific tree. Many providers — FriedWald in particular — offer guided walks during which you can explore the forest and choose your preferred tree. This is also possible during one's own lifetime as part of funeral pre-planning (Bestattungsvorsorge).

Checklist before the interment:

1. Commission a funeral director (transfer and cremation)
2. Select the burial forest and location
3. Arrange a personal forest walk or guided tour with the forester
4. Select and reserve the tree or burial plot
5. Decide on the type of ceremony (religious, secular or in silence)
6. Order a name plaque (optional)
7. Agree the interment date with the burial forest

The Interment: The Ceremony in the Forest

On the day of the interment, the family gathers at the entrance or the memorial gathering place (Andachtsplatz) of the burial forest. The forester welcomes the mourners and guides them to the chosen tree.

The ceremony in the forest is intentionally simple and dignified:

• Welcome: The forester, a member of the clergy or a freelance eulogy speaker greets those present
• Eulogy or prayer: According to the wishes of the family — religious or secular
• Musical accompaniment: Instruments, singing or recorded music are permitted
• Interment of the urn: The urn is lowered into the prepared opening at the tree roots
• Personal farewell: Family members may scatter soil, sand or flower petals into the grave
• Closing: After the mourners have departed, the forester seals the grave and covers it with forest floor and foliage

Unlike a traditional earth burial in a cemetery, no grave decorations are permitted at a woodland burial — neither flowers, candles nor personal objects. The forest is to remain in its natural state.

After the Interment: What Is Permitted and What Is Not?

After the interment, family members may visit the tree at any time. However, clear rules apply:

Many families therefore complement the woodland burial with a digital memorial page — a place of remembrance that is always accessible, regardless of the forest's opening hours or the distance involved.

Woodland Burial Costs in Detail

The total cost of a woodland burial in Germany ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 EUR. In most cases, this makes it more affordable than a traditional earth burial (7,000 to 13,000 EUR), though comparable to an urn interment in a conventional cemetery. A comprehensive overview of all funeral costs in Germany provides further context.

Cost Breakdown at a Glance

Prices are current indicative values (as of March 2026). Costs vary depending on region and individual preferences. Source: friedwald.de, ruheforst-deutschland.de.

Why a Woodland Burial Is Often More Affordable

Three factors make the woodland burial financially attractive:

1. No grave maintenance: In the forest, nature takes care of the upkeep. In a conventional cemetery, annual grave maintenance costs between 300 and 800 EUR — which accumulates significantly over a usage period of 20 to 30 years.
2. No gravestone: A traditional gravestone costs between 1,000 and 5,000 EUR. In a woodland burial, a name plaque (30 to 125 EUR) takes the place of the stone.
3. No separate cemetery fees: The cost of the forest plot covers everything — there are no additional annual cemetery fees.

If the funeral costs present a financial burden, you may wish to explore the option of a social welfare funeral (Sozialbestattung) or learn about the extent to which funeral costs can be deducted from your taxes.

No Gravestone — How Do You Remember?

Since no gravestone, no grave decorations and no personal objects are permitted at a woodland burial, many families ask themselves: where is the place of remembrance? The small name plaque on the tree — bearing the name and the dates of birth and death — is often the only physical marker.

The Name Plaque: Small, but Meaningful

At FriedWald, you may order a name plaque in three price categories:

• 30 EUR: Small plaque with name and dates of birth and death
• 75 EUR: Medium plaque with an extended inscription
• 125 EUR: Large plaque with an individually chosen text

The plaque is affixed to the tree and is visible to visitors. Yet it is limited: it displays no photographs, tells no life story and shares no memories.

The Tree Right Expires — What Then?

An important aspect that is frequently overlooked: the usage right (Nutzungsrecht) for an individual plot at FriedWald expires after 25 years. Although there is the possibility of extending it through repurchase, there is no guarantee. For a dedicated family tree, the usage right is considerably longer — up to 99 years.

Once the usage right has expired, the name plaque may be removed. What remains then?

The Digital Memorial Page: Remembrance Without an Expiry Date

No gravestone at a woodland burial? With a digital memorial page on Kinmory, the memory of your loved one endures — with photographs, videos and their life story. Family and friends from anywhere in the world can add and share their memories. Create a memorial page on Kinmory

A digital memorial page is particularly valuable in the context of a woodland burial, because:

• No physical place of remembrance: The tree bears only a small name plaque — there is no space for photographs, stories or personal memories
• Accessible from anywhere: Not all family members live near the burial forest. A digital memorial page is accessible from any location
• No time limit: Whilst the tree usage right may expire after 25 years, a digital memorial page endures indefinitely
• Shared by all: Family and friends can collectively gather photographs, stories and memories
• QR code at the tree: Where the burial forest permits it, a QR code can be attached to the name plaque — visitors scan it and are taken directly to the memorial page

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Woodland Burial

A woodland burial is a deliberate choice that offers many advantages but also comes with certain restrictions. The following overview helps you compare the woodland burial with other burial types — a detailed comparison of all burial types is available in our separate guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a woodland burial at FriedWald cost?

The total cost of a woodland burial at FriedWald ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 EUR. This includes the interment fee (450 EUR), the burial plot (590 to 7,490 EUR depending on the type), cremation and transfer of remains (1,500 to 2,500 EUR) and optionally a name plaque (30 to 125 EUR). Plot prices are identical at all FriedWald locations across Germany. Additional costs may arise for a funeral ceremony and a eulogy speaker.

Can I choose my own tree?

Yes, at both FriedWald and RuheForst you may select your preferred tree in person. FriedWald offers regular guided forest walks during which a forester accompanies you through the burial forest. You may choose between different plot types: a basic plot, a freely selectable individual plot or a dedicated family tree. Pre-selecting a tree during your own lifetime is also possible and is actively encouraged by most providers.

What happens to the tree after 25 years?

Once the usage right expires — typically 25 years for individual plots — the burial plot may no longer be used as a grave site. The name plaque may be removed and the plot can be reallocated. At FriedWald, it is possible to extend the usage right through repurchase. Those who have purchased a dedicated family tree benefit from a usage right of up to 99 years. A digital memorial page can preserve the memory independently and indefinitely.

Am I allowed to decorate the tree with flowers?

No. At a woodland burial — both at FriedWald and RuheForst — grave decorations of any kind are prohibited. This applies to flowers, candles, wreaths, figurines and personal objects. The forest is to remain in its natural state. On the day of the interment, family members may scatter soil, sand or flower petals into the grave, but after the ceremony the forester covers the site again with forest floor and foliage.

Is a funeral ceremony held at a woodland burial?

Yes, a funeral ceremony is expressly permitted at a woodland burial and is requested by most families. The ceremony usually takes place directly at the tree or at the memorial gathering place (Andachtsplatz) within the burial forest and lasts between 15 and 45 minutes. It may be designed as either a religious or a secular ceremony — with a clergyman, a freelance eulogy speaker or in quiet contemplation. Musical accompaniment through instruments, singing or recorded music is also possible.

Summary

• What is a woodland burial? The urn is interred at the roots of a tree in an approved burial forest (Bestattungswald). A prior cremation is required.
• Two major providers: FriedWald (approx. 97 locations, uniform prices) and RuheForst (approx. 86 locations, location-dependent prices) are the leading providers in Germany.
• Woodland burial costs: Total costs range from 3,000 to 7,000 EUR — often more affordable than a traditional earth burial, as grave maintenance and a gravestone are not required.
• Process: Cremation, tree selection, interment in the forest with an optional funeral ceremony (15 to 45 minutes).
• Restrictions: No grave decorations, no flowers, no personal objects at the tree.
• Tree usage right is limited: Individual plots at FriedWald carry a usage right of 25 years; dedicated family trees extend up to 99 years.
• Digital remembrance as a complement: Since no gravestone and no grave decorations are permitted, a digital memorial page is the ideal complement — accessible from anywhere, without a time limit and usable by the entire family.

Further Reading

• Funeral Costs in Germany 2026: How Much Does a Funeral Cost? — Comprehensive overview of all cost items
• Burial Types Compared: Earth, Cremation, Woodland and Sea Burial — Which burial type suits you?
• Cemetery Obligation in Germany: What Is Permitted? — Legal foundations of burial
• Creating a Digital Memorial Page: Step by Step — How to preserve memories digitally
• QR Code for the Gravestone: Digital Remembrance On Site — QR code at the tree or gravestone
• Sea Burial in Germany — Process, Costs and Locations — Alternative natural burial