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Order a natural burial
In a natural burial, the ashes of the deceased are buried in specially designated cemeteries. This can take place near a tree, in the root area of a tree or on designated lawn or meadow areas. The grave sites are usually not recognisable as such, or only discreetly so.
Cemetery operators can set up such areas in municipal cemeteries or in specially designated woodland or natural areas. These areas are often spatially separated from traditional burial plots.
The form of the farewell and burial rituals depends on the wishes of the deceased and the wishes of the relatives. The participation of clergy or independent speakers is just as possible as a farewell ceremony without religious or ideological accompaniment.
A name plaque can be placed on the tree or in the area of the grave to mark the gravesite. If desired, it is also possible to dispense with naming. The placing of flowers or traditional grave decorations is generally not permitted; the respective regulations of the cemetery provider are decisive.
Natural burials take place exclusively in connection with urn burials. The legal requirements for cremation and urn burial in cemeteries and other authorised urn and natural burial areas therefore apply.
Details
Prerequisite
A prerequisite for natural burial is a previous cremation (the deceased person must first be cremated before the ashes can be buried in an urn). The provisions for cremation therefore apply.
Procedure
Contact the cemetery organisation of your choice.
Deadlines
The usual deadlines for reporting and notarising a death and for collecting and burying the deceased person apply.
Required documents
- Death certificate
- Death certificate (for deaths outside the state of Baden-Württemberg)
- Authorisation for cremation
Costs
In addition to the usual costs in the event of a death, there are costs for the burial site and, in the case of a burial in the forest, costs for the purchase of a tree (also pro rata).
Miscellaneous
None
Legal basis
Bestattungsgesetz (BestattG):
- § 32 Bestattungsart
- § 35 Zulässigkeit der Feuerbestattung
Bestattungsverordnung (BestattVO):
- § 5 Urnenfriedhöfe
- § 16 Erlaubnis zur Feuerbestattung
- § 24 Urnenbeschaffenheit
- § 26 Urnenbestattung auf Friedhöfen
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: Sozialministerium Baden-Württemberg, 11.05.2026
