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Burials close to nature: Schwanewede opens its cemetery forest!
Osterholz: Forest burials in the Schwanewede Forest have offered a natural, low-maintenance farewell option since 2011.
Burials close to nature: Schwanewede opens its cemetery forest!
In the picturesque community of Schwanewede, in the Schmidt's Kiefern forest area covering an area of 40 hectares, the Friedwald Bremer Schweiz has developed into a popular place for forest burials since it opened in 2011. This unique burial forest is not only a place of final rest, but also a wonderful opportunity to relax and linger in the middle of nature. Here, the ashes of the deceased are buried in biodegradable urns around tree trunks, and the graves blend unobtrusively into the natural surroundings.
The Friedwald forester Anja Arndt emphasizes the fusion of nature work and human contact. “The natural decorative effect of the seasons ensures that the forest is always changing,” she explains, emphasizing how important it is to accompany relatives in difficult life situations. In the Friedwald there are two places of worship that can be used for funeral ceremonies, with both non-denominational and religious ceremonies possible. From quiet funerals to celebrations with music and a buffet, diversity is very important here.
A variety of funeral options and costs
Overall, there is hope for good business with the Friedwald concept. Demand for forest burials is high, with up to 16 burials per week. A significant advantage for relatives is that they do not have to worry about grave maintenance while at the same time receiving a memorial. The different grave types include generation trees, partner trees and community trees. The costs for a forest burial are often cheaper than in conventional cemeteries because there is no need for a gravestone, grave decorations and maintenance.
The total costs for a forest burial vary depending on individual wishes and location. For a burial on a community tree, the price starts at 890 euros, while an individual tree is available from 2,890 euros. The current funeral costs are 450 euros and include various services, such as opening and closing the grave site and the forester accompanying the funeral service.
A trend in Germany
Forest burials have established themselves as a popular alternative to traditional burials in Germany since they were approved in 2000. This trend follows a growing need for nature-related farewell options. The strict regulations for burials, including the requirement to use a cemetery, make this form of burial attractive to many people. The FriedWald locations offer a quiet and beautiful environment that can provide comfort to relatives.
Whether on a small scale or in a larger group, the options for organizing the ceremonies are diverse and individually adaptable. Fortunately, the nature around us allows each farewell to take place in its own way. In Schwanewede, the trees are color-coded, making it easier for families to choose a place for their final resting place.
Further information about this unique funeral offer can be found at Weser Kurier and Friedwald or take a look on Bestattungen.de to find out more about the different options and services.