Cremation
Cremation Process
Cremation is carried out at a crematorium at high temperatures, approximately 800–1,000 °C. The deceased is always cremated in a casket, and each cremation is performed individually. The process typically takes 1–2 hours. After cremation, the remaining bone ash is cooled, ground to a uniform consistency, and collected in an urn. In Finland, cremation always requires a burial permit issued by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency based on the death certificate.
Ash Placement Options
There are several options for placing ashes. Urn burial means burying the urn in a small grave plot at a cemetery. A memorial grove is a cemetery area where ashes are placed anonymously or with a named marker. Ashes can also be scattered in nature or a body of water with the written permission of the landowner. Some cemeteries offer columbarium niches, where the urn is stored in a built niche.
Legislation and Timeline
The Burial Act (457/2003) regulates cremation in Finland. Under Section 17, ashes must be placed in their final resting place within one year of cremation. If ashes are not placed within the deadline, the crematorium takes care of the placement. Cremation may be performed at the earliest once the burial permit has been issued. The crematorium operator must have a permit from the Regional State Administrative Agency.
Costs
The total cost of cremation ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 euros. The crematorium fee is 200–500 euros, the urn 100–600 euros, and the urn grave plot 100–500 euros. The most affordable option is memorial grove placement, where no separate grave plot fee is charged. Compared to casket burial, the typical savings are 1,000–3,000 euros.
Growing Popularity
The proportion of cremations has grown steadily in Finland over recent decades. In the largest cities, a clear majority of deceased persons are cremated. The factors behind this growth include lower costs, flexible placement options, and the fact that cremation does not require a traditional grave plot or headstone. Ecological considerations also favour cremation, as urn burial uses less land than casket burial.
Frequently asked questions
How long does cremation take?
The actual cremation process at the crematorium typically takes 1–2 hours depending on the size of the deceased and the casket material. The furnace temperature is approximately 800–1,000 °C. Cooling and processing of the ashes take additional time, so ashes are usually available for collection 1–3 business days later.
Where can the ashes be placed?
Ashes can be placed in an urn grave at a cemetery, in a memorial grove, or scattered in nature or a body of water. Under the Burial Act, ashes may be placed outside a cemetery with the written permission of the landowner. Ashes must be placed in their final resting place within one year of cremation.
How much does cremation cost?
The total cost of cremation is typically 2,000–5,000 euros. The crematorium fee alone is 200–500 euros. Additional costs include the urn (100–600 euros), urn grave plot (100–500 euros), transportation, and the ceremony. Memorial grove placement is the most affordable option since no separate grave plot fee is charged.
Has cremation become more common in Finland?
Yes. The popularity of cremation has grown steadily: today over half of deceased persons are cremated in Finland. In cities, the proportion is even higher. Reasons for the increase include the lower cost of cremation, its ecological nature, and flexible ash placement options.
Related terms
A facility where cremation of the deceased is carried out. Finland has approximately 20 crematoria.
A post-cremation burial method where the urn containing ashes is placed in a grave or columbarium niche.
A designated area in a cemetery where ashes are placed anonymously or with a name plaque. Maintenance is the responsibility of the parish.
A burial method where the deceased is laid to rest in a casket in the ground. The most common form of burial in Finland.
Read also
Cremation in Finland: the process, ash placement options, legislation, and costs. A comprehensive guide to cremation and urn burial.
How does a crematorium work in Finland? Read about the cremation process, crematorium locations, legislation, and practices. A comprehensive guide for families.
Comprehensive cremation FAQ for Finland: process, costs, ash placement, legislation, urns, timelines, and practical guidance. All your cremation questions answered.