Urn Burial
Types of Urn Burial
Urn burial offers several options for placing ashes. The most common method is burying the urn in a small grave plot at a cemetery. Another option is a columbarium, where the urn is placed in a built niche. A third option is a memorial grove, where ashes are placed anonymously or with a named plaque. After cremation, the family may also place the ashes in nature or a body of water with the landowner's permission.
Choosing an Urn
The urn material is selected based on the placement method. An urn buried in the ground must be biodegradable so that it decomposes naturally in the soil. Biodegradable materials include wood, cardboard, ceramic, and starch-based materials. An urn placed in a columbarium may be metallic, ceramic, or stone. Urn prices range from 100 to 600 euros depending on material and decoration. Funeral homes and crematoria offer a wide selection.
Costs
The urn grave plot fee is considerably more affordable than a casket grave plot: typically 100–500 euros. A columbarium niche costs approximately 300–800 euros. Memorial grove placement is the most affordable option since no separate grave plot fee is charged. The urn price, cremation cost, and possible headstone add to the expenses. Overall, urn burial is clearly a more affordable alternative to casket burial.
Burial Right for an Urn Grave
Burial right refers to the right to use a specific grave plot at a cemetery. Urn grave burial rights are usually granted for 15–25 years and can be renewed. The burial right holder decides who is buried in the plot. Multiple urns can be placed in the same urn grave, making it an economical option for families. When choosing a cemetery, it is worth considering the location, duration of the burial right, and parish-specific rules.
Frequently asked questions
What does urn burial mean?
Urn burial refers to the post-cremation burial method where an urn containing the deceased's ashes is placed at a cemetery. The urn can be buried in a small grave plot, placed in a columbarium (urn vault), or placed in a memorial grove. Urn burial is the most common continuation of cremation.
How much does urn burial cost?
An urn grave plot fee is typically 100–500 euros, which is clearly more affordable than a casket grave plot. An urn costs 100–600 euros. A columbarium niche is typically 300–800 euros. Memorial grove placement is the most affordable since no separate grave plot fee is charged. Burial right duration and renewal fees vary by parish.
Must the urn be biodegradable?
An urn buried in the ground must be biodegradable in most cemeteries. An urn placed in a memorial grove is always biodegradable. An urn placed in a columbarium may be metallic or ceramic since it is not in contact with the soil. Cemetery regulations should be checked in advance.
What is a columbarium?
A columbarium is a built structure at a cemetery where urns are stored in niches. Columbariums are common especially in Southern Europe, but they are increasingly found in Finnish cemeteries as well. An urn can be placed in a niche without any ground excavation.
Related terms
A burial method where the deceased is cremated in a crematorium furnace. Ashes are placed in an urn grave, memorial grove, or scattered.
A facility where cremation of the deceased is carried out. Finland has approximately 20 crematoria.
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.
Choosing a cemetery and burial plot: parish cemeteries, municipal cemeteries, prices, and practices. A guide to reserving a burial plot.
Memorial grove as a burial option in Finland: named and unnamed memorial groves, costs, and practices. A guide to choosing a memorial grove.