Cremation and Ash Placement
· 2 min read
Cremation as a process
Cremation means incinerating the body of the deceased at a crematorium at a high temperature (approximately 800–1,000 °C). The process typically takes 1–2 hours. Cremation always takes place inside a casket, and each deceased person is cremated individually. After cremation, the remaining ashes are collected into an urn. In Finland, cremation has become significantly more common, and today more than half of all deceased are cremated. A burial permit is always required for cremation.
Ash placement options
Ashes can be placed in an urn grave at a cemetery, in a memorial grove, in nature, or in a body of water. Urn burial is the most common option, where the urn is buried in a small grave at a cemetery. A memorial grove offers an anonymous or named placement site. Scattering ashes in nature is permitted with the landowner's consent. Scattering in a body of water is possible, though it is advisable to notify the local environmental authority.
Legislation
Cremation is regulated by the Burial Act (457/2003). Under Section 17, ashes must be placed within one year of cremation. Ashes may be placed outside a cemetery if the landowner gives permission and the person placing them takes responsibility for their permanent placement. Crematorium operations are governed by the same law, and establishing a crematorium requires a permit from the Regional State Administrative Agency. Ashes are usually released to the next of kin or the funeral home.
Cremation costs
The total cost of cremation is typically EUR 2,000–5,000. The crematorium fee is EUR 200–500. Urn prices range from EUR 100 to 600. The urn grave plot fee is usually EUR 100–500, which is considerably less than a casket grave plot. Memorial grove placement is the most affordable option, as no separate plot fee is charged. Transport and ceremony fees are additional.
Choosing an urn
The urn is selected from the funeral home's or crematorium's range. Ceramic, wooden, metal, and biodegradable urns are available. If the urn is to be buried in the ground, it must be biodegradable. In memorial grove placement, a biodegradable urn is always used. Urn prices range from EUR 100 to 600 depending on the material and decoration. The appearance and material of the urn are freely selectable, provided they meet any requirements of the cemetery.
Frequently asked questions
Where can ashes be placed in Finland?
Ashes can be placed in an urn grave at a cemetery, in a memorial grove with or without a name marker, or in another location with the landowner's permission under Section 17 of the Burial Act (457/2003). Ashes may be scattered in a body of water or in nature, provided the placement occurs within one year of cremation. An urn may also be buried on private land if the municipality permits it and neighbours do not object.
How long after cremation must the ashes be placed?
Under Section 17 of the Burial Act (457/2003), ashes must be placed in their final resting place within one year of cremation. If the ashes have not been placed within one year, the crematorium will arrange their placement. The one-year deadline begins on the date of cremation. The next of kin may collect the ashes from the crematorium and arrange placement themselves, or have the funeral home handle it.
Is cremation less expensive than casket burial?
Generally yes. Cremation is usually less expensive overall than casket burial. An urn costs considerably less than a casket, and the urn grave plot fee is smaller than a casket grave plot fee. The crematorium fee is typically EUR 200–500. The overall saving compared to casket burial can be EUR 1,000–3,000. Memorial grove placement is the most affordable option, as no separate burial plot or headstone is needed.
Can a blessing ceremony be held after cremation?
Yes. A blessing ceremony can be held before the cremation, with the ceremony conducted beside the casket in a chapel or church. Another option is to hold a memorial gathering after the cremation, in connection with the ash placement. A third option is to hold the ceremony in two parts: a blessing at the chapel and a later ash placement ceremony. Practical arrangements are agreed with the parish or officiant.
Can the ashes be divided among several locations?
The interpretation of the Burial Act holds that ashes should be placed in one location. The wording of the law does not explicitly prohibit dividing the ashes, but official interpretation and practice require placing the ashes intact in a single location. Some crematoria also follow the practice of releasing the ashes in a single urn. The family can always discuss their wishes with the crematorium.
Read also
How does a crematorium work in Finland? Read about the cremation process, crematorium locations, legislation, and practices. A comprehensive guide for families.
Memorial grove as a burial option in Finland: named and unnamed memorial groves, costs, and practices. A guide to choosing a memorial grove.
Casket burial in Finland: process, casket selection, reserving a burial plot, and costs. A comprehensive guide to casket burial practices.