Casket Burial in Finland
· 2 min read
Casket burial overview
Casket burial is the traditional burial method in Finland, in which the deceased is placed in a casket and lowered into the ground at a cemetery. Under the Burial Act (457/2003), burial must take place at a cemetery maintained by a parish or municipality. Casket burial remains a common option, although cremation has grown significantly in popularity. The choice between casket burial and cremation is based on the wishes of the deceased, the views of the family, and religious traditions.
Choosing a casket
The casket is usually selected from the funeral home's range. Options include wooden caskets in pine, birch, and oak, as well as ecological alternatives. Casket prices range from EUR 300 to 3,000. Simple pine caskets are the most affordable, while handcrafted oak caskets are the most expensive. Cemeteries may require a biodegradable casket. The interior furnishings, padding, and any decorations affect the total price.
Reserving a burial plot
A burial plot is reserved through the parish or municipal burial office. Parish members receive a plot at their own parish cemetery, usually at a lower price than non-members. Under Section 6 of the Burial Act, a parish may not refuse to bury a person who lived in its area regardless of religious affiliation. A burial plot can be reserved for one or more deceased, and the right to the plot is valid for a fixed period.
Costs
The total cost of a casket burial is typically EUR 3,000–7,000. This includes the casket (EUR 300–3,000), the burial plot fee (EUR 200–1,500), grave digging and covering (EUR 300–800), transportation and storage of the deceased (EUR 200–900), and ceremony-related costs. The headstone is a separate expense, ranging from EUR 500 to 5,000. Costs can be compared by requesting quotes from several funeral homes.
Funeral ceremony
A casket burial usually includes a blessing ceremony at a church or chapel, after which the casket is lowered into the grave. In a church service, the minister leads the ceremony and performs the blessing. In a civil ceremony, the officiant can be a person of the family's choosing. Lowering the casket into the grave is often the most moving moment of the funeral, and close family members may throw soil or flowers onto the grave if they wish. A memorial gathering is usually held after the ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
How does casket burial differ from cremation?
In a casket burial, the deceased is placed in a casket and lowered into the ground at a cemetery, while in cremation, the deceased is incinerated at a crematorium and the ashes are placed in an urn grave, memorial grove, or another location. Casket burial requires a larger burial plot and is generally more expensive overall than cremation. Casket burial is the more traditional option in Finland, but cremation has grown significantly in popularity in recent decades. The choice is always guided by the wishes of the deceased and the family.
How much does a casket burial cost?
The total cost of a casket burial typically ranges from EUR 3,000 to 7,000. The casket costs EUR 300–3,000 depending on the material and quality. The burial plot fee varies by parish and municipality, generally EUR 200–1,500. Additional costs include transport, ceremony fees, and potential headstone expenses. Parish members usually receive a more affordable burial plot fee than non-members.
Can the casket be freely chosen?
Yes, the casket can be freely chosen from the funeral home's selection or ordered elsewhere. The Burial Act does not impose strict restrictions on the casket's material or appearance, but cemeteries may require the casket to be biodegradable. Wooden caskets in various species, ecological cardboard caskets, and hand-painted caskets are available. The price range is wide, and funeral homes typically offer several options for different budgets.
How deep is a casket grave?
In Finland, a casket grave is typically dug to a depth of about 1.5–2 metres. The depth depends on the soil conditions, cemetery regulations, and whether a second casket is intended to be placed in the grave later. Double-depth graves are deeper. The cemetery staff are responsible for digging and filling the grave. In winter, ground frost may affect the excavation schedule.
Can only close family attend the casket burial?
Yes, the number of attendees at a funeral is decided by the family. The funeral ceremony can be held with a very small circle, with only the closest family members present. This is a perfectly acceptable and increasingly common practice. The family can also limit invitations to specific people or hold an open ceremony. The memorial gathering can welcome a wider circle even if the burial itself is small-scale.
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.
Choosing a headstone: materials, engraving, installation at the cemetery, costs, permits, and cemetery regulations in one guide.