Columbarium
A columbarium is a built wall structure or separate space where cremated persons' urns are stored in niches at a cemetery. A columbarium offers an alternative to traditional urn burial and memorial grove placement. The popularity of columbariums has grown in Finland as cremation has become more common.
Types of Columbariums
There are various types of columbariums: wall-mounted niche structures built into exterior walls, freestanding columbarium structures in the cemetery grounds, and indoor columbarium rooms. Outdoor columbarium structures are the most common in Finland. They are typically granite or stone masonry wall structures, with each niche having its own cover plate bearing the deceased's name and dates.
Practice and Costs
Placing an urn in a columbarium requires a burial permit and cremation performed by a crematorium. A niche typically costs 200–800 euros, and the same niche usually accommodates 2–4 urns. The niche term is fixed, usually 25–50 years. Burial rights for a columbarium niche follow the same principles as grave plot rights.
Advantages and Features
A columbarium is a low-maintenance option since it does not require grave maintenance or plantings. Family members can still bring flowers and candles to shared memorial areas near the columbarium. A columbarium provides a tangible place to visit and remember the deceased — unlike a scattering area or ashes scattered in nature. Read more about cremation options in our cremation article.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a columbarium niche cost?
A columbarium niche typically costs 200–800 euros depending on the location and cemetery. A niche usually accommodates 1–2 urns. Parish members often receive a lower price. The cost of the urn and name plaque are additional.
How does a columbarium differ from an urn grave?
In a columbarium, the urn is placed inside a wall structure in a niche, while in an urn grave, the urn is buried in the ground. A columbarium is a tidier and easier-to-maintain option since it does not require grave maintenance. The niche is sealed with a name plaque.
Can multiple urns be placed in a columbarium niche?
Yes, most columbariums accommodate 2–4 urns per niche, so the same niche can hold the urns of a married couple, for example. The niche is usually valid for a fixed term (25–50 years), which can be renewed.
Related terms
A post-cremation burial method where the urn containing ashes is placed in a grave or columbarium niche.
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.
Read also
Cremation in Finland: the process, ash placement options, legislation, and costs. A comprehensive guide to cremation and urn burial.
Casket burial in Finland: process, casket selection, reserving a burial plot, and costs. A comprehensive guide to casket burial practices.
Choosing a headstone: materials, engraving, installation at the cemetery, costs, permits, and cemetery regulations in one guide.