Reerdigung – Back into the Cycle of Nature
Setting a new beginning at the end of life.
Reerdigung is a new form of burial: The body of a deceased person is placed in a special cocoon on natural plant material and is transformed into fertile earth by microorganisms within 40 days. Without a coffin. Without fire. Without chemicals.
Earth to earth, not as a metaphor, but as a reality.
We at Atelier Magnolia Bestattungen from Berlin will accompany you. Personally and attentively, with heart and experience.
We are here for you – contact us anytime with any questions about Reerdigung.
We will guide you through every step from Berlin.
A Transformation
What is Reerdigung?
Reerdigung is a form of burial by MEINE ERDE, where the human body is naturally transformed into earth after death. The body is placed in a coffin-like container, the cocoon, on a bed of straw, hay, and alfalfa. In this closed cocoon, natural microorganisms create optimal conditions: Within 40 days, the body turns into fertile, nutrient-rich earth.
40 days. Anyone raised religiously knows this number. In the Bible, it stands for times of transition, stillness, and transformation. Moses retreated to Mount Sinai for 40 days. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert. The number does not signify an end, but a passage. For what comes after.
In Reerdigung, this number carries a related meaning. The body returns. Transforms. Becomes new. Not as a loss, but as a transition into something that remains.
This new earth is then interred in a cemetery, in a maintenance-free grave, on a meadow of life, or at the foot of a memorial tree. The grave can be planted. New life emerges where a life ended.
Is Reerdigung legal in Germany?
Yes – with one important restriction you should be aware of.
Reerdigung is permitted as a form of burial in Germany, but burial law is a matter for the individual states. This means that Reerdigung is not currently possible in every federal state.
Schleswig-Holstein is a pioneer: It was the first federal state to approve Reerdigung as part of a legally regulated pilot project. The process takes place in a so-called Alvarium – a specially equipped building, currently in Kiel and Mölln. The resulting new earth can already be interred in cemeteries in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Berlin is currently awaiting the results of the pilot phase.
For families from Berlin, this means: A transfer to Schleswig-Holstein is necessary. That sounds like effort – and that’s exactly what we’re here for. We coordinate everything. You don’t have to worry about anything except what really matters.
How does Reerdigung work?
The Reerdigung process follows a clear, calm procedure – with plenty of room for personal wishes.
- Saying goodbye
After death, you can say goodbye to your loved one in our farewell room in Berlin for as long and as personally as you wish. Alternatively, a farewell directly at the time of placement in the cocoon is also possible. - Placement in the cocoon
The body is lovingly placed in the cocoon – on a natural bed of straw, hay, and alfalfa. Flowers as an addition are welcome. - The Transformation – 40 Days
The sealed cocoon goes into the Alvarium. There, the forty-day transformation begins. Natural microorganisms convert the body into fertile earth. This process is carefully monitored and supervised. - The new earth
After the transformation is complete, nutrient-rich earth is created. Remaining bones are ground, similar to a crematorium, and incorporated into the earth. The new earth is wrapped in a natural fiber cloth. - Interment
The earth is interred in a cemetery of your choice in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, or Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Some families also choose a memorial service in Berlin before the interment takes place. That is also possible.
Costs
What does Reerdigung cost?
The costs for a Reerdigung depend on the chosen package and individual wishes. The basic package “Einfach Erde” (Simple Earth) from MEINE ERDE – currently the only provider in Germany – starts from 4,250 Euros (incl. VAT).
In addition, there are the transfer costs from Berlin to Schleswig-Holstein, which depend on the distance. We would be happy to provide you with a transparent overall offer – without hidden costs.
A Reerdigung is thus comparable to a traditional earth or cremation burial when all services are added up.
Simple Reerdigung (Meadow of Life, maintenance-free)
Without relatives from 4,250 Euros
With relatives upon request
Reerdigung with individual grave plot / memorial tree
Costs upon request
Reerdigung with memorial service in Berlin & interment
Costs upon request
Cemetery costs
For example, on the Meadow of Life at the cemetery in Warsow, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, or the Meadow of Life in Kiel with provision of a grave for 20 years
1,250 Euros
These costs include:
- Coordination of the interment
- Opening and closing of the grave
- Interment of the new earth
- Photo documentation and interment certificate
- Nameplate on stele
- Grave care (natural)
- Grave certificate
Reerdigung as a special alternative
For whom is Reerdigung the right farewell?
Reerdigung is particularly suitable for people who:
- loved nature and wish for a farewell that gives something back to it
- did not want a traditional cemetery with grave maintenance
- think ecologically and want their final journey to be in harmony with the cycle of nature
- want to leave their relatives a living, growing place of remembrance
- want to create something new – even in farewell
But also for families who simply feel: A coffin, a crematorium – that doesn’t suit him. That doesn’t suit her.
What do families experience with Reerdigung?
Many families describe the decision for a Reerdigung as the right one and surprisingly comforting.
The idea that a person is not burned, not enclosed, but gently returns. That something grows where the person is interred. That the grave site does not need to be maintained because nature itself takes care of it. This gives many bereaved peace.
If you speak with us, we will gladly tell you about the families who have taken this path. Because sometimes it helps to know: Others have felt the same way.
Atelier Magnolia & MEINE ERDE – our accompaniment
We work with MEINE ERDE – the only approved provider for Reerdigung in Germany. This means: You have one point of contact – us. We coordinate the transfer, the placement, the memorial service in Berlin, and all formalities. You don’t have to worry about anything except what really matters: the farewell.
Contact us anytime. We are here for you.
Are you planning a Reerdigung? We will accompany you.
Contact us anytime for an initial consultation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Reerdigung
Is Reerdigung legal in Germany?
Yes. Reerdigung is permitted in Germany, but burial law is a matter for the individual states. Currently, it can only be carried out in Schleswig-Holstein as part of a pilot project. The interment of the earth is already allowed in cemeteries in Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Berlin is awaiting the pilot phase. We will accompany you through everything – including the transfer. We would be happy to advise you: Tel. +49 1520 958 70 51.
What does Reerdigung cost?
The basic package starts from 4,250 Euros (incl. VAT) plus transfer costs from Berlin to Schleswig-Holstein. Depending on individual wishes – memorial service in Berlin, type of grave site, memorial tree – and the applicable cemetery costs, the total costs vary. We would be happy to provide you with a transparent overall offer.
Do I have to travel to Schleswig-Holstein myself?
No. You can choose whether you want to be present at the placement in the cocoon or at the interment. Many families hold the memorial service in Berlin and have our team accompany the actual interment in Schleswig-Holstein. Upon request, you will receive photos of the location. Contact us directly with any questions: Tel. +49 1520 958 70 51.
How long does Reerdigung take?
The transformation itself takes 40 days. This provides space – for grief, for personal decisions, for planning the interment. The entire process from transfer to interment usually takes eight weeks.
Can I choose Reerdigung for pre-arrangement?
Yes. Those who wish to plan their own farewell in advance can do so with us. We also accompany you in funeral pre-arrangement – so that your wishes are implemented exactly as you envision them later. A Reerdigung directive can be easily and bindingly recorded: Tel. +49 1520 958 70 51.
What is the difference between Reerdigung and a forest burial?
In a forest burial, after cremation, the ashes are interred in the root area of a tree in an officially approved forest burial ground in Germany. Reerdigung completely foregoes cremation: The body is directly transformed into earth. This is the decisive difference – ecologically and symbolically.
What is the difference between Reerdigung and an earth burial?
In a traditional earth burial, the body is interred in a coffin in the cemetery, where the decomposition process takes many years, and the coffin even slows it down. With Reerdigung, the natural process is accelerated in a controlled environment: In 40 days, nutrient-rich earth is created that actively promotes new life.
What happens to the bones during Reerdigung?
After the transformation is complete, bone fragments remain, similar to cremation. These are ground together with the earth. The result is a uniform, nutrient-rich earth. We would be happy to advise you: Tel. +49 1520 958 70 51.