Tree Burial in Berlin – A Natural Farewell in FriedWald
A place in nature. No weathering headstone. Only a tree that grows.
Those who feel connected to nature will find in tree burial a form of burial that reflects precisely that: the return to the natural cycle. At the roots of a tree – in the heart of the Berlin forest – a place of remembrance is created that lives, grows, and endures.
We at Atelier Magnolia Bestattungen accompany you on the path to tree burial in Berlin. We work closely with FriedWald and know the locations in and around Berlin personally. From the first question to the burial, you are in good hands with us.
We are here for you – around the clock.
We compassionately guide you through the time of farewell.
Forever in Nature
What is a tree burial?
In a tree burial, the ashes of the deceased are laid to rest in a biodegradable urn at the roots of a selected tree. The tree becomes a personal memorial site – without a headstone, without maintenance obligations, without an expiration date.
In Berlin and Brandenburg, there are several FriedWald locations where this form of forest burial is possible. FriedWald is an authorized burial forest – legally recognized, ecologically considered, with a firmly established concept for dignified farewells in nature.
What distinguishes it from a traditional cemetery: There is no maintenance obligation for relatives. The forest itself takes care of that. And the tree remains – as a living symbol.
How does a tree burial in Berlin proceed?
The process of a tree burial follows clear steps – and we accompany you through each one:
- Initial consultation: We discuss your wishes, answer questions, and clarify which location might suit you.
- Forest visit with the forester: Together with a FriedWald forester, you visit the forest and select your tree.
- Formalities and cremation: We take care of all administrative procedures, the transfer, and the cremation.
- Burial: The urn is laid to rest at the roots of the chosen tree – in a small circle, with time for a personal farewell.
- Memorial service: You can design the ceremony freely – quiet reflection, personal speeches, music, or a shared picnic in the forest.
The FriedWald Locations in and around Berlin
FriedWald operates several burial forests in the Berlin-Brandenburg region. Among the best-known locations are:
- FriedWald Berlin-Köpenick – southeast of the city, in an established mixed forest
- FriedWald Berlin-Pankow – north of the city
- FriedWald Berlin-Spandau – in the western part of Berlin
- FriedWald Stahnsdorf – at the historic Südwestkirchhof, southwest of Berlin
- FriedWald Ahrensfelde – east of the city limits
- FriedWald Berlin-Reinickendorf – in the northern part of the city
We arrange a personal forest visit with the forester on site for you. You can select your tree at your leisure, let the forest make an impression on you, and familiarize yourself with the location – before the actual planning begins.
Costs
The Costs of a Tree Burial in Berlin at a Glance
How the costs are composed
The prices for a tree burial in FriedWald are composed of two components: the usage right for the plot or your own tree, as well as the cemetery fees.
Plot in FriedWald
€590
Usage right, entry in the tree register, FriedWald certificate
Own Tree in FriedWald
€2,890
Usage right, entry in the tree register, FriedWald certificate
Cemetery Fees
€450
Grave opening and closing, FriedWald urn
Usage Right
The duration of the usage right is between 20 and 99 years, depending on the tree and location. If desired, several family members can be laid to rest at the same tree – making it a shared place of remembrance across generations.
For an individual cost breakdown, simply contact us.
Oasis of Eternity
The Memorial Service in FriedWald – Free from Conventions
A farewell in the forest follows no fixed protocol. You are free. Free in the design, free in time, free in what feels right.
At the FriedWald locations around Berlin, a reflection area with seating is available. Here you have approximately 45 minutes for the ceremony. You can scatter flower petals, place a photograph, sing, remain silent, weep – or simply be present.
Headstones are not provided in FriedWald. A discreet nameplate on the tree preserves the memory – without standing out, without dominating. The forest remains forest.
Some families combine the burial with a picnic in the forest. This is possible – and often a wonderful conclusion to a farewell that suited the person.
Clara’s Memorial Service and Picnic in FriedWald
Clara’s family had chosen a young tree as her final resting place. The tree was still small, its branches just beginning to reach upward, but it was full of life, its roots deeply anchored in the earth. It was the wish of Clara and her family that she would rest in a place that symbolized not only peace, but also growth and new beginnings. The young tree was to stand not only for farewell, but also for the future, for the life that continues.
As a funeral home, we had not only the responsibility to organize the burial, but also to understand and implement the wishes and visions of the family. From the beginning, the relationship with Clara’s daughter Emma and her husband was characterized by trust and understanding. Already in the first conversation, they had told us that they wished for a place where nature would embrace them, where the farewell would take place gently and in harmony with the surroundings.
In the weeks before the burial, we discussed every detail – from the choice of urn to the small but important aspects of the ceremony. It was a time when we worked closely with the family, took their concerns and wishes seriously, and focused on creating a farewell that would do justice to their mother.
The Day of the Burial
On the day of the burial, the forest was quiet, only the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds broke the silence. The young tree stood there, still delicate but full of hope, and received the urn with Clara’s ashes. The family gathered around the tree, which for them was more than just a place of farewell. It was a symbol of life that always continues. The pastor spoke a few words, but it was not the sound of the speech that shaped the moment, but the silence of the forest and the gentle feeling of connection with nature.
The Picnic Afterwards
After the urn was laid to rest, we led the mourners to an area near the tree where we had prepared a small picnic. The forest was calm, and the light breaking through the trees created a relaxed atmosphere. On white linen tablecloths stood bowls of fresh cherries, and champagne cooled in an ice bucket, later to be served in glasses. The coffee was strong and steamed in thermoses, ready to warm the guests. The mood was reserved and quiet, but at the same time one sensed a certain ease in the air, as if the forest itself made the moment somewhat lighter.
The guests sat on blankets and chairs, enjoyed the small respite, and spoke quietly with one another. Emma, Clara’s daughter, took a moment to sit with us. “It feels right,” she said, holding a cup of tea. “The tree is still young, but it will grow. It is exactly what Mama would have wished for.”
We would like to thank Clara’s family for allowing us to tell their story. Helena & the Magnolias
May we accompany you as well?
Contact us at any time for an initial consultation. We advise you personally – without pressure and without time limits.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the Oasis of Eternity
What is the difference between tree burial and forest burial?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, forest burial refers to any form of burial in the forest, while tree burial refers to the specific burial at the roots of a particular tree. FriedWald offers tree burials in the forest – so both apply. We are happy to advise you: Tel. 01520 958 70 51.
How long does the usage right for the tree last?
That depends on the tree and location. Typically, the duration is between 20 and 99 years. The tree remains as such – the usage right expires, the tree continues to grow.
Can several people be laid to rest at the same tree?
Yes. With your own tree (from €2,890), family members can be laid to rest successively at the same tree. This makes it a place that connects an entire family. Contact us directly: Tel. 01520 958 70 51.
Is there a headstone or marker?
No headstone, but a discreet nameplate on the tree. It records the name of the deceased person, but blends harmoniously into the forest.
What may I bring to the memorial service in FriedWald?
Grave decorations are not provided in order to preserve the naturalness of the forest. It is possible to scatter flower petals, place a photograph, or bring personal items. Your forester will provide you with precise information before the burial about what is permitted at the respective location. For individual questions, we are available at Tel. 01520 958 70 51.
How do we choose the right location in Berlin?
Together with you, we determine which location suits you best, which can involve everything from the location to the forest atmosphere to accessibility. We accompany you during the visit and personally introduce you to the forester on site.
Can I plan the tree burial in advance?
Yes. Those who wish to arrange their own burial in advance can do so together with us. We also accompany you with advance funeral planning – so that everything is implemented as you envision it. For all questions regarding the process: Tel. 01520 958 70 51.