Sea Burial
A Dignified Natural Burial
The final rest at sea - a special form of farewell that fulfills the wish for connection with nature.
Burial at the North
and Baltic Sea
Sea burials take place in officially designated areas approved by maritime authorities.
Biodegradable
Sea Urns
Only water-soluble urns made of natural materials such as sandite, salts or cellulose are permitted for sea burials.
What is a Sea Burial?
In a sea burial, the ashes of the deceased are placed in a water-soluble urn and committed to the sea. This form of natural burial combines maritime tradition with the desire for a nature-close final resting place without grave maintenance.
- Cremation required
- Biodegradable urn
- Declaration of will required
- Officially designated areas
- Sea chart with coordinates
- Possible year-round
Everything You Need to Know About Sea Burials
Get comprehensive information about all aspects of sea burials in Germany.
From arrival at the harbor to the handover of the sea chart - the complete process of a sea burial.
What legal requirements must be met? An overview of documents and permits.
Silent, accompanied or anonymous sea burial - the different ceremony types explained.
Burial areas at the North and Baltic Sea. Warnemunde, Travemunde, North Sea and more.
Materials, regulations and dissolution process. Everything about water-soluble urns.
Sea Burial in
Germany
Sea burial is a recognized form of burial in Germany. It requires prior cremation and the use of a biodegradable urn.
- Baltic Sea - Mecklenburg Bay
- Baltic Sea - Lubeck Bay
- North Sea - off Mellum
- Warnemunde
- Travemunde
- Heiligendamm
Burial area
Officially designated positionsKey Facts
2–3 h
Ceremony duration
12+
Family on board
365
Days per year
100 %
Biodegradable
Burial Areas
Sea burials take place in designated areas at the North and Baltic Sea.
Baltic Sea - Mecklenburg Bay
Baltic Sea - Lubeck Bay
Off Mellum, Jade Bay
Frequently Asked Questions
The most important questions about sea burial answered.
What requirements must be met?
A sea burial requires prior cremation. Additionally, a declaration of will from the deceased must exist and the biodegradable urn must comply with legal requirements.
Can relatives attend the ceremony?
Yes, in an accompanied sea burial, relatives can experience the ceremony on board the ship. There is also the option of a silent sea burial without accompaniment.
How long does a sea burial take?
An accompanied sea burial usually takes 2-3 hours. This includes the voyage to the burial area, the ceremony and the return to the harbor.
Can you visit the burial site later?
After the ceremony, relatives receive a sea chart with the exact GPS coordinates of the burial site. Many providers offer memorial voyages where you can revisit the site.
More Information
Deepen your knowledge about various aspects of sea burial.
Sea chart, memorial voyages and other ways of remembrance after a sea burial.
