Cremation & urn
Switzerland allows a great deal. “A great deal” is not “everywhere”.
Few countries permit the scattering of ashes as broadly as Switzerland. There is no general obligation to bury in a cemetery, unlike in Germany or Austria.
That freedom has limits, though, and they are not the same in every canton.
On land you do not own, the owner's consent is required. For public forest that means the municipality or the canton.
Ashes may not be scattered in a cemetery outside the places provided for it, nor on private land without the owner's consent.
A few cantons have additional restrictions, particularly for water protection zones or certain lakes. A call to the municipality settles it in five minutes.
Scattering leaves no place to return to. Many families regret that years later. A common solution: scatter part of the ashes and place the rest in an urn grave, or keep a small urn.
What is allowed in Switzerland is not allowed everywhere. Several countries require burial in a cemetery and do not permit free scattering.
If the ashes are to be scattered in the country of origin, check the local rule before the cremation. We call the consulate for you.
Questions & answers
On public land in open countryside, generally no. On private land the owner's consent suffices. In a cemetery or a protected zone, yes — the municipality will advise.
Yes, and it is commonly done. The crematorium can divide them between several urns, each with its own confirmation.
No, but most families want to be. We can accompany the scattering or leave you to do it alone — tell us what suits you.
A biodegradable urn breaks down by itself. A conventional urn can be kept, returned or disposed of; we take care of it if you wish.