List of Natural Cemeteries

Funeral directors are establishing forest cemeteries at historically significant sites, where people can say goodbye to a deceased loved one or a beloved pet by interring or scattering their ashes. There are no headstones or crosses here—the ashes are placed at the roots of trees, and the spot is marked only by a discreet plaque on the trunk.

The cemetery’s unique atmosphere is created not only by the forest itself, but also by the surrounding landscape, such as the castle ruins and the historic viaduct. Nature itself provides the decoration—colorful leaves, mosses, ferns, wildflowers, frost, ice, and snow. These are accompanied by birdsong, the rustling of tall trees, and the murmur of a small stream. The forest’s changing appearance throughout the seasons reminds us of the natural cycle of life.

Some of us are drawn to nature itself. For others, history and our connection to it are important. Some are looking for an alternative to marble headstones and impersonal ceremonies. And perhaps we simply long for a beautiful place where birds sing and a stream murmurs. A place that is much more than just a cemetery—a place where we can go for walks and discover something new every time, just as we do in our memories of our loved one.

We establish cemeteries in locations that have historical and cultural significance, feature a notable landscape element (such as castle ruins), are part of a nature reserve, and, where possible, are near water (such as a small river or pond). We manage the forest so that it retains its natural character, while also protecting the notable landscape elements that make the cemetery so unique.

At our cemeteries, we bury the ashes of the deceased—both people and pets. The ashes can be placed at the roots of a tree in a designated grave site, scattered in a scattering meadow, or released into water. We can either pour the ashes into a pre-prepared hole or place them in a biodegradable urn. We do not bury bodies in our cemeteries—all of our cemeteries are located near a body of water where the groundwater level is high, making traditional burial impossible.

The grave site is yours for ten years, with the option of unlimited renewal for additional ten-year periods. The scattering site is yours forever—and at the same time, it belongs to everyone else whose ashes are scattered there.

The location where the deceased’s ashes are interred is marked by a name tag on a tree. We do not erect any headstones, crosses, or other grave markers.

The forest cemetery remains part of nature, and we strive to preserve the forest’s natural character. Nature itself tends to the natural beauty of the place—green ferns, mosses, and flowering plants; colorful autumn leaves; delicate frost; sparkling ice crystals; and a blanket of snow. The area comes alive with birdsong, the rustling of tree canopy, and the peaceful murmur of water. The forest transforms with each season, reminding us of the constant cycle of life.

Candles or any open flame may be lit in the cemetery only during ceremonies or events, and always under the direct visual supervision of participants (controlled burning). To protect the forest and prevent the risk of fire, it is not permitted to light candles or start fires outside of these specific situations.

Of course, you can leave flowers there, but please keep in mind that we will remove them later to preserve the forest’s natural character.

Yes, we have designated spots for new trees in our forest cemeteries, but the number of spots is limited, which is why the prices are higher (we set them on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific location). However, we’d be happy to help you arrange for a tree to be planted in another forest or in your community, which may even be completely free of charge.

A forest is a living ecosystem that is subject to natural cycles, weather, diseases, and unexpected events. If a tree dies, we’ll plant a new one in its place. If a tree is damaged (for example, during a storm), we’ll try to treat it so that it heals properly, and then prune it to rejuvenate it so that it sprouts new growth and becomes well-balanced and attractive. All of this is guaranteed in the contract.

Above all, however, we strive to prevent damage to the trees. We regularly treat and care for the trees. The trees are inspected by a dendrologist and a forest manager.

The bark beetle infests spruce trees (its scientific name is also the spruce bark beetle), and there are no mature spruce trees in our forests. Our forests are mixed, but most of the trees are deciduous and vary in age, typically ranging from 80 to 200 years. The bark beetle prefers monocultures and commercial forests. We select forests in such specific locations that no one has ever established a commercial monoculture forest there.

We establish forest cemeteries in secluded locations, shielded from prying eyes—thus offering a space for peace and quiet in nature. Our cemeteries are easily accessible by regular car, including, for example, cars with lower suspensions or vans, and parking is always within 100 meters of the cemetery; however, you should expect to walk along a forest trail and occasionally navigate minor obstacles, which are a natural part of walking in the woods. We recommend avoiding high heels or completely open-toed shoes (such as flip-flops).

We see a big difference between our forest cemeteries and the so-called “forests” being created in urban cemeteries (such as the Forest of Memories or the Valley of Memories). These places are located within the city, are often frequented by many people—even during ceremonies—and have restricted access. Furthermore, ashes are not interred there year-round. We speak from personal experience, as we also conduct ceremonies and inter ashes at these cemeteries—they are beautiful places, but they offer a different experience than interring ashes in a forest cemetery.

Access to our forests is not restricted—you can come here and reminisce at any time. The forest is not fenced in (under Czech law, forests may not be fenced in; only game preserves may be).

We always communicate with the local community, help one another, and look for ways to accommodate each other. We understand that not everyone likes having a cemetery in the woods, but we strive to do everything we can to minimize disruption and ensure that the cemetery enriches the surrounding area. Residents of nearby communities can take advantage of a “neighborhood rate” for burials in our woods, which is significantly lower.

It is very important to us to maintain good relations with the local community. Therefore, we ask visitors to avoid activities that might inconvenience local residents, such as reckless parking, noisy arrivals or departures, allowing pets to run free, or damaging the area around the entrance, information signs, or rest areas.

We manage our forests in a way that does not endanger the forests of neighboring landowners and protects them from pollution. We maintain forest records in accordance with the forest management plan, working in collaboration with a professional forest manager.

The price of a grave for 10 years is 10,000 CZK. The fee for using the scattering meadow to scatter ashes is 5,000 CZK. The fee for interring ashes, including site preparation, or for scattering them, is 9,000 CZK. We determine the price of a tree in the forest cemetery on a case-by-case basis.

A grave in a forest cemetery can be less expensive than one in a regular cemetery: you don’t have to purchase a headstone or grave markers (the typical price for a small urn grave is 20,000 to 50,000 CZK). You also don’t have to tend to or maintain the grave, because it is part of the forest, and we take care of it.

Of course, you may use an urn from any funeral home, whether from us or from abroad. However, for burial, you must use a biodegradable urn, which we will be happy to provide if needed and transfer the ashes into. We would also be happy to arrange the entire funeral for you.

The entire interment can be accompanied by a ceremony, which the funeral guides will be happy to help you prepare. The interment itself takes place as follows: the funeral guide prepares the grave in advance and decorates it with greenery. The mourners can then place the urn in the grave themselves or with the guide’s assistance. They may also scatter the ashes themselves using a small shovel (the director will offer a shovel to each person), or the director may do so. Finally, the director will offer each person a shovel with soil so that everyone can contribute to the deceased’s final resting place. And at the very end, the grave will be smoothed over, and mourners may place flowers, for example.

Yes, we at Pohřební průvodci can also store the urn for you and provide you with a photo album, a video, or even a livestream.

Of course, you can arrange the ceremony on your own or through any other funeral home or organization. We must always supervise the funeral, but we do our best to accommodate your wishes as much as possible. We typically organize funerals on weekends, or at sunrise or sunset.

We organize regular tours of forest cemeteries. Contact us and we'll let you know the dates of the next tours in the forest you're interested in.

Absolutely, and you have our full support. More than half of our clients make arrangements for their funeral and burial plot while they are still alive (or their loved ones make these arrangements for them). The burial plot contract, of course, remains valid even after the person’s death, and if we are burying the person named in the contract, there is no need to make any changes to the contract.

You’ll choose a specific forest and a specific spot, sign the contract, and then we’ll agree on a date for the interment and, if applicable, the ceremony.

All of this can be done in person during a forest tour, but also remotely online.