Germany’s burial laws split as states embrace ash diamonds and river burials

From river scatterings to memorial diamonds, Germany’s burial customs are evolving—except where tradition holds firm. Which states are leading the change?

, and Administrator

2025 November 9 . 5:01 AM

1 min read

Inside a graveyard there are many graves and a lot of trees around them and in the front there is... — Inside a graveyard there are many graves and a lot of trees around them and in the front there is some sculpture.

Urn in the living room - Not in Baden-Württemberg - Germany’s burial laws split as states embrace ash diamonds and river burials

Rhineland-Palatinate has expanded its burial options, allowing private retention of cremated remains, cloth shroud burials, river scattering, and ash repurposing. Meanwhile, Schleswig-Holstein trials resomation. However, Baden-Württemberg maintains traditional practices, prohibiting resomation and diamond painting.

Rhineland-Pfalz's new rules, effective September/October 2025, abolish coffin requirements and cemetery compulsions. Burials in shrouds, home urn storage, garden ash scattering, and river burials in major rivers are now permitted. Ash splitting for memorial diamonds or jewelry is also allowed, implicitly supporting resomation and diamond painting.

In contrast, Baden-Württemberg retains traditional methods. Allowed practices include traditional burial, cremation, sea burial, shroud burial, and natural burial. Resomation, diamond painting, and alkaline hydrolysis remain prohibited. The state prioritizes protecting the deceased's peace and providing dignified mourning spaces. Saxony-Anhalt, however, allows 'star child' burials and ash memorial items.

While Rhineland-Pfalatinate and Saxony-Anhalt liberalize burial laws, Baden-Württemberg maintains tradition. Baden-Württemberg's Social Affairs Minister Manne Lucha sees no further amendments this term, and Minister-President Winfried Kretschmann rejects modern practices like home urn storage.