Important: In Switzerland, rules after cremation are set locally (cantons & communes). Always check the local by-laws for your exact location. This guide is informational, not legal advice.
At a glance (what’s allowed)
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Keeping an urn at home is permitted in Switzerland (subject to local rules for any later burial or scattering). SWI swissinfo.ch+1
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Scattering ashes in nature is broadly allowed if done discreetly and without causing a disturbance (forests, mountains, many lakes & rivers)—but never sink/throw an urn into water. Beobachter
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Outside cemeteries (e.g., in nature or on private land), cantons/communes can set conditions like: ashes/urn must not be recognizable and should become imperceptible shortly after. stadt-zuerich.ch
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Commercial scattering outside cemeteries is banned in Canton Zurich (family/private ceremonies remain lawful). SWI swissinfo.ch
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Lake Constance (Bodensee): scattering is prohibited by Thurgau and St. Gallen (incl. for private individuals since 2020). Kanton St.Gallen+1
Who regulates what?
Swiss funeral law is primarily cantonal/communal. A useful template is Canton Zurich’s Bestattungsverordnung (BesV), which many practitioners reference: it allows ash burial or scattering outside cemeteries only if environmental, forestry, water, aviation, building and environmental laws are respected and if ashes/urns are not recognizable and quickly become imperceptible; communes may further restrict locations.
Keeping an urn at home
Families in Switzerland may keep an urn at home or hold it until a later burial/scattering, which is common practice. (Confirm any notification steps with your commune.)
Where can you scatter ashes?
Nature (mountains, forests, meadows)
Permitted if discreet and respectful; follow any posted restrictions and nature-protection rules.
Lakes & rivers
Generally allowed for scattering the ashes only (not containers) unless the canton/commune has restricted specific waters. Do not sink or discard any urn.
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Zurich: after urns were found in Lake Zurich, the canton reinforced a ban on commercial disposal outside cemeteries while confirming families may privately scatter.
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Lake Constance (Bodensee): no lake scatterings—Thurgau & St. Gallen explicitly prohibit scattering in the Bodensee and other waters / from aircraft.
Inside cemeteries
Many communes offer “Gardens of Remembrance” (designated scattering areas) and urn options; follow the cemetery’s local rules (plot types, depths, resting periods). Zurich rules are typical of the detail you may see.
Burying a biodegradable urn (including a tree-urn like Tree Urn)
Private land (e.g., a family garden)
Generally permitted with landowner consent. Best practice is to bury deep enough that the urn/ashes are not recognizable and become imperceptible shortly after—this matches Zurich-style standards. Keep a record of the location for future owners. stadt-zuerich.ch+1
Public land & natural areas
Require written permission from the land manager (commune/canton/forest service) and compliance with environmental/forestry rules; authorities may restrict sensitive sites (e.g., public waters).
Inside cemeteries
Follow cemetery regulations on materials (biodegradable accepted in many places), depths, and whether planting is allowed on the plot. (Local rules vary.)
Special canton notes to know
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Canton Zurich (template many people cite): Non-commercial private scattering allowed; outside-cemetery burial/scattering must be unobtrusive and quickly imperceptible; communes can restrict public places.
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Thurgau & St. Gallen (Lake Constance): Official merkblätter prohibit scattering ashes in the Bodensee and other standing/flowing waters; also prohibit scattering from aircraft; generally expect cemeteries or designated areas for outside-cemetery burials.
How to plant a Tree Urn in Switzerland (step-by-step)
- Choose the site & tree
- Private garden with owner consent; pick a native species suited to the soil and sun. (Public land needs written permission.)
- Check local rules
- Ask your commune about any planting setbacks, protected trees, or cemetery-only zones that could affect you.
- Prepare the planting hole
- Depth sufficient so urn/ashes are not recognizable and will be imperceptible shortly after burial (Zurich’s standard is a good benchmark).
- Plant
- Place the biodegradable Tree Urn, backfill with native soil (no synthetic liners), water thoroughly, and stake the sapling if needed.
- Record the spot
- Keep a simple map or GPS note for future property owners; add the deceased’s name/date to your private records.
- Care
- Water during the first two growing seasons; protect from deer/frost as appropriate to your canton.
Practical compliance checklist (families & funeral directors)
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Identify the jurisdiction (canton/commune) and land status (private/public). Get written permission for public/natural areas.
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If using a boat, confirm with the operator/harbor authority; scatter ashes only (no container). Do not place an urn in water.
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Bodensee exception: do not scatter in Lake Constance (Thurgau/St. Gallen rules).
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Keep ceremonies discreet, avoiding public nuisance; ensure ashes/urn become imperceptible shortly after.
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No commercial scattering outside cemeteries in Canton Zurich. Family/private acts only.
On-page FAQs
Can I keep an urn at home in Switzerland?
Yes—this is common and permitted; later scattering or burial must follow local rules. die-bestatter.ch
Can I scatter ashes in Swiss lakes and rivers?
Often yes for ashes only, done discreetly—but not everywhere. Notably, Lake Constance is off-limits under Thurgau & St. Gallen guidance. Never place an urn/container into water. Kanton St.Gallen+2umwelt.tg.ch+2
May we bury a biodegradable urn (with a tree) in our garden?
Generally yes with landowner consent. Bury deep enough so the urn/ashes aren’t recognizable and become imperceptible; planting a native tree is preferred. stadt-zuerich.ch
Can a company scatter ashes for us in Zurich?
No—commercial scattering outside cemeteries is prohibited; families may conduct a private, non-commercial scattering. SWI swissinfo.ch
Sources
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Beobachter (consumer law): Switzerland broadly allows scattering in nature; inform commune for forest burials; do not sink urns in water. Beobachter
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Canton Zurich – Bestattungsverordnung (BesV) §29: conditions for ashes/urns outside cemeteries; non-recognizable & quickly imperceptible; municipal restrictions possible. stadt-zuerich.ch
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swissinfo.ch: overview of permissive practice; Zurich’s commercial ban while allowing private scattering. SWI swissinfo.ch+1
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Canton Thurgau guidance (Afu/Umweltamt): Bodensee & other waters + aircraft not allowed. umwelt.tg.ch
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Canton St. Gallen guidance (AWE Merkblatt AWE002, 28.02.2020): similar restrictions incl. Bodensee and aircraft; outside-cemetery burials typically in designated areas. Kanton St.Gallen
👉 Download our one-page printable checklist
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