The last rest can no longer only be found in the cemetery: In the Dietramszeller Forest, just behind the district border, the first funeral forest south of Munich opened in September.
The "Waldruh Dietramszell" has already received inquiries from the Miesbach district, but is also viewed with skepticism.
Because the urn places under the trees have their price.
Holzkirchen / Dietramszell -
The von Schilcher family as landowners and the Dietramszell community tinkered with the project for four years: A few weeks ago, a mixed forest area of around seven hectares above the forest pond was inaugurated as a funeral forest.
“There were a few hurdles to overcome,” says Renate Dietz from the Waldruh team.
The community even had to draw up a zoning plan.
Since, according to the Bavarian Funeral Act, cemeteries can only be built under public law, the community leased the area until 2099, but handed the operation into the hands of von Schilcher's forest and estate administration.
An urn seat is available from 850 euros
About 300 trees are marked as burial places.
"We are open to everyone," says Dietz, "regardless of religion or place of residence." A community tree offers space for 18 urns, which must be made of easily biodegradable material and are buried under the tree.
Depending on the location, age and size of the tree, the cost per urn is between 850 and 1950 euros for 25 years.
If a couple buys together at a tree, the occupancy period starts from the death of the second deceased.
The family tree is significantly more expensive.
Up to twelve urns can be buried here for 3900 to 9500 euros, the right of use runs until the end of 2099. "Those interested can decide who is buried here," says Dietz.
While standard plaques with the life data of the deceased are attached to the community trees, poems or sayings are also possible on family trees.
There is great interest from the region
According to Dietz, 25 family trees have already been taken, over 100 are still available.
Ten funerals have now taken place, a place of prayer and an open wooden pavilion are available.
Wood chip paths lead through the site.
"There is great interest from the region," reports Dietz.
Interested parties came from Munich, Murnau, Tegernsee and the nearby Holzkirchen.
The “Waldruh” team offers open tours.
"If it's possible in Corona times," says Dietz.
For most interested parties, it is not only the natural environment that is attractive, but also the fact that this “last rest” costs the bereaved neither money nor work.
"Nature takes care of the grave, not the relatives," says Dietz.
"For many this is a very reassuring idea."
New concept is also viewed critically
For Franz Soderer, owner of a funeral home from Holzkirchen, a funeral forest like the one in the Zeller Wald also has disadvantages.
Because in storms, thunderstorms or when the snow is knee-deep, the area should not be entered.
In addition, the wood chip paths are not cleared.
“I think it's unhappy,” says Soderer, “you pay very proud prices and then there are restrictions on accessibility.
That is a deterrent. ”For urn burials, for example, there are also beautiful ground spaces at the new Holzkirchen cemetery.
“There I have the security that I can always go in on All Saints' Day or Christmas.” And one shouldn't ignore that the market town in particular invests a lot of money in the cemetery and is not a private operator.
“Traditional cemeteries offer a formal setting and are often located in beautiful places,” admits “Waldruh” spokeswoman Renate Dietz.
She understands when someone wants to be buried in his home town.
"Our funeral forest now gives people a new choice."