river burial

The final journey, carried by the flow of life.

For many people, the Rhine is more than just a river. It is a symbol of home, of the constant change of life, and a place of strength and remembrance. A river burial on the Rhine offers the opportunity for a farewell that reflects this deep connection. It is a natural and deeply personal way to pay your last respects to a loved one.

We at La Paloma will accompany you on this journey. With empathy, respect, and experience, we will work with you to create a dignified farewell on the Rhine. The ashes of the deceased will be gently placed in a water-soluble urn and handed over to the river, which will carry them on their final journey.

Your individual wishes are our focus.

Important note regarding contact:

River burials on La Paloma can only be carried out by a licensed funeral director. As a shipping company, we cannot process requests from end customers directly. Please contact your funeral director, who will coordinate all details with us.

Our offers for a burial in the Rhine:

Every farewell is unique. That is why we offer you various options for designing the ceremony according to your wishes.

Silent collective burial

(excluding relatives)

For anyone who wants a simple and unaccompanied farewell. We place the urn in the Rhine in a quiet and respectful ceremony. Even without the presence of relatives, we ensure a dignified setting.

Individual funeral surrounded by loved ones

Say goodbye on our ship surrounded by your closest family and friends (up to 120 people). You will have the time and peace you need to arrange this moment according to your wishes. Whether in silence, with your own music, or with personal words of remembrance.

Individual burial followed by a funeral service

This option adds a memorial service on board to the individual burial. After the burial, you will have the opportunity to gather over coffee and cake or a hot meal, share memories, and offer each other comfort. We are happy to assist you in organizing music, a funeral speaker, or any other requests you may have.

Important information about river burials in Rhineland-Palatinate:

In order to carry out a river burial on the Rhine, certain legal requirements must be met:

  • Regional connection: One prerequisite is that the deceased person had their last primary residence in Rhineland-Palatinate.

  • The last will counts: The wish for a river burial must have been recorded in writing in a declaration of intent during the person's lifetime.
  • Professional execution: The ceremony is performed exclusively by a licensed undertaker from a ship. Burials from bridges, shores, or jetties are prohibited by law.
  • Approved sections: The burial itself only takes place in designated and officially approved sections of the Rhine to ensure the dignity of the act and the protection of nature.
  • Environmentally friendly urns: Only special biodegradable urns are used, which dissolve completely in water.

Frequently asked questions about river burials

Yes, since the amendment to the Funeral Act in Rhineland-Palatinate in 2025, river burials on the Rhine, Moselle, Saar, and Lahn have been officially possible for people whose last place of residence was in this federal state. Rhineland-Palatinate is thus the first federal state to allow this natural form of burial.

A special urn made of a water-soluble material such as cellulose is used for river burials. After the urn is placed in the water, it dissolves completely after a short time and releases the ashes into the river.

Burials are only permitted in sections of the Rhine that have been approved by the authorities. This ensures that environmental regulations are observed and the dignity of the ceremony is maintained. We carry out the burial within these approved zones at a suitable and peaceful location.

No, with a river burial there is no fixed burial site on land. The river itself becomes a place of remembrance. For many relatives, the banks of the Rhine are a comforting place to pause and remember the deceased.

The three most important requirements are: The deceased's last primary residence must have been in Rhineland-Palatinate, there must be a written declaration of intent for river burial, and the burial must be carried out by an undertaker from a boat.

No. The planning and execution of a river burial on the La Paloma is carried out exclusively by a licensed funeral director, who coordinates all details and appointments with us. If you have not yet hired a funeral director, you can find a company in your area using the funeral director search function of the Federal Association of German Funeral Directors: https://www.bestatter.de/verzeichnis/

Curious?

Contact us

Get in touch with us quickly and easily!

Leave your contact details and a message here. We will be happy to get back to you soon!