Urns in your own garden: Styrian communities make mourning easier for bereaved families
In Styrian communities, applications for voting are increasing. Find out more about funeral law and options in Austria.

Urns in your own garden: Styrian communities make mourning easier for bereaved families
A remarkable trend has been observed in Styrian communities in recent months: more and more people are applying for the opportunity to take urns home. This phenomenon is called “urn expulsion” and allows relatives to either keep the ashes of their deceased in their home or even bury them on their own property. The step of having the urn in a private space has both personal and emotional dimensions and is seen by many as a species-appropriate and peaceful solution to properly honor their loved ones. According to the Small newspaper Burial law in Austria is a state matter and is regulated by nine different laws, which leads to regional differences in the regulations.
In the federal capital Vienna, relatives are even allowed to scatter the ashes of their deceased in the Danube, while in Styria, scattering ashes in the Mur remains prohibited. These differences show how diverse the regulations are in the country and how strongly they can influence personal mourning.
Health in Mind: The Rise of Wearable Devices
The advances in the most well-known portable devices are particularly noticeable. A few outstanding models are particularly in focus:
| Device | Special features | Price | Expert rating | User ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OURA ring | Heart rate variability, body temperature, activity and sleep quality | $299 – $499 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Apple Watch | Heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep and FDA approved ECG function | $399 – $749 | 5/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Garmin Fenix 7 | Designed for athletes, meets military standards | $699 – $899 | 4.8/5 | 4.6/5 |
| Fitbit Charge 6 | Simple design, tracks activity levels, sleep and stress | $179.95 – $199.95 | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Whoop Strap 4.0 | Focus on fitness performance and regeneration | $30/month or $240 upfront | 5/5 | 4.4/5 |
These devices not only empower patients to actively monitor their health, but also help physicians personalize their care. The trend towards preventive health solutions cannot be stopped.