Funeral trend 2025: mushroom bags, tree burials and the moon!

Funeral trend 2025: mushroom bags, tree burials and the moon!

There is an interesting change in the funeral culture in Vienna. More and more people are looking for alternative burial options, and the trends seem to have few limits. Every year there are new developments that rethink the final whereabouts of the deceased. In recent years, Viennese funeral services have introduced innovative concepts that reflect the decline of traditional practices.

A particularly popular offer is urn burials under trees, which offer a quiet and natural atmosphere. This method is enjoying growing interest; According to surveys, over 54.5% of respondents consider such tree burials to be the most exciting trend. In addition, numerous other forms come into focus, such as the mushroom urn or the new mushroom coffin, both of which consist of mycelia and thus enable a return to the natural cycle. The managing director of Burial Vienna, Jürgen Sild, emphasizes that individual farewells and innovative approaches are more in demand than ever.

Looking for alternatives

Around 8,000 people are buried in Vienna every year, and the demand for alternative methods is constantly increasing. The mushroom urn was added to the offering in 2024 and has already been purchased 20 times. The mushroom coffin, which has been available since 2023, also finds its place on the market with around ten sales annually. One of the emerging trends is water burial, which is offered in Krems and Hainburg. The prices vary between 4,300 euros and 6,100 euros.

But that's not all! A trend that seems a bit bizarre is funerals on the moon. However, so far this option has not been able to establish itself and remains a niche. If you still want to dare, you have the option of sending ashes into space or taking them to the moon - although these offers will only be available from 2026 and start at 3,000 euros.

The complex natural burial

Natural burial includes various types of burial in nature and is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative solution to traditional cemeteries. With this form, which often does not require grave maintenance, ecological aspects are in the foreground. In Germany, for example, tree and sea burials are common practices, while in Austria such options are only becoming popular due to increasing demand.

The advantages are clear: no ongoing costs for grave maintenance and the possibility of burying the ashes in biodegradable urns. Many of these burials also rely on anonymity, often without a gravestone. This shows that the farewell culture is moving in a direction that leaves room for more individuality and ecology.

In summary, funeral trends in Vienna are a reflection of the growing desire for environmentally friendly and personal farewells. The combination of innovative ideas and a clear awareness of ecological responsibility shapes current developments in funeral culture and promises an interesting future for the final journey of the deceased.