Natural Cemetery De Velden

Natural Cemetery ‘Natuurbegraafplaats De Velden’ is a cemetery that provides natural burials in the Northern Province of Drenthe in The Netherlands. Natuurbegraafplaats De Velden opened up in 2019. The cemetery is situated on the grounds of an old estate that has been privately owned by the same family for over 500 years. 

A natural cemetery doesn’t use vaults and allows the bodies of those buried there to decompose naturally in the soil. The casket or basket is made of untreated wood or natural fibres without use of  chemicals (lacquers/paint), nylon upholstery or stainless steel.
 
The main reasons people choose for natural burials are the large spaces (25 m2 per person), the fact that people can reserve a spot that is to their own liking and eternal peace. The burial rights are eternal, graves will never be reused.

One can choose for a final resting place in one of the three wooded areas, on the central plot or in a private burial mound. Natuurbegraafplaats De Velden is the only cemetery in the Netherlands (probably in Europe) that offers new burial mounds. The new burial mounds are inspired by the 2500 year old tumuli that are part of the estate. 

The cemetery provides a ceremonial area in the open air that can be used for assemblies. Seats are available for up to 120 people.

Please contact the office for enquiries and bookings for private tours.
Tel: (+31)615360241 (Mon. until Fri., 9:00 - 16:30)
Email: [email protected]