06.07.2026
State capital provides information on the rules for flowers and grave decorations in cemeteries
The state capital Saarbrücken points out that flowers, arrangements, grave lights, figures, and other personal items may only be placed in the designated areas at the cemeteries.
The reason is repeated deposits of items outside the designated areas, especially at lawn graves, urn community facilities, urn pyramids, urn walls, and above-ground burial chambers. In some cases, adjacent lawns, paths, and planting areas are also used. There have been repeated complaints from citizens in the past because the disorganized deposits detract from the appearance of the cemetery.
The city is using these indications as an opportunity to more rigorously enforce compliance with the applicable regulations in the future.
Where grave decorations may be placed
The cemetery administration therefore points out that personal items may only be placed where this is permitted according to the respective type of grave. It is allowed to place flowers, arrangements, grave lights, and other grave decorations at traditional casket and urn graves with their own grave area, in particular at casket row graves, selected casket graves, urn row graves, and selected urn graves. The condition is that the items are placed on the respective grave area and the regulations of the cemetery statute are followed.
Special regulations apply to collectively designed types of graves. At lawn graves, urn communal facilities, urn pyramids and urn walls, as well as above-ground burial chambers, flowers, grave candles, and other items may only be placed on the designated storage areas. The remaining areas must be kept clear for reasons of maintenance, traffic safety, and consideration for other cemetery visitors.
At individual tree graves, placing objects and flowers as well as planting is not permitted.
Deadline for the removal of unauthorized deposits
The state capital understands that relatives of their deceased wish to commemorate them with flowers, candles, and other personal tokens. At the same time, the cemetery grounds must be maintained, safe, and dignified for all visitors. Objects placed inadmissibly hinder the maintenance, mowing, and upkeep work and can affect the appearance of the communal facilities.
Relatives are therefore asked to remove any flowers, wreaths, grave lights, figurines, or other personal items that have been placed there improperly by August 24, 2026, inclusive. The city wants to give them sufficient time to clear the items independently.
After this period expires, the cemetery staff will clear the affected areas. According to § 27 para. 4 of the cemetery regulations, there is no obligation to store removed items. Items that continue to be outside the permitted placement areas will be disposed of. Withered flowers and planting bowls must be regularly removed by the authorized users.
Information about grave selection
If you have any questions, cemetery visitors can contact the staff on site or the cemetery administration. In the future, advice on grave selection will also more clearly indicate which types of graves allow personal items to be placed and where only the designated placing areas may be used.
The state capital asks for understanding and support. The regulations help to ensure that the cemeteries are permanently maintained and preserved with dignity, as well as to prevent complaints about disorderly deposits.
Further information
If you have any questions or suggestions, the Office for Urban Green Spaces and Cemeteries of the State Capital can be reached by phone at+49 681 905-1383 and by email at
stadtgruen_und_friedhoefe@saarbruecken.de. Further information at www.saarbruecker-friedhoefe.de.
