Reykjavík proposes cemetery construction bid at Úlfarsfell amid rising cremation rates

The Environmental and Planning Department of Reykjavík has proposed accepting the bid from the lowest tenderer to construct a new cemetery at Úlfarsfell. Although the need for a new burial site is not as urgent as it once was, this is attributed to an increasing preference for cremation over traditional burial.

Recent data show that 60% of the population in the capital region now opts for cremation, with the national average at 50%. Ingvar Stefánsson, managing director of the Reykjavik Diocese Cemeteries, noted that a significant change has occurred since the initial proposals for the cemetery at Úlfarsfell, primarily driven by the rise in cremation.

Stefánsson explained that many families choose to place urns in existing graveyards of deceased relatives, allowing multiple urns to be placed together, especially when two relatives are buried side by side. He mentioned that up to sixteen or more urns could fit in the space occupied by just two traditional coffins.

As construction for the new cemetery at Úlfarsfell moves forward, it reflects the evolving preferences of Reykjavík’s residents regarding funerary practices, marking a shift from traditional burials to cremation and urn placement.