Permits for the distribution of ashes outside a cemetery

The ashes of the deceased may be scattered outside of designated cemeteries if this was the wish of the deceased.

Conditions for scattering of ash

Certain conditions under which ash may be distributed:

• Only ash may be scattered over the wasteland and sea

• Ash may only be dispersed in one place

• Place where ash was scattered must not be marked or identified

If ash is to be scattered in Iceland, the processing of applications may take some time as it may be necessary to seek information on the locality. A good method of site selection is to use Google Earth.

Information to be included in an application

When an application for scattering of ashes is sent, the will of the deceased person must be known, whether the person concerned has expressed this in writing or by other means. In the absence of such a declaration, the next of kin need to make a declaration that it was the wish of the deceased person that the ashes be distributed. It is sufficient that the spouse make the declaration, but if the children of the deceased person are applicants, then the majority of them must submit the application.

Information must be provided on the location and the location where the ashes are to be scattered. If you want it to be spread out on land, you need to have a fairly precise location.

If you want more information about the application, you can contact the

Licences and distribution

If the conditions and information submitted are satisfactory, the District Commissioner grants the permit and distribution may take place. The urn is preserved at the Bálstofan Fossvogi until the ash is scattered.

When ash has been scattered, the urn shall be returned to the Bálstofan Fossvogi for destruction. The scattering of ash must also have taken place.