Introduction
We understand that you are living through one of the most difficult periods of your life. The loss of a loved one is painful, and organising a funeral at such a time can be overwhelming — especially in a city as large as Prague. This guide has been created to help you navigate the range of funeral services in Prague and to ease your decision-making during a time of grief.
Funeral services in Prague — this is a topic you will encounter at the moment when you need to arrange a dignified farewell quickly. As the capital, Prague offers a wide range of funeral homes and services, from municipal organisations to private providers. At the same time, however, Prague is the most expensive region in the Czech Republic when it comes to funeral services.
In this article, we will clearly present how to choose a funeral service in Prague, how much cremation and a funeral cost, where the ceremonial halls and ceremony venues are located and which cemeteries are available in the capital. This guide is intended for the bereaved in Prague as well as those whose loved one passed away in Prague but whose family lives outside the capital.
Alongside a traditional farewell, many families today also consider modern forms of preserving memories. One of these is a digital memorial, which allows you to share photographs, memories and the life story of your loved one with family and friends anywhere in the world.
How to Choose a Funeral Service in Prague
Dozens of funeral services operate in Prague — from the municipal organisation Pohřební ústav hlavního města Prahy (Funeral Institute of the Capital City of Prague) to a number of private providers. The key to a good choice is comparing offers from at least three services, checking references and always asking about the total price including all fees. Prague is the most expensive region for funeral services in the Czech Republic, so it pays to be cautious.
Municipal Versus Private Funeral Services
When choosing a funeral service in Prague, you are deciding between two basic types of providers:
Municipal funeral service — Pohřební ústav hlavního města Prahy (a contributory organisation) is the largest provider of funeral services in the capital. As a municipal organisation, it offers a transparent price list and a wide spectrum of services. It also manages the ceremonial halls at Prague crematoria.
Private funeral services — A large number of private funeral homes operate in Prague. Their offers differ in price, scope of services and approach. Some specialise in a particular type of funeral (for example, civil ceremonies, ecological funerals or funerals without a ceremony), while others offer a comprehensive service.
What to Ask When Choosing
Before deciding on a particular funeral service, we recommend asking the following questions:
- What is the total price? Request a detailed quotation with all items — transport of the deceased, placement in a cooling facility, coffin or urn, ceremony, cremation, burial plot.
- What is and is not included in the price? Sometimes the price does not include floral decorations, a death notice (parte), music during the ceremony or transport of the urn.
- Which ceremonial halls do you offer? Find out whether it is possible to hold the ceremony at a location that suits you.
- What are the timeframes? Ask how quickly they can arrange the funeral and what the waiting times for cremation are.
- Can I receive a written quotation? A reputable funeral service will always provide a written price quotation.
A more detailed guide on what to watch out for when making your choice can be found in our article How to Choose a Funeral Service.
Funeral Guides — A Modern Alternative
In recent years, so-called funeral guides (pohřební průvodci) have appeared in Prague and other Czech cities. These are independent professionals who guide you through the entire process of organising a funeral, help with selecting a funeral service and ensure that you do not have to handle everything on your own. This service is particularly useful for families who live outside Prague and are arranging a funeral from a distance.
Cremation in Prague — Where and at What Cost
Prague has two crematoria — Krematorium Strašnice and Krematorium Motol. Cremation without a ceremony in Prague costs approximately 10,500 to 20,000 Kč, cremation with a ceremony from 25,000 to 45,000 Kč and more. Krematorium Strašnice is the largest not only in the Czech Republic but in all of Europe by area.
Krematorium Strašnice
Krematorium Strašnice (officially Krematorium Praha-Strašnice) is an iconic building from 1932 that serves as Prague's main crematorium. It is located at the Olšanské hřbitovy (Olšany Cemeteries) and is part of a complex managed by the city.
Ceremonial halls at Krematorium Strašnice:
| Ceremonial Hall | Total Capacity | Seats | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Ceremonial Hall | approx. 200 persons | 63 seats | Spacious, for larger ceremonies |
| Baxova Ceremonial Hall | approx. 80 persons | 24 seats | Intimate, for smaller farewells |
Krematorium Motol
Krematorium Motol is newer and offers more modern facilities. It is located in the Prague 5 district and is popular for its intimate atmosphere.
Ceremonial hall at Krematorium Motol:
| Ceremonial Hall | Total Capacity | Seats | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motol Ceremonial Hall | 95–120 persons | 40 seats | Modern, retractable glass wall for both intimate and larger ceremonies |
A speciality of Motol is the retractable glass wall, which allows the space to be adapted from an intimate family farewell to a larger ceremony.
Approximate Cremation Prices in Prague
Cremation prices in Prague vary depending on the funeral service and scope of services. Below is an approximate overview:
| Type of Service | Approximate Price (Kč) |
|---|---|
| Cremation without a ceremony (most basic option) | from 10,500 Kč |
| Cremation without a ceremony (standard package) | 15,000–25,000 Kč |
| Cremation with a ceremony in a ceremonial hall | 25,000–45,000 Kč |
| Cremation with a ceremony and extended services | 40,000–70,000 Kč and more |
Prices are approximate and valid as of March 2026. For a current price quotation, we recommend contacting the specific funeral service.
A detailed overview of funeral costs across the Czech Republic can be found in the article How Much Does a Funeral Cost in the Czech Republic 2026.
Ceremonial Halls and Ceremony Venues in Prague
Prague offers ceremonial halls at both crematoria, ceremonial halls at selected cemeteries and the option to hire non-standard venues. For religious funerals, churches are available in all city districts. Secular (civil) ceremonies are very widespread in the Czech Republic — you are under no obligation to choose a religious farewell.
Overview of Ceremonial Halls
The main ceremonial halls in Prague:
- Large Ceremonial Hall, Strašnice — for larger ceremonies, capacity of up to 200 persons
- Baxova Ceremonial Hall, Strašnice — for intimate farewells, capacity of approx. 80 persons
- Motol Ceremonial Hall — a modern space with variable capacity of 95–120 persons
- Cemetery ceremonial halls — some Prague cemeteries have their own ceremonial hall (for example, Hřbitov Ďáblice)
Secular Versus Religious Ceremony
The Czech Republic is one of the most secular countries in Europe. The majority of funerals in Prague are held as secular (civil) ceremonies — without a priest, with a civil speaker or in a quiet form with music only. If you wish for a religious funeral, it is possible to hold a mass in one of Prague's churches, followed by a ceremony at the crematorium or cemetery.
When choosing a ceremony, consider:
- The wishes of the deceased (if known)
- The faith and customs of the family
- The number of attendees (this will influence the choice of ceremonial hall)
- The budget (ceremonial hall hire is one of the items in the funeral cost)
Non-Traditional Forms of Farewell
In recent years, alternative forms of final farewell have been expanding in Prague — farewells in nature, in a hired hall, in a restaurant or at another place connected with the deceased. Some funeral services and funeral guides specialise specifically in organising non-traditional ceremonies.
Prague Cemeteries — Overview
Prague has over 30 cemeteries managed by Hřbitovy a pohřební služby hlavního města Prahy (Prague Cemeteries and Funeral Services). Among the most notable are the Olšanské hřbitovy (Olšany Cemeteries), the Vyšehradský hřbitov (Vyšehrad Cemetery) and Hřbitov Ďáblice. To obtain a new burial plot, you need to contact the relevant cemetery administration.
The Most Notable Prague Cemeteries
| Cemetery | Area / Significance | District | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olšanské hřbitovy (Olšany Cemeteries) | approx. 50 ha — largest in Prague | Prague 3 | The largest Czech necropolis, adjacent to Krematorium Strašnice |
| Vyšehradský hřbitov (Vyšehrad Cemetery) | National burial ground | Prague 2 | Final resting place of notable figures (Smetana, Dvořák, Čapek, Mucha) |
| Hřbitov Ďáblice | Large modern cemetery | Prague 8 | One of the newest Prague cemeteries, with its own ceremonial hall |
| Vinohradský hřbitov (Vinohrady Cemetery) | Historic cemetery | Prague 10 | Part of the broader Olšanské hřbitovy complex |
| Malostranský hřbitov (Malá Strana Cemetery) | Heritage-listed | Prague 5 | Historically valuable; no longer in active use — serves as a memorial |
Did you know? You can add a QR code to a gravestone in a Prague cemetery linked to a digital memorial — cemetery visitors can then see photographs and the story of your loved one directly on their smartphone. You can create such a memorial on Kinmory. Find out more on Kinmory
How to Obtain a Burial Plot in Prague
The process of obtaining a burial plot in a Prague cemetery involves the following steps:
- Contact the cemetery administration — Reach out to the administration of the cemetery where you wish to obtain a plot. Central contact: Hřbitovy a pohřební služby hlavního města Prahy (hrbitovy.cz).
- Check availability — Not all cemeteries have vacant plots. At some (Vyšehrad), plots are only allocated in exceptional cases.
- Sign a lease agreement — Burial plots in Prague are leased for a minimum of 10 years. The lease can be renewed repeatedly.
- Pay the lease and service fees — The price depends on the cemetery category and the size of the burial plot.
Burial Plot Fees
Prague cemeteries are divided into price categories. At Category I cemeteries (Olšanské hřbitovy, Vyšehrad and others), the lease is 120 Kč per square metre per year. Service fees (maintenance, administration, security) are added to the lease, amounting to 210 Kč for the first square metre and 60 Kč for each additional square metre at Category I cemeteries.
Fees are stated as of March 2026. Please verify the current price list on the website of Správa pražských hřbitovů (Prague Cemetery Administration).
How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Prague
The total cost of a funeral in Prague ranges from approximately 10,500 to 70,000 Kč and more, depending on the type of funeral chosen and the scope of services. Prague is the most expensive region in the Czech Republic when it comes to funeral services. Prices are on average 20–30% higher than in the rest of the country.
Overview of Costs by Funeral Type
| Type of Funeral | Approximate Costs | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Cremation without a ceremony (most affordable) | 10,500–20,000 Kč | Transport, coffin, cremation, urn |
| Cremation with a ceremony | 25,000–45,000 Kč | Transport, coffin, ceremony in a hall, cremation, urn |
| Earth burial | 30,000–60,000 Kč | Transport, coffin, ceremony, grave digging, interment, grave maintenance |
| Funeral with extended services | 50,000–100,000+ Kč | Comprehensive services including flowers, death notice, memorial meal |
What Affects the Price of a Funeral in Prague
Many factors influence the total cost of a funeral in Prague:
- Type of funeral — cremation is usually less expensive than earth burial
- Choice of ceremonial hall — larger and more prestigious halls cost more
- Coffin — coffin prices range from 3,000 to tens of thousands of korunas
- Floral decorations — funeral bouquets and wreaths from 500 to 5,000 Kč and more
- Parte / death notice — from 1,000 Kč
- Memorial meal — depends on the number of guests and the chosen venue
- Funeral service — compare offers, as prices can differ significantly
Pohřebné — The State Funeral Allowance
In the Czech Republic, there is a one-off state social support benefit called "pohřebné" (funeral allowance) of 5,000 Kč. It is available to the person who arranges the funeral of a dependent child or a parent of a dependent child. The application is submitted to the relevant branch of the Úřad práce ČR (Czech Labour Office) within one year of the funeral.
Important: Not everyone is entitled to the funeral allowance — it is a benefit tied to specific conditions. Details can be found on the website of the Ministerstvo práce a sociálních věcí (Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs), mpsv.cz.
A complete overview of funeral costs including a regional comparison is offered in our article How Much Does a Funeral Cost in the Czech Republic 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a funeral cost in Prague?
The cost of a funeral in Prague depends on the type of services chosen. The simplest cremation without a ceremony costs from approximately 10,500 Kč. Cremation with a ceremony in a ceremonial hall ranges from 25,000 to 45,000 Kč. Earth burial starts from approximately 30,000 Kč. Prague is the most expensive region in the Czech Republic, so we recommend comparing offers from multiple funeral services.
Where is the nearest crematorium in Prague?
Prague has two crematoria — Krematorium Strašnice (Prague 10, near the Olšanské hřbitovy) and Krematorium Motol (Prague 5). Krematorium Strašnice is the largest in Europe by area and has two ceremonial halls. Krematorium Motol offers more modern facilities with an intimate atmosphere. The choice depends on your preferences and the availability of dates.
How do I obtain a burial plot in a Prague cemetery?
To obtain a burial plot, contact Hřbitovy a pohřební služby hlavního města Prahy (Prague Cemeteries and Funeral Services) at hrbitovy.cz, tel. 272 011 111. Burial plots are leased for a minimum of 10 years. Availability varies by cemetery — at Vyšehrad, plots are allocated only in exceptional cases, while at the Olšanské hřbitovy and elsewhere, the selection is broader.
Can I arrange a secular (civil) funeral?
Yes, a secular funeral without a religious ceremony is entirely common in Prague — the majority of funerals in the Czech Republic are held as civil ceremonies. The ceremony may be led by a civil speaker, may include only music, or may take an entirely silent form. All ceremonial halls in Prague crematoria and cemeteries accommodate secular farewells.
What should I do if a loved one passed away in Prague but the family lives elsewhere?
If your loved one passed away in Prague and the family lives in another city, you have several options. You can arrange a funeral service in Prague by telephone or online — most Prague funeral homes offer remote consultations. Alternatively, you can arrange the transfer of the deceased to your city and hold the funeral there. Another option is to use the services of a funeral guide (pohřební průvodce) who will organise everything in Prague on your behalf.
Summary
- Prague offers a wide range of funeral services — from the municipal Pohřební ústav hlavního města Prahy to dozens of private providers.
- Two crematoria — Krematorium Strašnice (the largest in Europe) and Krematorium Motol (modern, intimate).
- Prices in Prague are the highest in the Czech Republic — cremation without a ceremony from approx. 10,500 Kč, cremation with a ceremony from 25,000 Kč, earth burial from 30,000 Kč.
- Over 30 cemeteries managed by the city, including the Olšanské hřbitovy (the largest in Prague) and the national burial ground at Vyšehrad.
- Secular funerals are entirely common in Prague — you are under no obligation to choose a religious ceremony.
- Compare offers — request a written quotation from at least three funeral services.
- State funeral allowance — a one-off contribution of 5,000 Kč subject to statutory conditions.
Related Articles
- How to Arrange a Funeral in the Czech Republic — A step-by-step guide through the entire process
- How Much Does a Funeral Cost in the Czech Republic 2026 — A detailed overview of costs and regional comparison
- How to Choose a Funeral Service — What to ask and what to avoid
- Funeral Services in Brno — A guide to funeral services in Brno
- Digital Memorial — Preserve the Memory — How to create a memorial page