The initiative to create the Forest Cemetery came from the Riga City Administration and was implemented in 1913. The official consecration ceremony took place on June 19. This cemetery was intended to become the city's main cemetery, thus replacing the overcrowded Large Cemetery, which dated back to 1773.
The cemetery plan was developed by landscape architect Georg Friedrich Kufaldt, who borrowed ideas from German cemeteries of the time. The project envisioned a park-like area with a central avenue, secondary avenues, and a network of paths for burials, surrounded by low fences and adorned with modest monuments. A key feature was the absence of family chapels and high fences.
The Forest Cemetery in Riga is recognized as one of the most significant cemeteries in Latvia in terms of cultural and historical significance. It contains the graves of people of various generations and professions, including many prominent Latvian politicians, public figures, and military personnel, as well as a number of memorial sculptures and monuments by renowned artists.
Address of the 1st Forest Cemetery
The cemetery's coordinates on the map are: 56.988870, 24.149688.
Cemetery address:
Aizsaules Street, 2, Northern District, Riga, LV-1026.
Contact number for 1st Forest Cemetery
Information by phone at the funeral service
+371 2944 9849
Operating hours of the cemetery on Aizsaules Street
- Summer (April 1 to October 31): 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM;
- Winter (November 1 to March 31): 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM;
- On Memorial Day and other commemoration days, the cemetery administration determines the opening hours.
Cemetery administration opening hours:
Tue - Sat: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM;
Sun - Mon: closed.
How to get to the cemetery on Aizsaules Street
Take bus #12 to the "Ziedonis Kooperativ" stop.
Services of the 1st Forest Cemetery
This Riga necropolis is still operational, but does not accept new burials, providing only reburials of previously deceased relatives in existing plots.
Reburials are provided free of charge. However, burying a relative usually requires partial dismantling and subsequent installation of existing headstones, which is a paid service.
The cemetery also offers other paid services, the cost of which depends on the complexity and scope of the work.
How to obtain a plot at the Aizsaules Street Cemetery
Family burials in caskets are permitted if more than twenty years have passed since the last funeral. There are no sanitary deadlines for burials in urns.
Obtaining a burial permit
To arrange a burial in a family grave, you must obtain a special permit, which is issued by the Aizsaules Street Cemetery Administration.
Funeral arrangements at 1st Forest Cemetery in Riga
The City Funeral Service will assist you with arranging a family burial. For professional advice, please call +371 2944 9849. Our specialists are available 24/7, 7 days a week, 7 days a week.
Funeral services at 1st Forest Cemetery
How much does a funeral at 1st Forest Cemetery cost
All essential services for cremation
Optimal set of goods and services for cremation
Extended cremation set with farewell in the hall
All essential services for burial
Optimal set of goods and services for burial
Extended burial set with farewell in the hall
Funeral plans may be subject to adjustment.
Changing the funeral plan will allow for a more personalized and meaningful farewell ceremony that reflects the uniqueness and importance of the deceased to their loved ones and community.
Client reviews
We contacted the Riga City Funeral Service—the staff was attentive and promptly processed all the necessary paperwork. The ceremony was organized with respect and appropriate level—without unnecessary formality, but with a dignified approach. Next time, I might clarify the details online, but overall, we were satisfied.
Excellent service during a difficult time: professional, personable, and calm. The staff helped with all the paperwork and offered advice on how to best organize the funeral. I recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and discreet service.
What are the opening hours of 1st Forest Cemetery?
In summer (1 April–31 October) 7:00–21:00, in winter (1 November–31 March) 8:00–18:00. The cemetery administration works Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00–16:00.
Can I get a new burial plot at 1st Forest Cemetery?
Most Riga cemeteries are closed to new burials — burial in family graves is allowed: a coffin no earlier than 20 years after the previous burial, with no time limit for an urn. The Riga City Funeral Service will clarify the exact conditions by phone +371 2944 9849.
How much does a funeral at 1st Forest Cemetery cost?
The cost depends on the scope of services. The Riga City Funeral Service arranges funerals within the VSAA allowance — get an individual quote by phone +371 2944 9849.
Who can arrange a funeral at 1st Forest Cemetery?
The Riga City Funeral Service handles the full arrangement: documents, hearse, grave preparation, the farewell ceremony and the monument.
Riga Cemeteries on the Map
