Scholars disagree about which of the many oaks that are over 1,000 years old is the oldest in Europe. What is certain is that there are some specimens that could make this claim.
Which is the oldest oak in Europe?
The oldest oak in Europe is controversial, but the oaks of Bad Blumau in Austria, Granit in Bulgaria and the Kongeenen in Denmark are considered contenders. All three are estimated to be over 1,200 years old, although the Congeene could be up to 2,000 years old.
The oldest oak trees in Europe
Oaks don't just grow on the old continent. There are also different types of oak in North America. However, they don't get as old there as they do in Europe.
In Europe, some countries boast of having the oldest oak in Europe and at the same time in the world. These include:
- Austria
- Denmark
- Bulgaria
There are several very old oak trees in Germany, but they probably don't come close to the over 1,000 year old trees in other countries.
The oak trees of Bad Blumau and Granit
Is the oldest oak in Styria or Bulgaria? Or is the famous Kongeenen in Denmark even older? The experts argue about this.
Experts estimate the age of the three trees to be over 1,200 years.
The Congeenen is said to be around 2,000 years old. However, only remnants of it remain, which are kept alive by grafting.
Old oak trees in Germany
The oldest German oak is the Femeiche near Erle. According to other estimates, it is said to be 650 to 800 years old, even more than 1,200 years old.
The grave oak near Nöbdenitz in eastern Thuringia is around 800 years old.
Many old oak trees stand near Ivenack in the Mecklenburg Lake District. The horsehead oak and the Knusteiche are particularly well known.
Tips & Tricks
Old, gnarled oak trees have always piqued people's interest. In fairy tales and legends, trees often play a mythical role due to their age and growth.
