Forest swastika, Grove in Zernikow, Germany
The forest swastika near Zernikow is a grove of roughly 100 larch trees arranged in a specific pattern within a larger pine forest. The larch trees stand apart from the surrounding forest due to their distinct species and organized placement.
The trees were planted in 1938 as part of a planned undertaking and remained unnoticed for several decades afterward. The forest pattern was only identified from above in 1992, prompting widespread public attention.
The grove stands as a visible record of how natural landscapes were shaped for propaganda purposes in the past. Visitors walking or viewing from above notice the altered tree arrangement within the larger forest.
The site is most easily viewed from above, particularly during the season when larch trees change color. To observe the tree arrangement, visitors should seek elevated positions or use aerial imagery.
A portion of the trees were removed between 2000 and 2002 to prevent the location from becoming a meeting point for certain groups. This action altered the original pattern and made the arrangement less visible from above.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
