Tanzlinde, Historic dance lime tree in Effeltrich, Germany.
The Tanzlinde is an ancient lime tree on the village square of Effeltrich with a flat, oval crown supported by 24 wooden pillars. The crown spans over 20 meters across and is held up by a double oak framework.
The tree served as a gathering place for judicial proceedings and community meetings since 1004, when it was first used by the Wends as an assembly tree. Later, the wooden framework was installed in 1905 to support the spreading crown.
The tree earned its name from the festivals and dances held beneath its branches over the centuries. People gathered here to celebrate together, which gave this place its special role in village life.
The tree stands freely accessible on the village square and can be visited at any time. It is easiest to reach by heading toward the center of the village, where the tree structure is immediately visible.
The hollow trunk is filled with rotted wood material and develops adventitious roots that feed specific sections of the crown. This natural adaptation allows the tree to continue growing vigorously despite its advanced age.
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