Betteleiche, Natural monument oak tree in Mülverstedt, Germany.
Betteleiche is an oak tree with a notably hollow trunk located in Mülverstedt near Hainich National Park. The interior of the trunk shows clear signs of weathering and age, giving the tree a distinctive character.
The oak developed as a donation collection point used between the 15th and early 16th centuries. Monks from a nearby monastery relied on the tree to gather gifts from visiting community members.
The name comes from its past use as a place where people left offerings and requests for help. The oak served as a meaningful landmark for the local community, representing a connection between their daily lives and spiritual practices.
The tree is accessible via several walking trails, including a roughly 12-kilometer circular route through the region. It is best to wear sturdy shoes and allow extra time to explore the surrounding area.
The hollow in the trunk was originally created intentionally by monks to store donations safely. Over centuries, this cavity has steadily expanded due to natural erosion processes.
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