Baum mitten in der Welt, Solitary tree on Gusterberg mountain, Kremsmünster, Austria.
Baum mitten in der Welt is a large linden tree standing on Gusterberg mountain at 488 meters elevation with expansive views across the landscape. On clear days, the vista stretches toward the Alps, Berchtesgaden, and the Bohemian border.
Austrian authorities selected this location in 1817 as a reference point for land surveying across Upper Austria and Salzburg. The site served as an important landmark for mapping the region.
The tree gained recognition through Austrian writer Adalbert Stifter's novel Der Nachsommer, which drew inspiration from this location. The linden has come to symbolize a special place in regional identity, attracting visitors who wish to connect with the literary and natural heritage.
The tree is accessible through several hiking trails starting from Kremsmünster town and from Pfarrkirchen bei Bad Hall. Visit on clear days when visibility is at its best for the full panoramic experience.
The original tree was struck by lightning in 1929, and a replacement grew to develop a circumference of nearly three meters. This regrowth and recovery make the location special for many visitors.
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