Král smrků, Fallen protected spruce trunk in Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic

Král smrků was a Norway spruce (Picea abies) that stood at 680 m elevation northwest of Mariánské Lázně, between Alejí Svobody and Alejí Smetany. Its trunk measured 428 cm in circumference and the tree reached 38 m with a calculated volume of 24 m3. A cascade of hooked branches grew from the trunk. It broke under wind on 23 February 2017 and its protected torso now lies on the ground.

This specimen originated around 1818 and grew during the period when Mariánské Lázně established itself as a significant spa destination. The tree's long history is closely tied to the city's development and growth over two centuries.

The tree is known locally as the King of Spruces and holds significance as a natural symbol for the spa town's connection to its surrounding forests. Its protected status reflects the community's commitment to preserving remarkable specimens from the landscape.

The location sits along hiking trails between Alej Svobody and Alej Smetany at an elevation of about 680 meters. Visitors can easily reach this spot on foot from the town's nearby promenades and pathways.

The tree was protected from 1986 for its size, and after it broke on 23 February 2017 the protection was kept: the fallen trunk remains a protected remnant, and lying on the ground its bulk stands out even more. The mightiest spruce of the Slavkovský les is Sychravův smrk near Lazy.