Marienlinde Telgte, summer linden tree in Telgte, Germany

The Marienlinde is a summer linden (Tilia platyphyllos) standing at the Münstertor, Telgte's northern town gate. Its thick, gnarled trunk and widely spreading branches make it the last survivor of three gate lindens that once stood here.

The tree is estimated to be around 750 years old and was likely planted around 1328. Once three similar linden trees stood at this location, but only this one survives from that original group.

The tree stands in a central location and connects residents with their local history and faith traditions. Local stories suggest that wood from this tree was used to carve a religious image of Mary that remains spiritually important to the community.

The Marienlinde stands directly at the Münstertor, the northern gate of Telgte's old town, so it is reached on foot through the pedestrian centre. The tree grows in the open space beside the gate, and visitors can walk right up to its trunk.

The tree is known locally as the 'Dicke Linde' or 'Thick Linden' because of its broad, massive form. Its trunk once measured about 9 meters (30 feet) in circumference, and it underwent extensive restoration work in 2007 to ensure its long-term health and stability.