Allenspacher Hoflinde, Natural monument in Böttingen, Germany.

The Allenspacher Hoflinde is a massive summer lime tree with two main trunks that grow in distinctly different directions. One trunk rises upright while the other extends almost horizontally, supported by concrete props.

This tree was planted around 1450 and is one of the oldest limes in the Tuttlingen region. Over the centuries its form shifted, now requiring ongoing care to support its weakening horizontal trunk.

This lime tree has long anchored the Allenspacher farm, now home to a youth hostel and camping area run by a Protestant youth organization. Over the centuries, it has become a natural focal point where people gather and rest.

The tree sits on the hostel grounds and is easy to reach, especially when using hiking trails that connect natural springs in the area. Plan your visit during good weather to comfortably explore the property.

The second main trunk leaned so far toward the ground over the years that a concrete prop was installed; beyond the prop it was cut off, and a steep secondary crown grew upward. The near-horizontal section is split open on top and largely hollow, covered with sheet metal against moisture. In 1910 the trunk measured 7.30 metres around, against 8.95 metres today.