Kattholzeiche, Historic oak in Belau, Germany
The Kattholzeiche stands along the path connecting Gut Perdöl and Perdöler Mill, marking the landscape of this rural area. The trunk reaches 13.16 meters in circumference at one meter height, demonstrating the enormous size this ancient oak has developed.
The tree suffered damage during the 1970s when fire was set inside its hollow trunk. Burn marks remain visible on the bark to this day, telling the story of this difficult chapter in the oak's past.
The name Kattholzeiche refers to a former settlement that once stood near this tree. That village shaped the land in this area for many generations.
Visitors can reach the tree through walking routes starting from Belau or Bornhöved, allowing time for rest stops along the way. The nearby Schierensee lake offers swimming and water activities for those who want to combine their tree visit with outdoor recreation.
The massive trunk developed through an unusual story: grazing livestock repeatedly ate back the new shoots during the tree's young years. These repeated injuries caused abnormal growth patterns that gave the oak its exceptional width today.
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