Dicke Eiche, Natural monument in Kottenforst, Bonn, Germany.
Dicke Eiche is a protected natural monument in the Kottenforst forest near Bonn, a large wooded area north of the city. The tree was known for its exceptionally thick trunk, which made it stand out among the other trees in the region.
The oak stood for several centuries in the forest, becoming a well-known feature of the landscape. In December 2010, the tree collapsed under the weight of snow, prompting efforts to stabilize and preserve what remained.
The name simply describes what you see: a very thick oak tree. When you walk through the forest today, you encounter a landmark that locals have known and referenced for generations.
The tree is located in Kottenforst, a forest area with developed paths that are easy for walkers to reach. The best time to visit is in dry weather, when the forest paths are easy to walk on.
Parts of the fallen tree were carved into religious objects by a sculptor and now rest in a church in Bonn. This second life shows how the wood found new purpose after the tree collapsed.
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