Gruba Jodła, Historical fir tree in Zawoja, Poland
Gruba Jodła was a fir tree in Zawoja that grew to about 60 meters tall with a trunk circumference of nearly 7 meters, making it the largest tree in Babia Góra National Park. It remained standing for roughly six centuries until storm winds toppled it in the early twentieth century.
The tree grew for about six centuries before fire weakened its hollow interior, leaving it vulnerable to the elements. In 1914, strong winds finally brought down this ancient giant.
The tree held deep meaning for local communities as a symbol connecting earth and sky, with roots, trunk, and crown each representing distinct worlds. Visitors can still sense this spiritual connection at the memorial site today.
A concrete base marks the original tree location along the yellow trail connecting Zawoja Składy to Markowe Szczawiny at 860 meters elevation. The site is easily accessible via the marked hiking paths in the area.
A mountain spring flows at the same location, creating a special water source that has long drawn people to this spot. The surrounding trails offer educational paths through the local forest and its natural history.
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