A 750-year-old Swiss stone pine. The oldest living tree in Tyrol
High above the medieval town of Hall in Tyrol, not far from the Zirbenweg trail, the oldest living tree in Tyrol/Austria has been standing for a good 750 years: A wild Swiss stone pine, inaccessible by footpath, stands in the midst of the 26-hectare Ampasser Kessel natural forest reserve, surrounded by unspoilt nature. Due to the inaccessibility of the area, it was of no interest for timber harvesting over the centuries and has thus been preserved in its original state. Over the course of its life, this extraordinary tree has weathered a great many major historical events. Indeed, it was already growing as a young sapling before the founding of the Habsburg dynasty in 1273.
Just under 90 years ago, in 1926, the Swiss stone pine was designated a natural monument. The tree is also home to numerous species: various types of lichen, which are indicative of very clean air, give Methuselah an ancient appearance. Several families of woodpeckers have also chosen the Swiss stone pine, situated at an altitude of 1,880 metres, as their breeding ground with its nesting hollows: alongside great spotted woodpeckers, black woodpeckers and three-toed woodpeckers also live in this unspoilt natural area.
Above Tyrol’s oldest tree, the Swiss stone pine trail leads from the Patscherkofel towards the Glungezer through a large, contiguous stand of Swiss stone pines at an altitude of 2,000 metres. The Swiss stone pine, also known as the Zirbe (Pinus cembra), belongs to the pine family. Swiss stone pine wood and the essential oils it exudes are said to possess numerous beneficial properties. For instance, the characteristic scent of Swiss stone pine is said to promote deep and restful sleep. From the high-altitude hiking trail, which is popular with walkers of all ages, you can not only catch a glimpse of Tyrol’s oldest tree – which is well hidden – but, in fine weather, enjoy views of over 300 Alpine peaks.
