Femeiche in Alder

The Femeiche in Erle is one of the oldest oaks in Germany. According to historical records, it must have been a mighty tree around 800 AD at the time of Emperor Charlemagne. Lightning, storms and the ravages of time have taken their toll on the tree over the last few centuries. The trunk is completely hollow, full of holes, crooked and is only held upright by thick supports and iron rods. And yet, the fem oak continues to grow year after year and gets new leaves every spring. A breathtaking natural monument in the southern Münsterland.

According to historical lore, the oak could already be 1500 years old. A scientific determination of its age is no longer possible today due to its condition, but according to the latest findings, the tree could also be only 850 years old. This finding is based on the annual increment of the fem oak, but even with this age it would still be the oldest oak in Germany.

If the oak is already 1500 years old, it is a living contemporary of Emperor Charlemagne, who reigned around 800 AD. According to historical accounts, the Diepenbrock brothers were ostracised under this oak tree in 1441 for murdering a juryman. This event gave the oak its current name. Murderers and robbers were tried under the oak tree until 1589.

In 1965, an arborist treated the fem oak for the first time. A second treatment took place in 1986/87. The tree care still ensures the preservation of the natural monument today.

The Femeiche is located near the Erler parish church, next to the old pastorate.

• The Femeiche can be visited at any time.
• The tree can only be admired from close up. The Femeiche is protected from outside influences by a fence.