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Breite Föhre: A Memorial to Nature's Majesty

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Hike to the memorial of a legendary 450-year-old pine in the Vienna Woods, a place of rest and inspiration for artists and wanderers.

Breite Föhre, once a 450-year-old black pine, stood as a natural monument near Mödling. Though the original tree is gone, a memorial and 'New Breite Föhre' mark the spot, offering a peaceful rest stop along Anninger Mountain's hiking trails.

A brief summary to Breite Föhre

  • Anningerstraße, Mödling, 2340, AT
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Breite Föhre.

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails leading to Breite Föhre can be rocky and uneven.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months, as there are limited facilities along the trails.
  • Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions in the Vienna Woods can change quickly.
  • Consider visiting the nearby Husarentempel or Burg Mödling to extend your hike and explore more of the area's history.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Waldgasthaus Bockerl parking lot, follow the signs towards 'Breite Föhre'. The trail ascends through the forest, initially along the Goldenen Stiege. After a moderately steep climb, you'll reach a junction; continue following signs for Breite Föhre. The memorial site is a short walk from the junction. Note that the final stretch involves a gentle uphill walk.

  • Public Transport

    Take a train to Mödling Bahnhof from Vienna. From the station, take Bus 1, 219, 259, 269, or 217 to the Prießnitztal stop. From there, walk along Anningerstraße, following signs for Breite Föhre. The walk is approximately 2.5 km and involves a steady ascent. Alternatively, from Mödling Bahnhof, take a taxi or ride-sharing service to Waldgasthaus Bockerl to shorten the walking distance. A taxi from the Mödling train station to the Waldgasthaus Bockerl will cost approximately €10-€15.

  • Driving

    From Mödling, follow Anningerstraße uphill. Limited parking is available at the Waldgasthaus Bockerl. From the parking lot, follow the walking directions. Parking at Lerchengasse/N. Sprongl-Gasse in Mödling is another option, offering 50 spaces, but requires a longer walk. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around €2-3 per hour.

Discover more about Breite Föhre

Breite Föhre, meaning 'Broad Pine,' was a remarkable black pine tree that graced the slopes of Anninger Mountain near Mödling for around 450 years. This natural landmark, whose origins trace back to the mid-16th century, stood as a silent witness to centuries of history. The tree's unique, broad form made it a favorite subject for artists and a beloved resting place for hikers.Standing at a height of 11 meters, with a crown spanning nearly 20 meters, the Breite Föhre offered cool shade and a tranquil atmosphere. Its image was captured in Ludwig Ferdinand Schnorr von Carolsfeld's 1838 painting, 'Die breite Föhre nächst der Brühl bei Mödling,' now displayed at the Belvedere. Over the years, the tree inspired numerous artists, including Broncia Koller, Hans Essinger and others. Legend has it that even musical geniuses like Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Schubert sought inspiration beneath its branches.Sadly, the original Breite Föhre died in 1988 and was removed in 1997 due to safety concerns. Today, a memorial stone marks the location where the majestic pine once stood. In 2005, a nearby umbrella pine was declared the 'New Breite Föhre,' ensuring the legacy of this natural landmark continues. Hiking trails in the Föhrenberge Nature Park lead to this historical site, offering visitors a chance to reflect on nature's beauty and the passage of time.

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