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Stock-im-Eisen: Vienna's Medieval Nail Tree

Discover Vienna's ancient 'nail tree,' the Stock-im-Eisen, a medieval relic embedded with centuries of tradition and fascinating legends.

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The Stock-im-Eisen is a section of a tree trunk from the Middle Ages located in Vienna, Austria, into which hundreds of nails have been hammered over centuries. Encased in glass at a corner of the Palais Equitable, it stands as a unique historical landmark and a testament to old traditions.

A brief summary to Stock-im-Eisen

  • Kärntner Str. 1, Vienna, Innere Stadt, 1010, AT
  • +4314000
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
  • Take time to explore the surrounding area, filled with shops, cafes, and other historical landmarks.
  • The Stock-im-Eisen is particularly enchanting during the winter holidays when Vienna’s Christmas markets add to the festive atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Stock-im-Eisen is easily accessible via Vienna's extensive public transport network. The closest U-Bahn station is Stephansplatz, served by lines U1 and U3. A single ticket costs €2.40 and is valid for one journey across all modes of transport. Consider a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass for unlimited travel.

  • Walking

    Located in the heart of Vienna, the Stock-im-Eisen is easily reachable on foot from many central locations. From St. Stephen's Cathedral, simply walk along Kärntner Straße towards the Graben. The Stock-im-Eisen is located at the corner of these two streets, embedded in the Palais Equitable.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Vienna. A short taxi ride from a central location such as Karlsplatz to Stock-im-Eisen would typically cost between €8 and €12, depending on traffic and the time of day. Uber is also available.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, the Kärntnerstraße Tiefgarage is a convenient parking option located nearby at Kärntner Straße 51. Short-term parking is available, with rates starting at €4.50 per hour. Daily maximum rates are around €39.90. Keep in mind that parking in the city center can be expensive and spaces may be limited.

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Discover more about Stock-im-Eisen

The Stock-im-Eisen, meaning "staff in iron" in German, is a captivating piece of Vienna's history, found at Stock-im-Eisen-Platz, now part of Stephansplatz. This ancient tree trunk, embedded with hundreds of nails, is preserved behind glass on a corner of the Palais Equitable, located at the intersection of Kärntner Straße and Graben. The tradition of hammering nails into the Stock-im-Eisen dates back to the Middle Ages. It's believed that traveling smiths and apprentices drove nails into the tree for good luck, a custom that gained popularity from 1715 onwards, especially among journeyman locksmiths. The tree itself, a forked spruce, began growing around 1400 and was felled around 1440. Examination in 1975 revealed regrowth in the trunk, indicating blows from an axe. Legends surround the Stock-im-Eisen, with tales dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. One legend claims it's the last tree of an ancient forest, while another suggests the Devil himself guarded it. The earliest written record of the Stock-im-Eisen is from 1533. In 1891, the Palais Equitable was built incorporating the Stock-im-Eisen in a niche. Today, it remains a symbol of Vienna's rich cultural heritage, drawing visitors to admire its historical and artistic significance.

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