Barther Miracle Oak

WonderfulBarther Stadtforst is perhaps the only preserved, legendary wonder oak in the country. It can be reached via the Barth city exit in a westerly direction to Darß. Instead of turning right onto the peninsula, the route continues for a few meters before turning left towards Planitz. A walk into Barther Stadtholz along the southwestern main path soon leads to the signposted Wundereiche. Such wonderful oaks (sometimes beeches) have been in large numbers in the country in the past centuries. Their frequent cures for ailments such as rheumatism, gout or paralysis are considered to be certain traditions due to the psychological miracle effect and the effort of the will when climbing.With the Barther oak, which is also preserved as a photo from the 1920s (see illustration), there was the rare overgrowth of the main trunk with a branch. This gave the tree an opening through which the person seeking healing had to go. There was a platform at a height of about three meters below the opening, which could be reached by a ladder. Because of the mostly quick healing, up to 50 crutches are said to have hung in the tree at the same time. In the second half of the 19th century, the healing power of the oak is said to have dried up. A shepherd had sent his cross-lame dog through the hole that was reserved for humans. The opening has also shrunk since then.

This oak is probably now a wishing tree?