The Old Oak / The Oak of Christian IV
Christian IV's Oak, The King's Oak or The Old Oak are some of the names given to a large, free-standing tree in the easternmost part of Dyrehaven Skanderborg.
Over time, the tree has been the center of many events.
After the visit of Hereditary Prince Ferdinand and Princess Caroline to Dyrehaven in 1839, there was interest in including the area around the old oak as a party venue. The following year, the first summer festival with drinking and forest ball took place in a decorated dance tent next to the property.
It was the start of a rich entertainment life in Dyrehaven. In 1852, confectioner Brandt built a permanent dance floor and a modest inn barn, which was continued by an active social club; forest association. Every Sunday during the season there was dancing and illumination for a fee of 24 shillings for men while entry was free for ladies.
At the end of the 19th century, the fairground at the Old Oak lost its importance with the construction of the pavilion. Nowadays the oak tree still stands prominently and in the middle of the festival ground when the ”Smukfest” takes place in the forest in August.
But is it correct to name the oak of King Chr.4? In 2009 a dendrochronological study was carried out on the tree, the annual rings were counted and it was concluded that the tree was planted between 1620 and 1719. King Chr.4 lived from 1577 to 1648, so it is not unrealistic that the tree grew in the last years of the king's life.
Source: Skanderborg Leksikon