Tanzlinde (Effeltrich)
The Tanzlinde, also known as the Tausendjährige Linde or Dorflinde, is a summer lime tree (Tilia platyphyllos) located in Effeltrich, Upper Franconia, on the western edge of Franconian Switzerland.
Positioned on the village square across from the fortified church, the lime tree has held a significant role as a central gathering, assembly, and judicial site for centuries.
Despite its old age, the lime tree maintains a strong and vibrant appearance, with its branches retaining well-leafy and abundant blossoms even at the top.
The crown rests on a double ring-shaped beam framework comprising 24 supports, with the outer ring sitting on a 49-meter-long and 90-centimeter-high stone wall encircling the tree.
An adventitious root, about ten centimeters in thickness, has grown within the trunk to enhance nutrient supply to specific portions of the crown.
Since for many years the vertical shoots have no longer been regularly removed for bast extraction, the crown has also partially expanded upwards.
[5][notes 1] The lime tree is positioned at the heart of the village square and at the intersection of several roads in the municipality of Effeltrich in the district of Forchheim.
It is framed by the church castle of St. Georg with high walls and pointed towers and old half-timbered houses and inns.
Determining age based on trunk circumference is difficult due to the influence of supported main branches, which can lead to a slower growth in thickness.
[9] Even prior to World War I, the tree's age was estimated to be at least, 1000 years, as suggested by Gustav von Bezold, the then-director of the (Germanisches Nationalmuseum) Germanic National Museum in Nuremberg.
[10] The Deutsche Baumarchiv (German Tree Archive), known for its cautious approach to age determinations,[11] offered an estimate of 400 to 670 years in 2007.
[17][notes 2] Historical records suggest that court proceedings may have taken place under the lime tree in earlier centuries.
[2] Until the year 1950, the area beneath the lime tree was furnished with tables and benches, offering a place of gathering and providing hospitality through the nearby inn.
After the Second World War, the main road that runs adjacent to the lime tree underwent expansion, leading to a gradual rise in motorized vehicle traffic.
Lime bast used to be crucial and had various uses, including fruit tree grafting, making knitwear, clothing, shoes, and even war shields.
In the 19th century, the tree hosted a variety of festivities and events, including moonshine nights characterized by singing, music, and communal interactions.
During the 1850s, "the local dignitaries met once a week during the summer to celebrate the so-called 'Mondscheinnächte' (Moonlight Nights) under the shade of the lime tree with music, singing, and leisurely entertainment.".
Prince Ludwig, who became King of Bavaria in 1913, visited Effeltrich on 12 June 1912, and a large party was held in his honor under the Linden tree.
Because of the increasingly stronger and heavier branches, these were supported from 1905 with a double oak framework by master carpenter Kaul from Poxdorf.
[20] Recent improvements with regards to the surroundings of the tree outside the crown area were provided with a patchy pavement to ensure adequate water supply to the roots, which extend far from the trunk.
