Old Tjikko- The oldest clonal tree

KarlH's picture

Location

Fulufjället
Sweden
61° 34' 59.9988" N, 12° 40' 0.0012" E
SE
General info: 

Old Tjikko is the world's oldest individual clonal tree. The age of this Norway Spruce tree is an unbelievable 9,550 years and it is located on Fulufjället Mountain in Sweden.

The trunk itself is estimated to be only a few hundred years old, but the tree as a whole has survived almost ten thousand years due to a process known as layering. When branches touch ground, they can sprout new roots and if the original trunk dies, the root system is still alive and may sprout a new trunk.

The age of the tree has been determined by carbon dating of the root system under the tree.

Getting there: 

The tree is located on Fulufjället Mountain. There is a small path leading up towards the tree. However, it is unmarked, as park rangers do not want to encourage large groups of tourists to surround the tree. A free guided tour can be arranged at the entrance (Naturum) that can take tourists to the tree.

The closest village is Särna.

Costs: 

It is free to hike in Fulufjället area.

Interesting places nearby

Lifjell is only 12km from Bø in Telemark, and is the closest high mountain for tourists coming with the ferry from Denmark to Larvik, and for those who live in the South-East of Norway.

Take the family to Lindvallen - a modern ski resort with the emphasis on friendly service, offering a wide range of most amenities. Here the Snowman, the slopes and the staff will welcome you and your nearest and dearest with open arms.

BASE: 1640ft
SUMMIT: 2601ft
VERTICAL DROP: 961ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 2
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 0
Surface: 2

Lofsdalen is a glittering winter gem, nestling on the shores of Lake Lofssjön against a backdrop of mountain peaks.

BASE: 65ft
SUMMIT: 541ft
VERTICAL DROP: 475ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 3
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 0
Surface: 3

BASE: 1853ft
SUMMIT: 4022ft
VERTICAL DROP: 0ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 0
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 0
Surface: 2