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

BASE: 3018ft
SUMMIT: 3664ft
VERTICAL DROP: 721ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 1
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 0
Surface: 1

Grong Skisenter is the largest alpine center in Northern-Trøndelag. The center is situated in Grong municipality, between the cities of Trondheim and Brønnøysund, 10 km south of Grong city Mediå.

BASE: 492ft
SUMMIT: 738ft
VERTICAL DROP: 246ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 4
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 0
Surface: 4

Folgefonn summer ski resort has the highest point at 1,450 meters above sea level and has a height difference of 250 meters. With alpine slopes and a good terrengpark this is a very good summer ski resort in Norway.

Fulufjellet is an intimate and family friendly ski resort, in the heart of the Trysil region. Fulufjellet has 2 ski lifts, 9 runs for all skill levels, and a drop of 230 m.

BASE: 229ft
SUMMIT: 1148ft
VERTICAL DROP: 918ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 3
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 1
Surface: 2