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

Bjorli is known for having lots of snow and a long season, stretching from November to the end of April. Bjorli offers 100km of prepared cross-country tracks in a varied mountain and forest terrain.

BASE: 1312ft
SUMMIT: 1968ft
VERTICAL DROP: 656ft

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

BASE: 656ft
SUMMIT: 1292ft
VERTICAL DROP: 0ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 7
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 1
Surface: 6

The intimate atmosphere on Beitostolen and the proximity between the ski lifts, slopes and the accommodation makes this a favourite ski resort for families.

First and foremost, this is not an average ski resort. Nuolja is a mountain in its purest form, wild and uncertain. The skiing takes place in two zones – either inside or outside the ski area.

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