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: 721ft
SUMMIT: 1220ft
VERTICAL DROP: 459ft

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

With the fourth biggest vertical in Finland, the Pyha complex is located right on the slopes in thick woodland.

Ramundberget is located in Funäsdalen, 580 km from Stockholm, and is considered to be one of the most snow-secure ski areas in Sweden.

Rauland has a long and guaranteed snow season and is situated in short distance from Larvik,Oslo, Kristiansand and Haugesund.

Riksgränsen is in the Northernmost part of Sweden, and is famous for its beautiful scenery, varied skiing and excellent snow conditions. The lifts go all the way up to an altitude of 909 m, and the base station is at 250 m.

Narvik is located in Northern-Norway, the private://land of the midnight sunprivate://, and is renowned for having the largest drop in Scandinavia, as well as the best offpiste conditions.