Begging Oak in Hainich National Park

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Hiking and Birding in Hainich National Park

From 1442 to 1525 the cloister of St. Catherine in Eisenach had an off-premise outpost in Hainich.

The mendicant monks carved a tiny hole into the tree-trunk of the "Begging Oak". Passing travelers put in donations and prayers of supplication.

During the centuries the hole weathered and hollowed out the trunk. Today, the Begging Oak is more than 800 years old.

Starting point for the four hour round trip hiking trail through the beech forest to the Beggar's Oak is the parking lot at Obergut in Kammerforst.

You also pass the Begging Oak on the 20 mile long Rennstieg hiking trail from Eigenrieden to Behringen.

On the hiking trails through Hainich National Park, you will pass many sites reminding you of the medieval trade routes and settlements.

Crosses - "Kreuze" - were erected at places where people died suddenly in an accident, so that they could not receive the last sacrament.

In 650 feet distance from the Begging Oak, you find the Ihlefelder Kreuz which was erected in memory of a hunting accident with a bear. Hunter and bear can be recognized in the engraving. The Ihlefelder Kreuz dates from 1450, it is the oldest stone cross in Hainich.

A complete survey and description of the trails can be obtained at the National Park Administration in Bad Langensalza.

The National Park Administration also offers guided hiking tours.

You can buy a National Park Hiking and Cycling Map posted by German booksellers.

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