The Mollestad Oak

Mollestadeika is Norway’s second largest tree measured by trunk thickness and circumference, and is considered one of the country’s oldest and largest oak trees. The tree is believed to be over 1,000 years old, stands about 15 metres tall and has a trunk diameter of approximately 3 metres. Despite being hollow, the oak continues to grow, and with its six strong branches, the crown covers an area of more than 200 square metres. This makes Mollestadeika an impressive and living natural monument.

Mollestadeika is also known as Vetteeika, and many legends and beliefs about supernatural powers are connected to the tree. In earlier times, people believed that the man who first cleared the farm continued to live on as a protective spirit in his burial mound. The mound was considered sacred, and trees growing there were called guardian trees and had to be protected. Over the years, offerings of food, milk and beer were made to the oak, and it was considered important that the tree received the first beer drawn from the barrel. If this was not done, people believed that prosperity on the farm would disappear. Damage to a guardian tree was also seen as a bad omen.

The farm Vestre Mollestad is among the oldest farms in Birkenes, and both its name and well preserved archaeological finds from burial mounds indicate settlement dating back to the Viking Age or earlier.

Today, Mollestadeika is a popular stop for both nature lovers and those interested in history who wish to experience a unique cultural and natural landmark.