Switzerland’s tallest tree is a 58-metre European silver fir
It is estimated that the tree – which is the second-tallest fir in Europe – dates back to 1744.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/ac
The giant conifer – known locally as the President Fir – can be found in the Couvet forest in the western Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. Its exact height is 58.02 metres, according to officials in the Val-de-Travers municipality where the forest is located.
The last official aerial survey using Lidar technology was carried out in 2018. At the time, the tree was found to be 57.72 metres and growing at the rate of 15cm per year. Its current circumference is 4.7 metres, with a diameter of 1.5 metres.
Considered as a reference for giant trees in the absence of official statistics at the European level, representatives of the website Monumental TreesExternal link carried out their own measurement of the tree in 2019: it was found to be 58.1 metres.
Only one other fir tree (Abies alba) on the continent is taller, a 59.7-metre specimen in Montenegro, which could be up to 500 years old.
If Switzerland’s President Fir maintains its current rate of growth, it should surpass its Montenegrin competitor in a few years. The tree is in fairly good condition, “although some signs of ageing are visible, including a somewhat narrow crown”, the municipality said.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Celebrating avenues of Swiss trees
This content was published on
Like dutiful guards, the trees stand at attention. The peace, the play of shadows and the rustling of the leaves make it a special nature experience.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.