In a forest near Eutin, northern Germany, lovers find connection through the Bridegroom’s Oak. This ancient tree, known as “Bräutigamseiche” in German, has served as a unique mail service since 1892.
Situated around 250 kilometers north of Berlin, the oak has its own postal code in the Dodau Forest. Mail carriers climb a ladder to place 50 to 60 letters each month into its famous knothole, located about 3 meters up the 25-meter-tall tree. Surprisingly, this 500-year-old tree has become a symbol of love for many.
Visitors browse through the letters, many of which arrive from distant continents, seeking potential connections. The German postal service notes that some of these pen pal relationships have culminated in marriage.
The tradition began with a forester’s daughter and a chocolate manufacturer from Leipzig. Facing initial opposition from the forester, they left love letters in the tree’s knothole. Eventually, permission was granted for their marriage beneath the oak’s branches in 1892.
If you wish to partake in this tradition, you can send a love letter to: Bräutigamseiche, Dodauer Forst, 23701 Eutin, Germany.