EUTIN, Germany (AP) — In a quaint forest located in northern Germany, the Bridegroom’s Oak, known as “Bräutigamseiche” in German, has been uniting lovers for over a century. This majestic tree features a unique knothole that has served as a mailbox since 1892, providing a romantic avenue for correspondence among those in love. Nestled in the Dodau Forest, approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Berlin, this iconic oak tree even boasts its own postal code.
The German postal service functions as a modern-day Cupid, delivering between 50 to 60 love letters each month to the knothole, situated about 3 meters (10 feet) high in the 25-meter (82-foot) tall tree, which is over 500 years old. Mail carriers often face the challenge of climbing a ladder to access this elevated mailbox, a unique task that they gladly undertake to foster romance.
Visitors to the Bridegroom’s Oak have the rare opportunity to browse through the love letters, some of which originate from as far away as other continents. This interaction allows them to decide whether to connect with any of the letter-writers and potentially become postal paramours themselves. According to the postal service, many of these pen pal relationships have culminated in marriages, showcasing the enduring power of love.
The tradition of using the oak as a place for clandestine communication began when a forester’s daughter fell in love with a chocolate manufacturer from Leipzig. Initially opposed to their courtship, the forester’s daughter and her suitor used the knothole to exchange love letters, circumventing her father's disapproval. In time, their love prevailed, and they were married under the delightful canopy of the oak’s leaves in 1892, with the father’s eventual consent.
For those inspired to join in this tradition of love, letters can be sent to the following address: Bräutigamseiche, Dodauer Forst, 23701 Eutin, Germany. This long-standing practice continues to enchant visitors and lovers alike, marking the Bridegroom’s Oak as a symbol of enduring affection and romance.
As the years go by, the Bridegroom’s Oak remains a cherished landmark in the Dodau Forest, symbolizing how love finds a way, be it through letters or in person. It serves as a reminder that even amidst the challenges of romance, hope and connection can flourish, bridging distances and overcoming obstacles.
