Ever wondered why this place is called Drei Eichen? I will tell you a story about the Drei Eichen near Heidelberg. This is a historic meeting point in the Heidelberg Forest. It is located directly on Gaiberger Weg. This road connects Heidelberg’s old town with Gaiberg.
Once upon a time, three majestic oak trees stood here. They served as a landmark for this meeting place. Today, only one of these original oak trees remains. But let’s dive into the history of this special place.
Historical maps show that the name “An den drei Eichen” has existed for over 300 years. In the past, this spot was a popular hunting gathering place. Noble hunting parties met here in the times of the Prince-Electors. But the Drei Eichen was also important for the farmers of Gaiberg and Lingental. They transported their goods along the Gaiberger Weg to the markets in Heidelberg’s old town. The route was about ten kilometers long.
Mostly, it was women who carried the goods. They carried milk, butter, fruit, and mushrooms in baskets. These baskets were either on their heads or backs. Black cherries from Gaiberg were very popular. During harvest season, women carried heavy cherry baskets to Heidelberg at least once a week. The Drei Eichen was a vital resting place for them after the climb to the pass.
Back then, a “Ruhe” was a stone bench or table. Load carriers could set down their heavy burdens on it. They didn’t need anyone’s help thanks to these facilities. The Gaiberger Weg saw a revival of foot traffic after World War II. Again, women from Gaiberg walked via Drei Eichen to Heidelberg. They went to the black markets to trade food for everyday items.
Today, only one of the original three oak trees is still standing. This tree is about 400 years old. Its trunk has a circumference of about 4.5 meters. It shows signs of age. Its crown is broken and the trunk is partly hollow. The hot summer of 2018 almost meant its end. But thanks to the Heidelberg Forestry Office, the oak recovered between 2019 and 2022. It formed a secondary crown. Irrigation helped during the very warm and dry summers. Several young oaks have been planted. The place will keep its name in the future.
Little is known about the fate of the other two oaks. It is not known when the first oak died. A drawing from 1834 shows a tree that was probably shattered by lightning. An old postcard from June 10, 1898, shows this too. According to Heidelberg’s chief forester Joseph Möchler, the second oak was still standing until World War I. The last remaining oak also lost its crown due to lightning or storms. The area around the pass on Gaiberger Weg is known for severe weather.
Across from the old oak is the Drei-Eichen-Hütte. This is an open shelter made of Neckar Valley sandstone. It offers protection for visitors and hikers. The VRN bus line 39 stops at the hut and the “Drei Eichen” parking lot every hour during the day. Nearby, on the Oberen St. Nikolausweg, is the St. Nikolaus Bildstock from the 18th century.
So, while only one old oak remains, the Drei Eichen continues to be a significant landmark. It reminds us of its rich history as a meeting place, resting spot, and symbol of resilience. Take a moment to appreciate this old tree. Remember the stories of those who walked this path before us.