Billroth oak in Bergen auf Rügen
The Billroth Oak in Bergen auf Rügen - a living monument
In the heart of Bergen auf Rügen stands an impressive oak tree that is much more than just an ordinary tree: the Billroth Oak. It was planted in honor of Theodor Billroth, one of the most important surgeons of the 19th century, who was born in Bergen auf Rügen. With a trunk circumference of 3.55 meters and an estimated age of around 120 years, it is one of the most striking natural monuments on the island of Rügen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It has been an official nature reserve since 1950.
Theodor Billroth - Famous son of the island of Rügen
Theodor Billroth is considered a pioneer of modern surgery. The fact that he had his roots in Bergen on Rügen makes the oak tree named after him a special place of remembrance. Visitors to the district town of Rügen will find a quiet but impressive link between natural history and regional cultural history on the German Baltic coast.
How to get to the Billroth Oak in Bergen on Rügen
Bergen auf Rügen is easy to reach by train - Bergen auf Rügen train station is only about 0.6 km away. By car, the Samtens highway exit is around 9.6 km away. Those arriving by ferry, for example via the ferry port of Sassnitz, can also be there in a short time.