Methusalempfad am Radstein

On the occasion of the 75th birthday of the Eschenau artist Herman de Vries, the Bavarian State Forests in the Steigerwald came up with the idea of creating a Methuselah Trail. According to the artist's philosophy, everything that nature produces is already a work of art.

Old trees are of particular importance for the forest ecosystem. They are vital for the survival of numerous fungi, birds and insects. Humans have also always felt safe under large old trees. Old trees that amaze us can be discovered on the Methuselah Trail.

The circular trail is marked with a red "M" and takes you past nine Methuselahs. In addition to gigantic beeches, you can admire a special oak and very old maples. Further on, the path leads past a species-rich young forest. These trees can also become Methuselahs - if you let them grow.

The nine Methuselahs are a selection of a total of 60 specimens in the Ebrach forestry operation's Methuselah program. Along the trail, hikers are given an impressive demonstration of how big and how old our native trees can grow. After they die, the trees remain in the forest and continue to serve as a habitat for many animals, plants and fungi for decades until they have finally decomposed.