Hollow tree at Kraantje Lek

The hollow tree at Kraantje Lek is a children's tree at the rest area Kraantje Lek in Overveen. In 2007, this elm was replaced by a bronze specimen due to rot.

Frederik Willem van Eeden described the tree in his Album der Natuur from 1867 as the ‘oldest living being in the Netherlands’. This particularly large ancient elm, famous in the surrounding area, was damaged by a heavy storm in 1812. Since then, the tree has had a hollow and became known as the children's tree. Children were told that kids were born in the hollow tree. In November 1972, the tree was hit by another heavy storm and, despite various attempts, could not come to life again. The remaining part was removed in 2007 due to further deterioration. The hollow tree was then cast in bronze by sculptor Kees Verkade. Since 2008, this life-size bronze replica has been placed where the hollow tree once stood.

Wikipedia