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 Podbielski Oak Tree - Berlin, Germany
N 52° 30.900 E 013° 14.600
33U E 380797 N 5819770
A tree dedicated to a former president of the German Olympic Committee.
Waymark Code: WM107DH
Location: Berlin, Germany
Date Posted: 03/13/2019
Views: 4
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Built in the architectural style of 1930s Germany, Berlin's Olympic Stadium is a concrete behemoth. But amid all the gray concrete, there is one single oak tree. A sign next to the tree tells its story:
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Victor von Podbielski was honored at the Olympic Stadium for his services to German sport. It was thanks to his efforts that the long-planned construction of an Olympic stadium in Berlin finally came to fruition.
In 1912/13, the German Stadium - the precursor to the present stadium complex - was built according to plans by Otto March. With the first World War raging, the Sixth Olympic Games (due to be held in Berlin in 1916) had to be cancelled.
The first Podbielski Oak Tree stood in the German Stadium. The bronze plaque by this tree was moved to the Marathon Gate in 1967 When the new Stadium was built in 1936, a tree left standing at its present position was dubbed the Podbielski Oak Tree.
The oak became Germany's national symbol during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. German gymnasts used oak leaves for their victor's wreaths. During the 1936 Olympic Games, champions from all over the world were awarded an oak wreath and seedling. In this way, the national symbol of Germany was incorporated into the Olympics. |
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Victor von Podbielski (1844-1916) was a German general and politician. In 1909, he became president of the German Olympic committee. In this position, he was instrumental to ensure Germany's nomination for the 1916 Olympic Games.
A First Podbielski Oak was named in his honor after his death in 1916. The tree (picture right) does not exist anymore. |
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In Addition, a plaque honoring Podbielski is mounted behind the Olympic Cauldron. (Pictures below)
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Location of the tree: Gates to Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany
Type of tree: Oak
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Visit Instructions:
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