Swiss stone pine: wood in Bad Kleinkirchheim, Carinthia
The Swiss stone pine is a striking pine tree which grows in a few select Alpine regions close to the tree line. Swiss stone pines are true pioneers. No other tree grows higher up the mountain and only a few other species grow to be older.
Pinus cembra, better known as the Swiss stone pine, is a type of pine tree. It is primarily found in the western Alps with the Nockberge region being home to the densest population worldwide. The trees grow at around 1,400 to 2,500 m above sea level. The pines grow in harsh conditions and no other tree grows at a higher altitude in the mountains than the Swiss stone pine. This means that the species is very robust: most trees of this species live to 200 to 400 years old and a few living examples have even been dated to 1,200 years old!
- History of the Swiss stone pine
- Swiss stone pine and its use in Bad Kleinkirchheim
- The Nockberge National Park – homeland of the Swiss stone pine
- Swiss stone pine walks in Carinthia
As a pioneer species, the Swiss stone pine is used to the adverse conditions at the tree line. The growth of these trees is strongly influenced by weather conditions. Many of the older pines have been marked by the wind or deformed by lightening or snow. The Swiss stone pine also plays an important role in protecting the valley inhabitants. The dense pines protect against avalanches, for example. The cold does not affect the trees. Temperatures of minus 40 are no problem and they stand up well to temperature fluctuations.
Swiss stone pines normally reach heights of up to 25 metres tall. Each shoot contains five blue-green coloured needles. From the age of around 50, the pines form fist-sized cones which are rich in fat and edible. The nutcracker, a bird belonging to the Corvidae family, is particularly fond of these fruits. It hides the seeds away in various locations. However, as the birds do not find all of the seeds they have buried, they contribute to the reproduction of the trees. New trees start to sprout from the buried seeds.
The Swiss stone pine is native to Bad Kleinkirchheim. What could be simpler than to use Swiss stone pine wood to furnish rooms? After years in decline, Swiss stone pine is back in fashion. The tree’s positive effects in particular have fuelled its renewed popularity. You too could spend your holidays in a relaxing Swiss stone pine room in Carinthia. Click here to make a non-binding enquiry.
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