Nature

Pine on Stilts in Wełecz

On the slope below the forest in Wełecz near Busko-Zdrój grows a fairy-tale tree: the Scots pine known as the Pine on Stilts, which lifts itself above the ground on its own roots. The tree is about 100 years old, and since 2002 it has been a formally protected natural monument and one of the strangest natural landmarks of the Ponidzie region.

Roots hanging in the air

The exposed root system raises the trunk to a height of up to 3 metres — several people can fit between the roots, and walking inside is an experience no museum can offer. In shape the pine resembles a spider on its legs, or a mythical ent. The tree itself is healthy and vigorous.

Blame the people, not nature

Its unusual look is man-made: villagers used to extract sand here, lowering the terrain. The roots were exposed after sand and soil were washed away by water and blown away by wind. The pine survived because it had managed to develop a root system strong enough to keep it standing on "stilts".

In practice

You reach the pine on the blue trail — Wełecz lies on the route from Pińczów to Busko-Zdrój, about 4.5 km from the town's spa parks. Entry is free, and a visit pairs well with sightseeing in Busko-Zdrój: the Spa Park and the Marconi sanatorium are the same 4.5 km away, with the Zimne Wody reserve on the way.