EUTIN, Germany — In the peaceful Dodau Forest of northern Germany, a unique tree named the Bridegroom’s Oak has been bringing people together for over a century by acting as a natural matchmaker. Known locally as “Bräutigamseiche,” this tree has become a romantic landmark thanks to its special knothole-turned-mailbox, which began its matchmaking journey in 1892. With a distinct postal code, the Bridegroom’s Oak stands approximately 155 miles north of Berlin and attracts romantics from around the globe.
The ritual is kept alive by dedicated mail carriers from the German postal service, who faithfully deliver between 50 and 60 letters to the tree’s knothole every month. These couriers double as modern-day Cupids, using a ladder to reach the mailbox located 10 feet up the venerable 82-foot-tall oak, which has stood for over 500 years. The fascinating practice allows visitors to peruse letters from all over the world and decide if they wish to correspond with any anonymous authors.
Remarkably, some of these pen pal interactions have blossomed into lifelong partnerships, with a few culminating in marriage, as the postal service proudly notes. The tree’s romantic legacy began when a forester’s daughter and a chocolate maker from Leipzig used the tree to exchange secret messages due to the father’s initial disapproval of the match. Their romance triumphed with the father’s eventual blessing, leading to their marriage beneath the tree’s protective boughs in 1892.
Those inspired by this tale can send their own love letters to: Bräutigamseiche, Dodauer Forst, 23701 Eutin, Germany. This charming tradition links people not only through letters but also connects them to a living piece of romantic history.
