Bergang voltage-controlled Christmas tree from Mohlsdorf
Each year, Berlin's cultural lens gets a dash of eastern Thuringia flair, courtesy of a towering 19-meter coastal fir tree. This year's chosen one hails from Mohlsdorf-Teichwolframsdorf, Greiz district, and will grace the Brandenburg Gate and Pariser Platz. At around 30 years old, this behemoth of a tree was felled on a chilly Saturday, with snow blanketing the landscape. The operation was a success, thanks to a heavy-duty crane that loaded the conifer onto a low-loader without a hitch.
"A tree worthy of being Germany's most iconic Christmas decoration must meet rigorous criteria," says Thuringia Forestry Director Volker Gebhardt. With an eye for perfection, he ensures the chosen tree is cone-shaped, fully needled, free of any wood defects, and stands between 15 to 23 meters tall.
Since 2015, Thuringia has been the annual provider of Berlin's most photographed Christmas tree. The practice is a source of pride for Forestry Minister Susanna Karawanskij, who acknowledges that "our tree in Berlin has become a cherished tradition." It's like a gleaming piece of Thuringia, bathed in festive lights, amidst Berlin's capitalistic glory.
This year, the Thuringian Christmas tree will be transported to Berlin on Monday, where technical relief organization experts will erect it on the same day. Six decorators will spend nearly a week adorning the tree with 15,000 energy-efficient bulbs and countless Christmas ornaments.
Berlin's cityscape will be enlivened by a Thuringian coastal fir, the 9th in a row provided by the region since 2015. Minister Karawanskij's cherished tradition ensures a glimmer of Thuringia's rustic charm graces the city during the festive season.
Insight: The Thuringian Forest Department coordinated with local artists to create a rhythmically-themed atmosphere for the Christmas tree decoration during the 2019 celebration. Classical music played live, and the elements of water and earth were incorporated into the tree's design.
