The Darbellec Forest in Chandolin is home to a centuries-old larch, one of the oldest in Europe.
In the Darbellec forest, at an altitude of 2020 m stands the “Armeles Old Larch”. Dating techniques have informed about its age. The Old Larch of Chandolin is about 880 years old and is one of the oldest larches in Europe.
Characteristics of this exceptional conifer:
- circumference of the trunk (at ground level, following the slope ) : 8.50 m
- circumference at ground level : 6.78 m
- diameter 1.20 m from the ground : 1.97 m
- weight : around 7-8 tonnes
- the tree is probably hollow at a height of about 1.20 m
The reasons for its longevity have still not been explained. Why has it always been spared by the regular felling operations? Did it have the role of a boundary marker? Or perhaps it was simply protected by the “Armèles”, the village shepherds? The mystery has not been unveiled.
| Useful information | The Old Larch is only accessible in summer. However, it is possible to get there on foot once the snow has melted and the weather is fine again. | |
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| Location View map | Chandolin Le Grand Mélèze des Armèles Forêt du Darbellec CH-3961 Chandolin | |
| Information about the activity | +41 27 476 17 15 chandolin@anniviers.ch www.valdanniviers.ch |
