Friedenslinde auf dem Plätzel in Kandel

From Kandel to Berlin – 150 Years of a Landmark for Peace

The linden tree with its heart-shaped leaves, sweet floral scent, and expansive crown possesses a unique attraction and provides a sense of security. It holds a special significance for humans and serves as a symbol of justice, love, peace, and home. They have been planted on many special occasions and are living monuments to this day, such as the unity lindens, the Goethe linden, or in Kandel, the peace linden.

It was planted 150 years ago, on May 10, 1871, the day when the very bloody war between Germany and France from 1870/1871 was resolved. Almost 190,000 soldiers fell victim to the battles, and more than 230,000 were wounded. Kandel and the surrounding villages were particularly hard-hit, as the French army was practically at the doorstep at the beginning of the war. Steinweiler was occupied by large contingents of the III French Army until the Battle of Weißenburg.

Thus, the people of Kandel celebrated a grand festivity and established a sign for peace with the linden. The large, graceful, and strong tree symbolizes the great gratitude of that time. It's no wonder it was planted at the Plätzel.

The “Heart of Kandel” is centrally located, between St. George's Church and the town hall, thus situated between the religious and secular centers. It was the place where fruit and weekly markets were held, and the central fountain ensured the water supply of the village core. Important figures lived in the surrounding buildings: the pastor, the teacher, the surgeon, the bathkeeper, the lawyer, the mayor, and the bell ringer.

Since its planting day, the linden tree has experienced turbulent times. Peace lasted only a few years before the First World War broke out. The lion at the Plätzel still reminds us today of the fallen soldiers of the town.

Even before the outbreak of the Second World War, concerns arose about the survival of the linden. The then “Ritter von Epp-Platz” was to be expanded into a rallying point for the SA. Mayor Multer intended to spare the linden, but whether the tree would have survived the reconstruction is questionable. In any case, the reconstruction never took place due to the outbreak of war.
 
The linden was also not spared from destruction during the war. In 1944 and 1945, it was hit multiple times by shells but managed to recover.

And so, in the year 2000, it gained fame beyond the borders of Kandel. Members of the German Bundestag were invited to contribute soil from their electoral district to the controversial work of art “Der Bevölkerung” by Hans Haacke. The work, established in the northern light courtyard of the Reichstag building, consists of a trough filled with gravel and soil from which various plants sprout, with the words “DER BEVÖLKERUNG” radiating upward in white neon letters from its center.

The plants grow from seeds randomly added or contained in the soil contributions, including the root soil of the Kandel peace linden, which Bundestag member Heinz Schmidt contributed from his electoral district.

The linden was severely weakened by the renovation of the Plätzel in 2001. During the renewal and elevation of the seating area, the root structure was so extensively trimmed that the mighty tree could never recover properly. Additionally, it suffered setbacks from the fire of a market stall during the Christmas market in 2013. The scars are still clearly visible today.

Ultimately, a storm in the winter of 2021/2022 took such a toll on it that it had to be felled on February 17, 2022.

It took three full years before a new linden could be planted on March 1, 2025. Now the citizens of Kandel hope that this winter linden will soon provide much shade.

Opening times

The Peace Lime is accessible at any time. It is located at the square in the center of Kandel, near St. George's Church.

Price:

The visit to the linden tree at the square is free of charge.