The Legend of Bartek and the Ancient Yew

Bartek, the oak near Kielce, is perhaps Poland’s most famous tree, celebrated in folklore and history. Yet the true oldest tree in the country is a yew in Henryków Lubański, estimated to be more than 1,300 years old. While the yew quietly holds the age record, Bartek remains a beloved natural monument and cultural icon, symbolizing Poland’s deep-rooted connection to nature.