Munich raises 22-metre Christmas tree outside town hall

Munich’s professional fire brigade raised a 22-metre Christmas tree outside the town hall on Tuesday, a month after Oktoberfest ended and more than two weeks before the Christmas market opens, BR reported.

The 50-year-old silver fir was felled at the property of owner Heinz Arndt in Sauerlach, in the district of Munich, because it was still growing and its roots had begun to damage the basement of his home. Firefighters used a crane to set it in place on Marienplatz, securing it in a two-metre-deep hole.

Arndt accompanied the tree to Munich. He told BR he was glad it had found a beautiful place for the end of its life, but sad to lose a tree that had been home to kestrels and goldfinches.

Munich’s economic affairs officer, Christian Scharpf, said the tree was well shaped. He said the city hall kept a long list of potential donor communities and that Sauerlach’s turn had come this year.

Stalls for the Christmas market are due to arrive next week. The market opens on 20 November, when the tree’s 3,000 LED lights will be switched on for the first time.