A centuries-old oak tree in Denmark’s Hareskoven forest has become a holiday pilgrimage site after being featured in the popular TV 2 Christmas calendar “Valdes Jul.” Locals and families are flocking to see the legendary “Mother Tree” that appears in the series as a magical gateway to another world.
The Real-Life “Mother Tree” in Hareskoven
Every December, Danish households gather around the screen to watch a Christmas calendar series. This year, “Valdes Jul” has once again captured viewers’ hearts with its woodland setting and sense of winter magic. In the story, a mystical oak called the Mother Tree serves as a portal to “The Infinite Forest.” In real life, that iconic tree stands quietly in Hareskoven, a forest near Furesø in Greater Copenhagen.
Visitors have been pouring into the forest this month, hoping to see the tree that has become a symbol of the season. According to the Danish Nature Agency, both children and adults are making the journey to stand before it, recreating moments from the show and soaking in the holiday atmosphere.
Tourism and Local Businesses Benefit
The popularity of “Valdes Jul – Winter Miracle,” the sequel to last year’s “Valdes Jul – Guardian of the Forest,” has been remarkable. With more than a million viewers weekly, it’s currently one of Denmark’s most-watched programs. Its success has led to tangible effects beyond television.
At Vanghus Brænde, a small business located just 150 meters from the tree, the Christmas rush has been good for sales. The owner says more families are visiting the area this year, stopping by to buy ornaments and seasonal goods. During the show’s first season, sales rose by around 20 percent, and while the increase may not be as large this year, the company still reports a busy December.
Children’s Disappointment and Holiday Wonder
Despite the excitement, not every young visitor finds what they expect. On the screen, the oak glows with golden star dust when the hero touches it. In real life, the centuries-old tree is majestic but not magical. Many children circle the trunk hoping for sparkles, only to leave a bit disheartened. Parents often remind them that the real magic is in imagination and that the story’s setting brings them closer to nature.
Even so, visiting the real tree has become one of many new local festive traditions. Families bring thermoses of hot cocoa, take pictures under the snowy branches, and treat the experience as part of their own Danish holiday celebration.
The Ancient Oak Known as “Skrædderen”
The tree used in filming is known locally as Skrædderen, or “the Tailor.” It stands in the Jonstrup Vang section of Hareskoven and is estimated to be nearly 600 years old. Experts say that only a few oaks this old still exist in Denmark, making it a living piece of history. It’s even old enough that King Christian IV could have passed it on horseback four centuries ago.
For comparison, Denmark’s oldest known oak, the famous “Royal Oak” or Kongeegen, grows in Jægerspris and is estimated to be around 1,000 years old. Both trees remind Danes how deeply nature is tied to national heritage and folklore.
Connecting Nature, TV, and Danish Tradition
What began as a television show about courage and forest magic now brings thousands outdoors in the real world. For local guides, it’s a welcome development since it encourages families to explore nature, breathe fresh air, and rediscover the woods surrounding Copenhagen.
In a country that treasures tradition, combining modern storytelling with Denmark’s natural landscapes keeps the holiday spirit alive. Whether through television screens or forest paths, this blend of imagination and reality continues to capture what makes a Danish Christmas special.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: How Does Denmark Celebrate Christmas?
The Danish Dream: Best Festivals in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Julekalender får folk til at valfarte mod træ
