Giant Pine (Buzuluksky Forest)

The Giant Pine, also known as the Queen Pine, is the oldest pine tree in the Buzuluksky Forest in Orenburg Oblast: its age is estimated at about 350 years. It is the region's best-known pine tree and has been a protected natural monument since 1983. The tree stands 36.5 metres tall (as tall as a twelve-storey building), with a trunk diameter of 140 centimetres — even three adults cannot encircle its base with their arms. It grows within Buzuluksky Bor National Park, near the village of Opytny (Partizansky).

Buzuluksky Forest

Buzuluksky Forest is an isolated pine woodland covering 1,067 km² within the steppe zone of Orenburg and Samara oblasts, one of the largest such forests in Europe. It lies in a deep basin (up to 100 m below the surrounding steppe), which creates a distinct microclimate: in summer the forest is cooler than the steppe, and in winter it is warmer. Some pines here reach 300–350 years in age. The area has held national park status since 2007.

The forest is unique as a relict woodland — the pine forest has survived here since the post-glacial period, when the steppe was advancing on the forests, and only the deep basin protected the woodland from disappearing.

"Giant Pine" Art Trail

In recent years an art trail called "Giant Pine" has been built around the tree — a paved walking route with information boards, wooden boardwalks and rest areas. The trail tells the story of the forest's history, flora and fauna. The route is suitable for families with children and for people with limited mobility.

Getting There

Buzuluksky Forest lies between the towns of Buzuluk (Orenburg Oblast) and Borskoye (Samara Oblast). From Buzuluk it is about 30 km to the park's central estate in the village of Opytny (Partizansky). From Orenburg it is about 280 km (3.5 hours by car), from Samara about 200 km, and from Buguruslan about 100 km. The road to Opytny village is paved; inside the park the roads are forest tracks.