The Fir Trees of Čadrg
TV SLOVENIJA 1, April 30, 2026, DNEVNIK, 7:23 p.m.
KATARINA GOLOB VESELIČ (host)

Three years ago, while working in the forest in Čadrg, Jan and Gorazd Kutin discovered fir tree trunks nearly 6,600 years old. The story of this extraordinary discovery is now part of an exhibition at the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, which, among other things, presents the scientific analyses used to determine the age and condition of the trunks, while also highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
URŠULA ANA MREŽAR (journalist)
Not only is the age of the Čadrg firs surprising, but so is the excellent preservation of their wood. The trunks were buried in wet soil, likely without contact with oxygen. Why they were several meters below the earth’s surface remains unclear.
Dr. MAKS MERELA (Department of Forestry, UL BF)
However, research was recently conducted on boreholes in Lake Bohinj, and a stronger earthquake was detected approximately 6,600 years ago, which could also be linked to the preservation of these fir trees.
POLONA SKETELJ (Slovenian Ethnographic Museum)
We know a great deal about the fir tree today, but much more will be discovered in the future with new knowledge, which is why interdisciplinary collaboration is so important—so that the knowledge of various sciences and disciplines can complement one another.
URŠULA ANA MREŽAR (journalist)
In addition to fir trees and unique musical instruments made from their wood, the exhibition also features some museum objects that have undergone modern scientific analyses.

Dr. MARKO FRELIH (Slovenian Ethnographic Museum)

Among the results of the analyses, I would particularly highlight the method of wrapping the leg itself in the mummy. The internal structure of a special bandage was also revealed, which likely serves a magical purpose—that is, to protect the deceased from demons.
Dr. ABDELRAZEK ELNAGGAR (Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology)
One of the important roles of museums is to serve as mediators between research and higher education institutions and the community. We will share the findings of scientific research with them.
URŠULA ANA MREŽAR (journalist)
Among other things, the Faculty of Chemistry analyzed a collection of African Islamic paper talismans and revealed their origin.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)