Pronunciation: (BURR-ken)
Galactic Region: Perseus Arm
Galactic Branch: Sikhara Branch
Galactic Sector: N4
Star System: Sol
Planet: Terra
Continent: Saoirse
Nation: Saor
Related Geography: Hallstadt river, the Weisewald
Established: 15.8M BCE
Coordinates: 61° N, 93° E

Birken is the first of the four sacred groves of Saor. Discovered in 15.8M BCE along with Birnaum, the two groves are considered to be sister groves. Much later, Kirshl would be planted, and Feigel was the lats of the four, being planted only very recently.

The grove at Birken is primarily birch trees, with white bark with green leaves that turn orange in late summer. The trees lose their leaves for only a few weeks in later winter, growing new leaves before the winter snows have completely melted. The winter grove is quite beautiful, and the spring leaves grow back at an alarming rate. Many baumeni journey to the grove to witness the event

The groves are an important cultural fixture in Baumeni society, serving as a destination for pilgrimage, a shelter in time of need. Many baumeni travel to the grove to meditate and commune with the ancient spirit within the grove. Visiting all four of the groves in order is a rite of passage for young baumeni once they are old enough to understand the visions experienced when communing with the great trees

The visions experienced when communing with the great tree in Birken depict long stretches of baumeni history, starting with the birth of the baumeni and their development through the Iron Age and into the Age of Honor. The visions are considered vital to helping young baumeni understand the baumeni's place in the world