Nature reserves: Naturpark Öewersauer, Luxembourg's lake district

Naturpark Öewersauer, a vast open water area

At the centre of Naturpark Öewersauer is the Upper Sûre Lake, Luxembourg's largest drinking water reservoir, which provides drinking water for around 70% of the country's population. The lake is also the ideal setting for sports and sustainable leisure activities – but it is not the only feature that creates the region's characteristic waterscapes. Water is everywhere: the river Sûre and its many tributaries cross the region, creating a haven for wildlife and also for anyone seeking a peaceful place to relax and unwind.

Naturpark Öewersauer currently has five member municipalities: Boulaide, Esch-sur-Sûre, Lac de la Haute-Sûre, Wiltz and Winseler. Since January 2020, the park has been working closely with Goesdorf with a view to it becoming a member municipality in future. In cooperation with the State, the municipalities form the Syndicat pour l'aménagement et la gestion du Parc naturel de la Haute-Sûre, which manages the conservation and development of the park. This involves various nature conservation projects and initiatives in the fields of agriculture, energy, culture, tourism and environmental education – all of which provide a wide range of opportunities to explore the park.

How to explore Naturpark Öewersauer

Explore the natural environment

The park's main attraction is the lake, where you can try your hand at a variety of water sports and also relax in one of the areas where swimming is permitted:

• Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding: ​ you can bring your own kayak or canoe or rent equipment in Lultzhausen (at the youth hostel or water sports centre), where you can also take lessons.
• A guided tour on a solar-powered boat is a great way to check out the local wildlife and find out more about drinking water protection. The Amphibian Tour combines the boat trip with an 8km hike along the left bank of the lake.
• You can also dive with your own equipment; compressor stations for filling oxygen cylinders are available.
• There are several grassy areas around the lake which are also used as beaches for swimming; these are accessible from the car parks or with the Stauséi-Navette. Access to some of the bathing areas requires a walk.

Swimming season in Luxembourg generally runs from 1st May to 30th September, and water sports (as well as swimming) are often only possible during this period. Since the lake is Luxembourg's main drinking water reservoir, a number of regulations and restrictions must be observed!

If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, the Naturpark Öewersauer also offers a host of other nature-related activities. Here is a small selection:

• A group hike with the Nature Park Ranger, who will show you the park's highlights and provide detailed explanations.
• Self-guided hiking trails for walkers of all levels:
  • Themed trails are generally accessible to everyone. They include the Sculptures Trail and the Waassersenneswee meditation trail.
  • Medium difficulty walking trails require a good level of fitness and hiking experience – we are in the Ardennes, after all! These include the 18 Éislek Pied circular trails, designated as Leading Quality Trails by the European Ramblers Association.
• Horse riding, with more than 120km of riding trails and accommodation options for both riders and horses.
• You can also explore the park by bicycle, although the network of cycle paths here is less extensive than elsewhere in the country because of the topography of the area. A number of mountain bike routes offer a great introduction to the site: Mountainbike-Tour Bavigne, Mountainbike-Tour Goesdorf, Mountainbike-Tour Wiltz and Mountainbike-Tour Winseler.

Explore the national heritage

The Ardennes region has an eventful history. The Second World War was one of Luxembourg's darkest chapters, and in the final months of the war, the Battle of the Bulge devastated the north of the country, leaving traces that are still visible today.

The Schumannseck Remembrance Trail leads you in the footsteps of a decisive encounter during the Battle of the Bulge. The full circuit is 2.8km long and should take around two hours. Dotted along the route are human-sized silhouettes created from photos dating from the time of the battle. The trail takes walkers past visible remains and reconstructed shelters. Twenty themed points along the route provide additional information and QR codes to access testimonies and new historical insights.

The fascinating history of the cross-border region that is home to Naturpark Öewersauer can also be explored in the exhibition "Our Common Heritage" in Boulaide, which looks back at the lives of local populations from the Belle Époque to the early days of European integration. It features five exhibition modules and an immersive experience.