Moselle Enjoy wines and the European spirit
The Moselle, known as d'Musel by Luxembourgers, lies in the East of Luxembourg. The region's name comes from the river that draws the 42km of natural border between the Grand Duchy and Germany. Far from raising walls, this peaceful watercourse represents a union space with the neighbouring country. It also reflects the openness of a region that witnessed the signature of a key instrument in the building of Europe: the Schengen Agreement.
With a relatively mild climate, the Moselle valley is primarily a wine-growing region with a long-standing tradition. This land of flavours inspires relaxation: hiking among the vineyards, boat or bike rides, wellness circuits and villages of wine-growers await you all year long. Do not miss the next grape and wine festivals and indulge in the Moselle sun only 20km away from Luxembourg city!
A long-standing wine-making tradition giving keys to the world
Across the 42km that the Moselle river flows through from Schengen to Wasserbillig, it crafted a hilly landscape, cut out of limestone, representing an ideal birthplace for viticulture. In fact, the valley has always been known for its wine-making tradition: the Celts, Gauls and then the Romans already grew vines! The 1920's marked the development and diversification of vineyards with the Wine Institution (Institut viti-vinicole) that was founded in Remich in 1925. With the establishment of the Appellation d’origine contrôlée – Moselle luxembourgeoise (protected designation of origin), Luxembourg wines and sparkling wines were given a key to the world while guaranteeing the high quality of regional products.
The Luxembourg Moselle region is known above all as a producer of still and sparkling white wines. It is also known for its regional specialities, such as the late-harvested wine, the straw wine and the ice wine.
How can I have a taste of this realm? There is something for everyone!
Walk lovers and visitors who want to strike a balance between drinking and physical activity can enjoy guided vineyard tours.
Curious taste buds will delight in the Wine Taste Enjoy event. During the Pentecost week-end, winemakers, cellars and distilleries open their doors, allowing you to discover not only wine products, but also regional culinary specialities. A free shuttle is usually available so you can enjoy the experience to its fullest in complete safety. With the Wine Cheese Enjoy tour, the greediest will also have the opportunity to delight in wine and cheese pairings. It's the perfect opportunity to discover this area in the winter, while your body and soul get warm!
The Moselle - a moving region
The region's mild climate means that you can enjoy nature and outdoor activities all year round.
The summer is the best time to delve into water-based activities. Even though the Moselle is a navigable waterway, it offers a habitat to a great number of animals and plants that you can discover while canoeing. The ponds and the large Baggerweieren beach in Remerschen offer a wide range of activities for young and old alike. Unwind in the pools and water features or try stand up paddle boarding.
Recreational boats are just what you need for a relaxing moment. Panoramic walks are ideal to explore the most beautiful wine areas of the Moselle or find out how the Stadtbredimus or Schengen locks work.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to go hiking or cycling in the region. The three Boucles de rêve (dream loops) spell pleasure and quality for hikers: these three certified premium trails cover rock formations, vineyards, historical mills and green forests. The Trois rivières (three rivers) cycling path goes along the Moselle watercourse between Schengen and Wasserbillig. It means that you can follow the border between Luxembourg and Germany until Vianden while cycling. Are you looking for a major challenge? So register for the next edition of Luxembourg Ironman 70.3.
After a day filled with excitement, take a break and have a well-deserved relaxing moment. Wintertime is ideal to unwind in the region's thermal establishments. The wellness area of the Mondorf Domaine Thermal now features 12 saunas to offer total bliss for your body and soul. It's also a trip that will bring you back to 1846, the year in which the first thermal spring of this not-to-be-missed Luxembourg location was discovered!
Schengen, a symbol of borderless Europe
The village of Schengen in the heart of Europe is undoubtedly THE symbol of a borderless Europe. The Schengen Agreement was signed in 1985 and has been applied since 1995. France, Germany and Benelux countries pledged to forgo internal border controls. A second agreement was also signed there in 1995 to lay down the application procedures. The Schengen Area now includes 26 countries. It's impressive to think that a small village on the banks of the Moselle became a milestone in creating today's Europe and holds the European Heritage label.
Here's some information for collectors of the curious: the agreements were signed aboard the boat Princesse Marie-Astrid on the Moselle river, the natural border between Germany and Luxembourg. The village is located on the Luxembourg-France-Germany tri-border area.
In the village, several places recall the agreement, including the European Schengen Centre. The museum also offers a programme for children providing answers to many Europe related questions in a fun way. This way, the younger generations will be able to know about the challenge of building Europe and contribute, in the future, to strengthening the EU's founding principles.
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