New Geo Path in Beaufort

The Mullerthal region in eastern Luxembourg has inaugurated a new pathway designed to educate visitors about the unique geology of Luxembourgish sandstone. This addition is part of the "Geo Paths" trails in the Beaufort area, a critical component in earning the "UNESCO Global Geoparks" label.

The trail features 14 informative stations, where hikers can learn about the impact of the “Haupeschbaach” and “Halerbaach” streams on the region. Monica Camposeo from RTL tested the Geo Path and highlighted its key features.

The distinctive aspect of this new trail in Beaufort is that is runs completely along waterways. According to geologist Dr. Birgit Kausch, 200 million years ago, the area now known as the Mëllerdall was submerged underwater as the sea covered the whole area. Over time, sand grains settled and solidified into sandstone. The new trail aims to explain the geological topography of the region and illustrate the connection between nature and humans. For example, the use of sandstone is evident at Beaufort Castle, and the region's water-powered mills further demonstrate this relationship.

Mullerthal: a part of an international network

The new pathway in Beaufort is the second Geo Path in the region, following the first one in Rosport. The Mullerthal has been part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network since 2022 and educational pathways like this are integral to the UNESCO label.

The establishment of Geo Paths significantly enhances the visibility of regions with unique geological heritage, important for reaching an international audience. This recognition is especially beneficial for local tourism, as highlighted by Jean-Luc Nosbusch, the Mayor of Beaufort. He emphasises that the Geo Path is expected to increase Beaufort's visibility and attractiveness to tourists.

The official starting point of the new Geo Path is at the Härewiss parking lot, though hikers can also begin their journey at Beaufort Castle since it is a circular route. The trail spans 5 km with an elevation gain of around 100 meters, leading through the Mëllerdall region and along the Haupeschbaach and Halerbaach streams, both recognised as significant geosites.

Children will also discover many things

The trail is not barrier-free, and sturdy shoes are recommended as there are no bridges to cross the streams. However, there is plenty of entertainment for children. Conny Koob, spokesperson for the Geopark Mëllerdall, explains the use of the partially interactive information boards. On one of them, you can compare the tracks found in the forest with the animals that made them. Other boards show different signs that can be found along the forest path, such as gnawing marks. There are 14 such stations in total, marked by an orange symbol. The "Devil's toenail" (or "Däiwelskrall") fossil, which is commonly found in the region, was chosen as the marking symbol, according to Koob.

The budget for the creation of the Geo Path in Beaufort stands at €73,000, according to the mayor of Beaufort. He adds that this figure only represents the cost of the materials, not the work of those who contributed to the concept. Nearly a year was spent on the project by the UNESCO Nature and Global Geopark Mëllerdall, the municipality of Beaufort, the regional tourism board, and the responsible foresters, according to Dr. Kausch. Developing trails that highlight the region's geology was a requirement in the last UNESCO evaluation.

A third Geo Path is already in the works and will be inaugurated in Berdorf next year. Additionally, two members from foreign UNESCO Geoparks will re-evaluate the implementation of the label in the Mullerthal next year.

PISA - Expeditioun am Fiels (27 September 2020)

Interested in knowing more about Luxembourg's geological landscape? Well then, join Olivier Catani and the famous Mister Science as they descend into the Sainte-Barbe cave. How challenging is the path through the vast chamber? How did this underground world come to exist? What animals survive in the darkness here? And what makes this underground world so special?

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