Although summer draws to a close, the weather is still warm enough for a hike, and the new historic project titled “The Story of the Upper Sûre” is the perfect excuse to lace up your hiking shoes, and head to the Éislek region for a unique history lesson.
Each board offers a detailed account of the reservoir’s creation and development, marking a significant addition to the park’s educational resources.
Most of these informative panels are located along the “Circuit du Lac,” a 44-kilometer hiking trail around the lake. Available in German, French, and English, the boards cover topics such as the construction of the lake, tourism, changes in the landscape, electricity production, and the surrounding natural environment.
Jeff Gangler, President of the Nature Park, explains: “What we’ve done with these boards is to delve into the history of the Upper Sûre. These boards explore the rich history of the Upper Sûre. They reflect the cultural life that once flourished here, the heritage that has partly vanished, and the new natural ecosystems that have emerged. The fluctuating water levels, due to the dam’s multi-purpose use, have not only allowed for the growth of flora and fauna, but are also extremely important for electricity production.”
The information boards are designed to help people understand the significance of the Upper Sûre reservoir, which today supplies around 80% of Luxembourgish households with drinking water. For those unable to tackle the full 44-kilometer trail, shuttle services are available on weekends and public holidays – it is a more accessible way to explore the lake’s history.
Starting in September, the initiative will expand with the launch of the “Witness Portal” (“Zäitzeieportal”), a digital archive featuring recordings of individuals who witnessed the dam’s construction. Christine Lutgen, Director of the Upper Sûre Natural Park, explained that this will be part of an “action board” – a digital scavenger hunt that incorporates video and audio recordings for an interactive learning experience.
For those looking to combine a late-summer or fall hike while learning about the Upper Sûre’s rich history, head to the Éislek region and let the information boards be your guide.
