Introduction
The Moselle region, known as d’Musel by Luxembourgers, lies in the east of Luxembourg. It takes its name from the river that forms the natural border between Luxembourg and Germany. The river is not a dividing line; it is an area of union between two neighbouring countries that reflects the region’s European character.The Moselle is a river that rises in the Vosges mountains and flows through north-eastern France and Luxembourg to western Germany. It is a left bank tributary of the Rhine, which it joins at Koblenz. A small part of Belgium is in its basin as it includes the Sauer and the Our.
Why is it called Moselle?
The name Moselle is derived from the Celtic name form, Mosela, via the Latin Mosella, a diminutive form of Mosa, the Latin description of the Meuse, which used to flow parallel to the Moselle.
Here are some geographical facts about the Moselle
Source
The River originates at the Col de Bussang on the western slopes of the Vosges Mountains in France, at an elevation of 2,346 ft (715 m) above sea level.
Course
The River flows through the Lorraine region of France, then forms the border between Germany and Luxembourg for 39 km (24 mi), and finally into Germany. It joins the Rhine at Koblenz. S
Length
The River is 338 mi (544 km) long.
Tributaries
The River has many tributaries, including the Madon, Terrouin, Esch, Rupt de Mad, Orne, Fensch, Gander, Syre, Sauer, Kyll, Salm, Lieser, Alf, Endert, Brohlbach, and Elz.
Wine region
The River valley is known for its wine production. The region’s cool climate, steep slopes, and dark slate soil are ideal for growing grapes.
Terraced Moselle
The Terraced River is an example of agricultural engineering and cultural history. The terraces are made up of small plots that protect plants from disease and provide habitats for local flora and fauna
Tracing the Upper Moselle Exploring the River’s Origins in the Vosges Mountains
The River has three sections:
Upper River
The section of the River from the tripoint of France, Germany, and Luxembourg to the Saar, near Konz.
Middle River
The section of the River from Trier to Pünderich. This is the main wine-producing area of the Moselle.
Lower River
The section of the River from Pünderich to Koblenz, where it joins the Rhine. This section is also known as the Terraced Moselle.The River originates in the Vosges Mountains of France, flows through Lorraine, Luxembourg, and Germany, and joins the Rhine at Koblenz. The River climate, soil, and topography are ideal for growing wine. The region’s steep slopes, dark slate soil, and cool climate help grapes ripen. The most notable wines from the Moselle region are Riesling, Elbling, Müller-Thurgau, Kerner, and Auxerrois.
An Overview of the Moselle River Catchment Area
The River’s catchment area spans four countries: France, Luxembourg, Germany, and Belgium. The French part of the River’s catchment is 11,437 km2. Here are some facts about the River and its catchment:
Flow
The River flows through the Lorraine region, Luxembourg, and Germany, eventually joining the Rhine River at Koblenz.
Navigation
The River has been navigable by barges since the 19th century above Metz. The River Canal was built from Metz to Koblenz in 1964, allowing barges up to 1,500 tons to pass through.
Glaciers
The glaciers that covered the upper River catchment have an effect on the river’s fluvial evolution.
Geological History of the Moselle River
The geology of the River is complex, with the river’s landscape shaped by a series of geological events over millions of years:
Vosges
The Vosges, the current source of the River, formed about 50 million years ago.
Rhenish Massif
The Rhenish Massif was uplifted and folded during the Carboniferous period, 350 million years ago. The Rhenish Massif continued to rise in the last 500,000 years, causing the River to cut deeply into the rock.
Moselle meanders
The Moselle’s meanders were formed between the Trier Valley and the Neuwied Basin during the Quaternary period as the Rhenish Massif rose. The River course has changed over time, with the river once flowing through a wide, flat valley.
Geisberg
The Geisberg was once a peninsula in a River meander. The Moselle’s course changed, and the Geisberg became the first circulating mountain in the area. The River flows through the Rhenish Massif, and its course is characterized by broad meanders. The confluence of the River and the Middle Rhine is located at Koblenz
Water levels of Moselle River
The water levels of the River are influenced by the inflow of the Sauer and the upstream barrages (locks) on the river. Here are some recent water levels for the River:
- January 2, 2025: The water level was 274 cm
- Grevenmacher: The water level was 644 cm
- Remich: The water level was 508 cm
- Stadtbredimus: The water level was 608 cm
- Wasserbillig: The water level was 518 cm
Water level forecasts are only possible above a water level of 220 cm, and they are subject to uncertainties.
Conclusion
The Moselle River is a vital stream that influences the economies, cultures, and landscapes of France, Luxembourg, and Germany. Its catchment area aids in both urban and rural development and promotes agriculture, particularly well-known wineries.The river is a well-liked tourist destination because of its distinctive geology and natural beauty, but it also has difficulties with sustainable management and environmental preservation. All things considered, the River is still an essential natural resource with a rich cultural and historical legacy.
Is the Moselle navigable?
Today the Moselle is navigable for large cargo ships up to 110 metres (360 ft) long from the Rhine in Koblenz up to Neuves-Maisons, south of Nancy.
Which direction does the Mosel river flow?
The River (Mosel in German) is the best known of the 13 German wine-growing regions. This detailed image (width covers a distance of 14.5 kilometers, or about 9 miles) shows the winding Moselle River flowing north
Does the Moselle River flood?
The water was higher than usual in recent years, but not nearly as high as during the flood of the century in 1993.
