Details:
On Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September 2021, the Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall and the Minett UNESCO Biosphere organise the first edition of the "Geoheritage Days" in Luxembourg.
The aim of these discovery days is to make known the geological heritage of the two regions that is worthy of protection. The aim is to make this heritage, unique in Luxembourg and beyond the borders of the Grand Duchy, known in both regions.
Rocks, fossils and landscapes are part of the geodiversity and thus of our geological heritage (= geoheritage). They tell the unique story of the development of the planet Earth, the climate and life, from its origins to the present day. The history of the Earth is therefore also the history of mankind and the future of the Earth is our future. The exploration and protection of our geological heritage is necessary to continue to develop knowledge about past developments into the future and thus to be able to use geological knowledge for present and future challenges.
The events of the first "Geological Heritage Days" in detail
There will be two guided walks on Saturday. In the Minett UNESCO Biosphere, three guided walks will be offered on Sunday.
Saturday 4 September 2021 – Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall
09:30: Walk to the geosite “Wollefsschlucht“ (Echternach). Geologist Birgit Kausch will show and explain the 40-metre-deep sandstone gorge near Echternach, which is impressive because of its height and narrowness. Exactly 140 years ago, the Wollefsschlucht was opened up for tourism and has attracted numerous visitors ever since.
14:00: Hike to the Geotope of the Year, the Nommern Champignon (Nommern). Accompany geologist Birgit Kausch to the "Geotope of the Year 2021" and learn how this characteristic and unique naturally shaped sandstone formation came into being.
Sunday 5 September 2021 – Minett UNESCO Biosphere.
In close collaboration with its partners, the "Musée national d'histoire naturelle - 'naturmusée'", the "Musée National des Mines de Fer" in Rumelange, the "Minett Park Fonds-de-Gras" and the "Amis de la Géologie, de la Minéralogie et de la Paléontologie du Luxembourg", the Minett UNESCO Biosphere organises the following events :
09:30: Wéi kënnt d’Eisen an de Buedem? (Niederkorn). Robert Weis, geologist and palaeontologist of the 'naturmusée', will guide you along the geological discovery trail in the "Giele Botter" nature reserve and explain the varied geology of the former open-cast iron mine.
10:00: A Jurassic Walk (Rumelange). Ben Thuy, palaeontologist at the "naturmusée", shows how nature and the environment in the Minett region changed from a tropical ocean to a shallow coastal landscape during the Jurassic period in the former open pit mine "Huttbierg" between Rumelange and Kayl.
14:00: The coral reefs of the Minett (Rumelange). Discover with Professor Bernard Lathuilière (University of Nancy) the ancient coral reefs of Minett in the quarry of the Cimalux company, between Rumelange and Ottange (F), rarely open to the public.
Limited number of participants – registration required
The number of participants in all events is limited. It is required to register in advance.
Registration for Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall events can be done by tel: 268782-911 or by e-mail: info@naturpark-mellerdall.lu.
Registration for events at the Minett UNESCO Biosphere can be made by tel: 2617971 or online at www.minett-biosphere.com.
Venue: Echternach
Organiser: Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall and the Minett UNESCO Biosphere
Price: n/a
Reservations: see above
