©Samfaitvoyager

Bavigne dam

Where? L-9635 Bavigne

The Bavigne dam, part of the Upper Sûre reservoir, was built in the 1950s, requiring the relocation of mills and farmsteads. Standing at 23 meters, it guards the lake's pristine water quality. Today, as a popular diving spot, it unveils submerged remnants like bridges and a mill, echoing a rich history amid the progress.

The Bavigne dam, an integral part of the Upper Sûre reservoir. Constructed in the 1950s as an extension of the Esch-sur-Sûre Dam, this strategic water source required the relocation of several mills and farmsteads nestled in the valley.

To preserve the pristine quality of the lake water, ingenious measures were implemented, such as the Bavigne dams, standing at a height of 23 meters. This structure act as a guardian, preventing driftwood, tree trunks, and sand particles from entering the lake.

The construction of the Upper Sûre reservoir necessitated the acquisition of over 400 hectares of land, prompting protests and debates. However, the inevitability of progress led to negotiations with developers or, in some cases, forcible expropriation.

Today, the Bavigne dam wall and the submerged remnants of the former Loutschmillen mill, located in the valley between Liefrange and Bavigne, offer more than a glimpse into the past. As a popular diving spot, the underwater tableau includes elements like two small bridges, an old road, the mill, the waterbed of the "Béiwenerbaach" stream, artifacts like amphorae and bicycles, and even intriguing discoveries such as a pirate boat and a skeletal presence. In the dance between history and progress, the Bavigne dam emerges as both a functional necessity and an inadvertent guardian of submerged stories waiting to be explored.

Opening hours

Contact

Address: Staumauer Bavigne
L-9635 Bavigne
Show on map

More sites

©PNDO
Houffelter Kanal - Meuse-Moselle Canal
The Canal That Never Was: The Ambitious Plan to Link Belgium and Luxembourg
Find out more
©Visit Éislek
Church Saints-Côme-et-Damien
The parish church of Sts Côme et Damien in Clervaux, built in 1910/1911 in the Rhenish-Romanesque style, impresses with its striking dome above the altar and its majestic twin towers with melodic chimes.
Find out more
©Musée de l'Ardoise
free
with theLuxembourgPass
Slate Museum - Musée de l'Ardoise
Discover the fascinating world underground at the Haut-Martelange Slate Museum! Experience the history and techniques of slate extraction and immerse yourself in the new, fascinating "Johanna" visitor gallery. Experience the everyday life of slate workers at first hand!
Find out more
©Naturpark Oewersauer, Naturpark Oewersauer
Circular routes
Schumannseck 1944-1945 Memorial Path
Distance: 3,09 km
Duration: 0:50 h
Difficulty: easy
Find out more
©Industrie.lu
Antimonmine – Abandoned mine
Amidst the tranquil landscape, Goesdorf's geological tapestry reveals remnants of shafts and galleries, preserving the legacy of this "foundry village."
Find out more
Fransiscan Church
The Franciscan church of Troisvierges is an impressive religious landmark in the heart of the town. With its imposing architecture and historic charm, the church is a place of peace and contemplation.
Find out more
©Visit Éislek
Vianden Dam
The Vianden Dam is currently being transformed into an oversized artwork.
Find out more
©Communes de Witz
Gierwerei – Leather industry
Wiltz: Where Leather Found a Global Market
Find out more
©Ville d'Ettelbruck
Patton Monument Ettelbruck
Discover the Patton Memorial in Ettelbruck, an important place of remembrance. This monument honours General George Patton Jr, whose 3rd US Army liberated Ettelbruck in December 1944, stopping the invasion of the Wehrmacht during the Battle of the Bulge.
Find out more