Staustufe Enkirch, Navigation barrage in Enkirch, Germany.
Staustufe Enkirch is a navigation barrage on the Moselle with separate lock chambers designed for different vessel types. The structure allows cargo ships and recreational boats to pass through while managing water levels along the river.
The barrage was built in the 1960s as part of a wider project to make the Moselle navigable for modern freight transport. It marked a turning point in how the river was used for both commerce and energy production.
The barrage serves as a meeting point for hikers exploring the wine regions along the Moselle. Visitors can see how the river connects the local wine-growing communities that line its banks.
The site is easily accessible from nearby hiking trails and offers views of the lock operation and river activity. Visitors can watch ships passing through from viewing areas along the banks.
The lock operates using vertically moving gates rather than the conventional side-opening mechanisms found in most river locks. This design choice reflects how engineers adapted the structure to the specific conditions of the Moselle.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.