Staustufe Müden

Staustufe Müden is a barrage on the Moselle River that controls water levels and allows large cargo ships to travel along the river safely. The structure includes a main lock chamber, a smaller lock for recreational boats, and a power plant integrated into the system.

This structure was completed in 1964 as part of a major effort to improve the Moselle River for commercial freight traffic. The power plant was added shortly after, transforming the river into an energy source while maintaining its role as a shipping route.

The lock shapes how people travel and trade along this river valley, connecting the wine regions upstream and downstream. Visitors can observe commercial barges and pleasure boats passing through daily, showing how river commerce remains central to life here.

The best viewing spots are along the public paths around the structure, where you can watch boats passing through the system. The area is walkable and offers several good vantage points along the riverbank.

The power plant at this barrage generates electricity from flowing water, with each ship passage affecting the energy output. This dual use of water for both navigation and power generation remains a clever engineering solution.