Brauselay

Brauselay Nature Reserve protects a dramatic Mosel rock face with unique Mediterranean flora like steppe heath and dry grasslands. Home to emerald lizards and Apollo butterflies, its warm slopes support rare species. A Madonna statue adds cultural interest.

The Brauselay Nature Reserve showcases a spectacular 65-meter high rock formation rising steeply above the Mosel river. Formed 300 million years ago, its quarzitic sandstone creates a dramatic landscape. This protected area, established in 1941, is vital for its unique Mediterranean-like flora and fauna. The south-facing, warm slopes, sheltered from Eifel and Hunsrück, combined with heat-retaining slate rocks, foster distinct plant communities. You'll find low bushes like barberry and boxwood, alongside rare steppe heath plants and dry grasslands. This habitat is crucial for species such as the emerald lizard, smooth snake, and the endangered Apollo butterfly. Traditional grazing by goats helps maintain these open, biodiverse landscapes. A notable cultural element is the "Weiße Madonna" statue, a "Traubenmadonna" erected in 1934, perched high on a rock ledge, overlooking the river and adding a historical layer to this natural wonder.