Moers (pronounced roughly "Meurs") is a town on the western edge of the Ruhr area in North Rhine-Westphalia, known primarily for its annual jazz festival. The Moers Festival, held over the Whitsun weekend each year since 1972, is one of the most important festivals for improvised and experimental music in Europe, drawing musicians and audiences from around the world who come specifically for its uncompromising programme.
The town itself has a pleasant old centre around the moated Schloss Moers, which now houses the local history museum. The Schlosspark around the castle is a good place for a stroll, and the Schlosstheater is an established repertory venue. To the north, the Halde Rheinpreußen — a greened-over coal spoil tip — offers good views across the Rhine plain and a walk through the post-industrial landscape that defines this part of Germany. Moers is easily reached from Duisburg and Düsseldorf.