Our Highlights in Saarland, Germany

Saarland, Germany’s smallest federal state, nestled on the border with France, is an undiscovered beauty – and a real travel tip for insiders. Gentle green hills cover the land, while the region’s industrial legacy reminds visitors of its past as a mining center. And the people? They really know how to enjoy life – preferably with some solid food. These are our highlights in Saarland.

Saarbrücken: A Cool Capital

Saarland‘s capital, Saarbrücken, on the beautiful Saar river, is a rewarding mixture of residential areas and lively, cool districts. High on a hill sits the city’s “White Castle”, sharing an elegant square with the “Schlosskirche” (previously a church, but now a museum of religious art) and the state parliament. If you are looking for hip cafés, restaurants, pubs, second hand and vintage stores, just ask for „das Viertel“ (the Quarter). Everybody will know where you want to go; the Nauwieser district has made itself a name as the cultural heart of Saarbrücken far beyond the city limits. Not all the old houses in the area have been renovated yet, giving this creative quarter an authentic shabby-chic charm.

A street scene in Saarbrücken; from the right, a paved road curves toward the background of the picture, and a cyclist is riding to the right on the road. On the right side of the picture is a corner house with a half-timbered upper floor, and to its right is a gray, three-story house. On the left side of the picture, the street leads to a Romanesque sandstone church, to the left of which are several apartment buildings with reddish-brown facades. The side of the street facing the viewer is decorated with several stone flower pots. — Image: frantic00 / shutterstock

On a two-lane road, a tram with pink advertising prints is driving to the right out of the picture. Several people are standing at the stop on the opposite side. To the right behind the tram, a street with Wilhelminian-style apartment buildings leads into the background of the picture. In the center behind the tram are several deciduous trees, behind which a church tower rises into the sky. Everything seems very summery. — Image: frantic00 / shutterstock

French Influence: Gourmet Cuisine in Saarland

French and German culture come together in Saarland. No wonder: Over the centuries, the region has belonged to both nations. Many expressions from the French language have found their way into the local dialect – like calling an umbrella a parapli. Many towns and villages in the region still carry French names.

A three-story white building with five rows of windows, flanked on the left and right by two tall deciduous trees. The bottom floor is visible from the outside through floor-to-ceiling windows. In front of the building is a paved square. It is evening, and the building is bathed in a soft yellow light. — Image: Esplanade

Ein Gericht im Esplanade in Saarbrücken — Image: Esplanade

French influence is also clearly visible in the culinary arts, especially in gourmet cuisine. There is an astonishing density of Michelin-starred chefs in Germany. We recommend the Esplanade restaurant in Saarbrücken. Here, the finest oysters, delicious Côte du Boeuf, and fruity quark soufflé are served. The excellent plats du jour for lunch have also made a name for themselves. But the Esplanade is not just a place to dine. In 2023, a four-star hotel of the same name opened its doors. Sixteen exclusive and lovingly furnished rooms now welcome visitors.

Curvy Beauty: The “Saarschleife” – A Loop in the Saar

It’s Saarland’s most popular – and perhaps most Instagrammed – sight: Near Mettlach, the river Saar turns a in 180-degree loop, winding through hills covered by thick forests. High above the steep banks, one of Germany’s most impressive viewing platforms offers visitors a spectacular view. Walk among the treetops to reach the tower, 42 metres high, where the view will leave you breathless, no matter what time of the year you go. We love to visit around October, when the woods are a blazing display of autumn colours.

View of a U-shaped river bend from a high vantage point. The peninsula formed by the bend is just as wooded as the surrounding area. The water is as smooth as glass. In the background on the left, the sun is setting in a red-orange glow. — Image: rphstock / shutterstock

A viewing tower, photographed from below; at a height of about 20 meters, a wooden walkway wraps around several steel girders and extends another 20 meters upward. The walkway is accessible from the right side. On the right side of the picture, there are some trees in the foreground. Bright sunlight shines through the steel girders. — Image: rphstock / shutterstock

Lights On in Saarlouis

Saarland is an industrial state with a history of mining. In 2012, the last coal mine was closed, but relicts and stories from this past can be found all over Saarland. In Saarlouis, an elegant memorial bears witness to the era: 150 metres above the city, throned on the apex of a mining waste heap, sits the so-called Saarpolygon. Illuminated at night, this monument made of steel is worth a visit any time. It also serves as a viewing platform for the region.

A work of art consisting of several wire struts, which initially extends diagonally upward to the right from the ground, then continues upward to the left at a 90-degree angle, and then curves sharply back down to the right behind the “start” in the foreground of the image. The sky behind it is blue with many clouds, and there is a flat concrete floor around the installation. — Image: Wirestock Creators / shutterstock

Wandering Among the Hills: Bliesgau

In the very south of Saarland, the hilly landscape of Bliesgau reaches far into France. Large parts of the area are protected as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The landscapes here are of wide, old orchard meadows, beech forests and pastures, reminiscent of distant lands. The flora and fauna presents itself in an enormous variety – numerous kinds of colourful orchids fill the grasslands, wild horses and water buffalo have found a home here, along with kingfishers and many other bird species. The best way to explore the Bliesgau region is on one of the many fantastic hiking paths. Make sure to stop at the mysterious Gollenstein menhir, which has been standing for more than 4,000 years.

A monolith several meters high stands in a wide meadow. In the background are a few trees and a hill, behind which the evening sun is setting. — Image: Matthias Blum

The Perfect Getaway at Lake Bostal: Seezeitlodge

Since its opening in 2017, the Seezeitlodge on Lake Bostal has quickly become a favorite spot for locals and visitors to Saarland alike. The wellness oasis offers everything a spa lover could wish for across almost 5,000 square meters: a Celtic outdoor sauna village, several themed saunas and indoor steam baths, an outdoor infinity pool, and much more. The in-house restaurant “Lumi” serves regional organic gourmet cuisine. And all this with a great panoramic view over the lake. Tip: The spa is also open to day guests.

A Stroll Through the Old Towns of Sankt Wendel and Ottweiler

Wonderful, romantic, old towns can be found to explore all over Saarland. Sankt Wendel, with its market square surrounded by half-timbered houses, is surely one of the most picturesque. At night, the nearby cafés and restaurants give this spot a real holiday vibe. Our favourite: Bruder Jakobs. Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast, tasty burgers or a cool cocktail, there’s something for everyone (reservations recommended).

Four baroque houses in light pastel colors stand close together on a slightly sloping, paved square. On the right side of the square, there are several beer tent tables and benches next to a small fountain. Above it all is a blue sky. — Sankt Wendel | Image: travelview / shutterstock

Ottweiler is also worth a visit. Mingle with the locals on a Saturday morning around the cobblestoned market, and enjoy the view of the rustic church tower. Cosy cafés and boutique shops will lull you into an extended shopping tour. Make sure to pay Gretas Modezimmer and its sister shop Greta & Rosa a visit. You’re sure to fall in love with all their carefully curated collection of Scandinavian fashion.

Twelve stars over Saarland

UNESCO World Heritage: Industrial Vibes at the Völklinger Ironworks

The Völklinger Hütte was once one of the most important ironworks in the country. Today, it is a venue for modern art, concerts, and impressive industrial culture. Parts of the plant, which was shut down in 1986, have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. But the entire area is impressive – at times in the 1950s, 17,000 people were employed on the site. Street art fans in particular will get their money’s worth here. In addition to impressive exhibitions, a street art festival is also held here every year. You should plan on spending at least three hours here, if not more. The Völklinger Hütte site is huge.

The silhouette of a mine tower with its characteristic conveyor wheel stands out against the bright setting sun. Around the tower are a few leafless trees, and the sky is colored gold. — Image: Petair / shutterstock

A decommissioned industrial plant; on the left, a tall brick chimney; on the right, several silos; in the foreground, a substation. It is evening, and the plant is illuminated by various light sources in colors such as pink, green, and yellow. — Image: Petair / shutterstock

The exhibition “Motion. Powers. History” is currently running at the Völklinger Hütte until August 27, 2028.
👉 Click here to visit the website.

Heavenly artistry: Tholey Abbey

The tranquil village of Tholey is located in northern Saarland, and at its center stands the historic Benedictine Abbey of Tholey—one of the oldest monasteries in Germany. That alone would be reason enough to visit the community, but there’s more. Since 2021, three stained glass windows designed by Gerhard Richter have adorned the choir of the abbey church. They have proven to be a real visitor magnet, and rightly so. Depending on the time of day and season, the three glass wonders conjure up ever-changing, fascinating shapes and colors in the sacred space. Just sit back and enjoy.

A Monument to Poetry: The “Wortsegel” near Sotzweiler

Saarland has a weakness for monuments on its green hilltops. One of our favourites is the “Wortsegel” (Word Sail). Sculptor and artist, Heinrich Popp, designed the steel sculpture and gave it to his hometown in Sotzweiler. Hike up the hill where the artwork sits at 340m above sea level for great views, especially at sunset. A 13 kilometre-long hiking paths leads you around the hill.

On top of a hill stands a metal art installation several meters high; on the left is an arch that tapers upward, on the right is an arch that tapers downward. Both meet at the top. A person stands between the two arches. In the background behind the hill lies a small town in the morning mist, behind it a higher, wooded hill. — Image: Niels Meiser

The Caves in Homburg

Homburg’s “Schlossberg” or “Castle Mountain” is full of holes, just like a Swiss cheese. A fact that was discovered by accident in the 1930s by children playing there. Europe’s largest Bunter sandstone caves are actually man-made. The caves where dug in the 17th century, when the sand was used for the production of glass and cast iron. After their rediscovery, they served as a bunker during World War II. Today, however, they are beautifully restored. The gigantic halls and corridors of colourful sandstone deep in the mountain are certainly worth a visit.