Located in the southwest of Germany , Saarland is not only known for its wonderful natural landscape and charming towns, but also for a wide range of culture, leisure activities, milestones of industrial culture and thermal baths.
Those who spend their holidays here can visit monuments that have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore hiking trails that are among the most beautiful in Germany and thanks to the numerous theme parks, zoos and swimming pools, children will never get bored!
Saarland is the smallest federal state in Germany and offers gigantic highlights for young and old. Mass tourism has not yet penetrated here and thus holidaymakers and individualists have room for their urge to explore.
Magnificent natural landscapes
Nature lovers can visit the freely accessible national and nature parks in Saarland. A walk through the Hausrück High Forest, the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is particularly recommended.
An unforgettable experience is the treetop walk of the Saarschleife, from which there is a breathtaking view over the magnificent natural landscape.
A hike through the jungle inspires nature lovers just as much as a visit to the German-French garden.
In summer, holidaymakers can relax at the Bostalsee or visit the Losheim reservoir.
The absolute highlight of the Saarland is the Saarschleife, which is a true natural wonder. Both the treetop walk and the Cloef viewpoint offer the best views of this natural wonder.
Also worth seeing is the landscape garden Paradies, where an extraordinary plant world meets urban art.
Interesting industrial culture
The Völklingen Ironworks has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts holidaymakers with modern exhibitions, the science of iron and concerts.
There is no chance of boredom in ScienceCenter Ferrodrom, where more than 100 stations invite you to experiment.
Thermal baths and baths in Saarland to relax
Wellness is the order of the day in one of the numerous thermal baths. The Saarland Therme offers several thermal pools, which are fed by the local brine spring. In addition, holidaymakers can relax in the SPA area or in the sauna area.
Fun and relaxation are the order of the day in the numerous adventure pools. While the young crowd can let off steam on slides, adults can relax in the whirlpool, on spacious sunbathing areas or massage loungers.
Saarland – Wide-ranging cultural offerings
History buffs get their money’s worth in Saarland as well as art lovers. In addition to the Saar Historical Museum, the Saarland Museum with its modern gallery also invites culture enthusiasts to visit. Cultural highlights include not only the Saarland State Theatre, but also the Roman Villa Borg. During a stay in Saarland, a visit to the European cultural park Bliesbruck-Reinheim and the Museum of Prehistory and Early History is also a good idea. Those interested in culture can pass the time in the Museum Schloss Fellenberg, the German Newspaper Museum or the Roman Museum Schwarzenacker.
Charming towns in Saarland
Saarland offers charming cities that combine historical flair with a modern atmosphere.
The war-torn state capital of Saarbrücken has many faces and inspires with traditional buildings of the 50s and 60s, heart, character and brittle beauty.
Saarlois is the secret state capital that is worth a visit.
Merzing is one of the most interesting cities in Saarland and the small town of St. Wendel is also ideal for an excursion.
Other worthwhile cities are Neunkirchen an der Saar, the idyllic Mettlach as well as the scientific and economic centre of Homburg, which has a high recreational value. If you are looking for a city in the countryside with cultural highlights, you should go to St. Ingbert and also Ottweiler with its historic buildings and blooming gardens combines culture and nature.
A tourist magnet is the charming baroque residential town of Blieskastel.
A wide range of leisure and sports activities:
If you want to get to know the wonderful natural landscape of the Saarland while hiking, you should pay a visit to the Black Forest Hochwald. This region offers a wide range of leisure activities.
In 2009, the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig was named the most beautiful German hiking trail. Sports enthusiasts can explore either the entire hiking trail or parts of it, hike along wonderful stream valleys and enjoy breathtaking views of the magnificent natural landscape.
Those who prefer to explore Saarland by bike can choose between tours of different levels of difficulty. The most popular cycling routes include the Saar Cycle Path, the Bostalsee Circuit, the Seven Ponds Tour, the Niedtal Cycle Path and the Adebar Circuit.
Historical buildings:
During a stay in Saarland, stone testimonies can be admired either in their original or restored state from almost every era.
The most famous buildings steeped in history are Montclair Castle, the Orangery as well as Saarbrücken Castle. Among the most interesting buildings are also the Celtic ring wall Otzenhausen and the Saarbrücken casemates.
Scattered throughout Saarland are magnificent sacred buildings, contemplative chapels and abbeys worth seeing.
Wildlife parks and zoos:
Animal lovers will get their money’s worth in the numerous wildlife parks and zoos. These family-friendly destinations delight with native and exotic animals.
Children and animal lovers can spend an unforgettable time in the Freisen Nature Wildlife Park, the Neunkirchen Zoo and the Weiskirchen Wildlife and Hiking Park.
Other highlights include the Differten Wildlife Park, the Werner Freund Wolf Park and Saarbrücken Zoo .
Leisure fun and parks:
If you are on a family holiday, you can choose between several amusement parks. In addition to the Saar Adventure Park, Saarland also offers a Fun Forest Adventure Park. Children’s eyes will light up when visiting the Finkenrech or Peterberg leisure centre, and adults will also get their money’s worth here.
Fun for the whole family is the order of the day with football golf at Bostalsee and in Beckingen.
The Bous indoor kart track provides variety and those who want to go high can climb dizzying heights in the Merzig or Weiskirchen climbing harbour.
Hearts of young and old alike jump higher in the Trampoline Fun Park.
Culinary specialties:
The regional cuisine is a combination of culinary sophistication and hearty home cooking. Connoisseurs of upscale gastronomy get their money’s worth in Saarland, as star restaurants such as the Barrique Hämmerle Restaurant in Blieskastel, Victor’s FINE DINING in Perl-Nenning and the Restaurant Kunz in St. Wendel spoil culinary delights at the highest level. Culinary delights are also the order of the day in Saarbrücken in the star restaurants Jens Jakob and Gäste-Haus Klaus Erfort.
One of the typical dishes of the Saarland is the potato dish Dibbelabbes, which is prepared in a cast-iron pot. Tourists should not miss the traditional dish Gefillde or Geheirade with the hearty bacon and cream sauce.
Other culinary delicacies are Schwenkbraten, Hoorische and, of course, the local apple wine Merzinger Viezsuppchen.
If you are going on a picnic, you should pack the traditional Saarland beef salad and treat yourself to a plum cake for dessert.
