Discover Saarland: 7 breathtaking excursion destinations!

Discover Saarland: 7 breathtaking excursion destinations!

Saarland, a picturesque state in southwest Germany, attracts over a million tourists every year. This region, which is the smallest federal state in Germany with an area of ​​2,570 km², offers a variety of attractions that appeal to both nature lovers and history buffs. Known for its rich industrial culture and historical significance, particularly in the area of ​​coal mining, Saarland has a lot to offer.

A highlight of the region is the Saar loop near Orscholz, which is considered the most famous attraction. From the Cloef viewing platform, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the impressive bend in the river. The treetop path, which opened in 2016, offers an exciting experience and requires an entrance fee of 12.50 euros for adults and 10.50 euros for children (6-14 years); Access is free for children under 6 years of age.

Other attractions in Saarland

The Saar polygon in Ensdorf is another highlight that opened at the same time as the treetop path. With its 30 meter high towers and 130 steps, it offers a fantastic view of the surrounding area - entry is free.

The Völklinger Hut, a former ironworks, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and now serves as a venue for exhibitions and concerts. Admission is 17 euros, entry is free on Tuesdays from 4 p.m.

A particularly popular destination for families is the Werner Freund Wolf Park in Merzig, where entry is free and monthly lectures are offered. Several wolf families live here in spacious outdoor enclosures, which makes the visit particularly exciting. Those too Schlossberg caves in Homburg attract visitors with the largest sandstone caves in Europe. Admission is 6 euros for adults and 4 euros for students, with the tour taking 40-50 minutes and the temperature there being between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius.

The Old abbey in Mettlach, which reopened in 2025 after extensive renovation work, is the headquarters of Villeroy & Boch and offers a fascinating tour through the company's history on a generous 2,000 square meters.

Insight into the region

Surrounded by France to the west and south, Rhineland-Palatinate to the north and east and a small border section with Luxembourg to the northwest, Saarland plays a central role in Germany's history. Characterized by a high forest area, which makes up a third of the country's area, as well as its unique geographical location, Saarland offers a mixture of industrial heritage and natural landscape.

The population of around 990,509 (as of 2018) is 56.8% Catholic, making Saarland the only federal state with a Catholic majority in Germany. The current head of government is Prime Minister Anke Rehlinger from the SPD. Since the last coal mine closed in 2012, 250 years of mining history came to an end, marking a significant shift in the region's economic structure.

The unique dialect in Saarland, which includes both Rhenish Franconian and Moselle Franconian, contributes to the regional identity of the Saarlanders. The state government is also pursuing the goal of bilingualism, with French playing a special role.

With its diverse attractions and rich history, Saarland is not only a place for sightseeing tours, but also a region full of surprises and experiences to be discovered.