Discover Saarland
Accommodation in Saarland
Industrial heritage, Roman history and diverse nature come together in Saarland. A holiday here can range from trails through a World Heritage Site and archaeological discoveries to hikes and days by the lake. This variety offers families different ways to shape their trip: you can explore remarkable structures, spend time outdoors or plan water activities. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is worth first considering which of these experiences you would like to define your holiday.
Industrial heritage and trails in Völklingen
The Völklingen Ironworks was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1994. There are 7,000 metres of well-marked trails across the site. The length of the trail network is a useful guide when planning time for a visit and exploring the complex on foot; it does not automatically indicate how long a walk will take. The World Heritage Site is a five-minute walk from Völklingen station. Saarbrücken Central Station, with IC, ICE and TGV connections, is ten minutes by train from Völklingen. These rail connections may be a factor in your travel plans if you would like to experience the industrial heritage in Völklingen.
Discover Roman traces
Roman archaeological sites also add a distinctive element to the region. The mosaic floor at the Roman Villa in Nennig covers 160 m². It is considered the largest mosaic found to date north of the Alps and is one of Saarland’s most significant archaeological monuments. The grounds of the former villa include the mosaic and a large burial mound within walking distance, which visitors can explore. Anyone interested in archaeological evidence will find a tangible reason here to learn about the region’s Roman past.
Guided tours at the Roman Villa Borg are available in German, French, English, Dutch and Luxembourgish. Events and festivals for all ages are held there throughout the year, including baking experiences, Roman Days and “Cooking like the Romans”. These activities give families different ways to learn about Roman history. If an event is important to your visit, plan around its specific date; the description of year-round activities does not imply a particular event date.
Saarschleife, Cloef and treetop walk
The Saarschleife is a landmark of Saarland and can be viewed from the Cloef lookout point. It has been one of Germany’s National GeoSites since 2006. The Cloef is also the starting point for many hikes, including the Cloef Trail, which descends through the Steinbach Valley to the Saar. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can combine a viewpoint with a hike; the route through the valley offers a different way to experience the landscape.
The Saarschleife Treetop Walk offers another perspective: it is 1,250 metres long and leads to a 42-metre-high observation tower. The tower is fully accessible without steps; there are learning and activity stations along the path, and the structure is designed to be accessible. These are useful points to bear in mind if you are looking for a route with educational stations or a tower that can be reached without steps.
Water and activity at Lake Bostalsee
The 120-hectare Lake Bostalsee lies in the low mountain landscape of Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park. Two large sandy beaches and sunbathing lawns offer opportunities for swimming, playing beach volleyball and building sandcastles. Stand-up paddleboarding is also available on the lake, with two-hour courses offered for beginners. There are several water-based activities to choose from: while some can spend time together on the beach, others can try paddling.
Choose your regional highlights
Those looking to combine hiking with a longer trip will find five nature campgrounds between Perl and Wadern, which offer hikers overnight stays while walking the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig. Saarland also has cross-border cycling routes along the border with France. Together with the hikes at the Cloef, these offer different ideas for active days. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether you would like to focus your holiday mainly on industrial heritage, Roman archaeological sites, hiking, cycling or experiences by the lake.
For regional orientation: Neunkirchen, Sankt Wendel, Merzig-Wadern, Saarbrücken Regional Association, Saarbrücken City Association, Saarlouis and Saarpfalz District.
For the broader travel overview: Germany.
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