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Saarland, Germany

Make the most of your time in Saarland, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

Bordered by France to the west and Luxembourg to the north-west, Saarland is the smallest of Germany's 16 states and the bridge to its European neighbours. Named after the River Saar which flows from the south to the northwest, Saarland is one of the greenest states in Germany, dominated by hills and forests.

Culturally Saarland is a melting-pot of European traditions. Its location at the very heart of Europe has throughout its history put Saarland at the centre of European politics. It was until the 5th-century part of the Roman Empire, before invading Germanic tribes conquered the region. In the 18th-century revolutionary French forces conquered Saarland and incorporated it into the French Republic. It was only after the defeat of Napoleon in 1815 that Saarland was once again ruled by German authorities. For periods following the First and Second World Wars Saarland was administered by the French, before becoming part of West Germany in 1954.

This chequered history has made Saarland one of the most culturally diverse states in Germany. Saarland is one of only two states with majority Catholic populations, meaning that Christian history and tradition remain a key part of everyday life. The ancient towns and cities of Saarland have a certain Mediterranean feel and are a joy to explore. Saarbrücken is the state capital of Saarland. With a history stretching back over 1,000 years,  Saarbrücken is the economic and cultural centre of the Saar region. Everything from exclusive boutiques to museums explaining the history of the region can be found here. St. Wendel is famous for its late-Gothic parish and pilgrimage church which houses the relics of Wendalinus, the 7th-century wandering monk and patron of the town. A number of impressive tombs from the end of the 15th century are also to be found here. Blieskastel is perhaps the most picturesque town in Saarland. A hydrotherapy health resort,  Blieskastel has a number of elegant Renaissance and baroque buildings and lies close to the Gollenstein, Germany's largest megalithic stone. The local cuisine is something else for which Saarland is famous, combining French and German influences. At any time of year there are usually several festivals taking place. Merzig is famous for its cider, which is honoured at the annual Viez festival. There is also an entire "wine summer" dedicated to the wines of the Moselle valley in which Saarland lies.

Saarland is perhaps most famous for the beauty of the countryside. The state is one of the most forested in Germany, with one third of the land area covered trees. All manner of water-based activities are available on Saarland's many lakes, rivers and reservoirs, particularly on the 120-hectare Lake Bostalsee. As a result, Saarland’s colourful mix of culture, history and entertainment make it one of the most dynamic and exciting of German states.
 

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