At the Völklingen Ironworks World Heritage Site, 7,000 metres of clearly signposted paths lead through the grounds. From Völklingen railway station, it is a five-minute walk to the site. Saarbrücken Central Station, with IC, ICE and TGV connections, is ten minutes by train from Völklingen. Check the timetable before your journey.
Industrial heritage and Roman finds
UNESCO declared the Völklingen Ironworks a World Heritage Site in December 1994. The paths through the site give your visit a tangible sense of space: they cover a total of 7,000 metres and are clearly signposted. You can explore the grounds by following the paths and their signs.
A 160-square-metre mosaic floor takes centre stage at the Roman Villa in Nennig. It is considered the largest mosaic found north of the Alps to date and is one of Saarland’s most significant archaeological monuments. The area you can explore includes the mosaic and a large burial mound, which you can reach on foot.
The Roman Villa Borg offers a different way to explore Roman history: tours are available in German, French, English, Dutch and Luxembourgish. Events and celebrations for all ages take place there throughout the year, including baking experiences, Roman Days and “Cooking Like the Romans”. In Nennig, the mosaic floor shapes the visit; in Borg, tours and events offer additional ways to engage with the Roman past. Check the latest booking details and dates for specific tours and events.
The Saarschleife from two perspectives
The Saarschleife is a landmark of Saarland. You can take in the view from the Cloef lookout point; it has been one of Germany’s National Geotopes since 2006. If you would like to explore the surrounding area on foot, you can set off from the Cloef on one of the many hikes. These include the Cloef Trail, which descends through the Steinbach Valley to the Saar.
At Lake Bostal: water and activity
Lake Bostal, covering 120 hectares, lies in the low mountain landscape of the Saar-HunsrĂĽck Nature Park. Two large sandy beaches and sunbathing lawns offer space for swimming, playing beach volleyball and building sandcastles. Stand-up paddleboarding is also available on the lake. Two-hour courses are offered for beginners; check the latest course details before you arrive.
Different activities take centre stage when visiting the water and going hiking: at Lake Bostal, it’s all about the beach, sunbathing lawns and water sports, while the paths at the Cloef lead through the Steinbach Valley to the Saar. Saarland also has cross-border cycling routes along the border with France. Check the latest route availability before setting off.
Bliesgau and hiking in the Saar-HunsrĂĽck region
In the southeast of Saarland, the Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve lies on the border with France and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is home to around 80 per cent of Saarland’s population of the endangered little owl. This makes Bliesgau an important habitat for the little owl in Saarland.
For hikers, five nature campgrounds between Perl and Wadern provide overnight stays while hiking the Saar-Hunsrück Trail. If you plan to make use of this option, check the campgrounds’ current availability. This way, you can tailor the focus of your trip to Saarland—whether UNESCO World Heritage, archaeological finds, landscapes or activities on the water—to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: SaarbrĂĽcken Regional Association, Saarlouis, Saarpfalz District, Neunkirchen, Sankt Wendel, Merzig-Wadern, SaarbrĂĽcken Regional Association, Baden-WĂĽrttemberg.
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