In 1680, Louis XIV had Saarlouis built as a fortified town. Its founding continues to shape how people see the city today: some of the former fortifications have been preserved in a recreational area. At the same time, views of the old Saar river arm and the fortress bring home how closely the city’s history and landscape come together here.
Fortress Traces and Green Urban Spaces
The city garden and the old Saar river arm form Saarlouis’s green gateway. From Vauban Island, you can enjoy views of the old Saar river arm and the fortress. Together with the surviving fortifications, they offer different perspectives on historic Saarlouis: the former fortified town and its open spaces today. If you enjoy moving between urban history and landscape as you explore, this is a helpful thread to follow.
Weekly Market, GroĂźer Markt and Theater
GroĂźer Markt now serves as a car park and event venue. The Saarlouis weekly market offers a different glimpse of everyday life: it takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the pedestrian zone in front of the Kommandantur. The selection includes products from local producers, among other things. Since published market hours can change, it is best to check them before your visit. The Theater am Ring is also part of the city today: it reopened in 2016 after extensive renovation and refurbishment.
Art and Local History at the Destination
In its new exhibition spaces, the Ludwig Galerie Saarlouis continues the exhibition program and concept of the former museum. The move and new name date back to 2017. In Wallerfangen, the Historical Museum focuses on the municipality’s history: its permanent exhibition spans from settlement in the Stone Age to the present day. The museum is housed in the listed Adolphshöhe complex.
Other themes can be explored elsewhere across the destination. The Bettinger Mill in Schmelz has an exhibition on the history of Mennonites in the Schmelz area. In Gisingen, a district of Wallerfangen, Haus Saargau is a restored Lorraine farmhouse acquired by the Saarlouis district authority. Their varied focuses make these places interesting if you would like to explore art, local history and historic architectural styles beyond a single period.
Roman Mining in Wallerfangen
The Emilianus Tunnel in St. Barbara, a district of Wallerfangen, was created by the Romans in the first centuries AD. The copper mine has survived almost unchanged to this day. Wallerfangen blue, extracted from the tunnel’s rock, was traded as far as Italy. Around 20 metres of the mining tunnel can be explored on foot, and there is also a unique inscription. Roman history, mining and far-reaching trade in this distinctive rock all come together here. Check the latest information about tours before your trip.
Another Perspective: the Saar Polygon
The Saar Polygon stands on the high plateau of the Ensdorf spoil heap: a 30-metre-high steel structure that visitors can walk through. Its form and material create a different impression from the underground mining history of the Emilianus Tunnel. If you would like to compare the destination’s historical themes, these two places offer contrasting ways in: a Roman tunnel with its inscription here, and a steel structure on a spoil heap there. Check the latest access information for the Saar Polygon before visiting.
Getting Your Bearings During Your Stay
Bus routes 401, 402, 403, 413, 415, 437 and 438 run from Saarlouis main station to the Landratsamt stop. Routes and stop assignments can change, so check the timetable information before travelling. Saarlouis offers public guided city tours; check their dates before your trip as well. The Tourist Information office can help you put together day trips and book city tours. In Saarlouis district, the Tourism Unit is responsible for tourism infrastructure, including premium hiking trails and cycling routes.
Discover more destinations: Wallerfangen, Wadgassen, Ăśberherrn, Schwalbach, Saarlouis, Nalbach, Lebach, Dillingen/Saar, Saarwellingen, Rehlingen-Siersburg, Schmelz.
To the main travel overview: Saarland.
