Püttlingen brings together different chapters of local history, cultural venues and trails that combine getting active with discovery. Bucherbach Castle tells the story of the duties of past rulers, while historic ensembles, museums and exhibitions offer different perspectives. Outdoors, the Denkspur trail and the Literature Trail each offer their own way to combine activity and learning. You can tailor your stay to the topics that interest you most.
Castle, Rule and Traces of History
The Counts of Saarbrücken had Bucherbach Castle built to secure their rule in the central Köllertal valley and administer their holdings there. Its original purpose was therefore both defensive and administrative. After extensive restoration work in 1982/84 and 2011, the castle became an events venue in the centre of Köllerbach; its uses include festivals and other events. This site thus brings together the castle’s former role and its later use as an events venue.
Another chapter in the history of architecture is represented by the Püttlinger Schlösschen: the late-Baroque hunting lodge was built around 1790 on the site of the old Püttlingen Castle. Together with the Hexenturm, marked remains of the castle and the town hall, it shapes the architectural setting of the central town park. The Hexenturm was a later prison tower outside the medieval castle complex. Its underground cell is associated with the imprisonment and execution of 14 women accused of witchcraft around 1580–1600. The different buildings thus reflect different periods without their functions needing to be equated.
Cultural Venues and Collections
Historic railway buildings are also part of Püttlingen’s cultural character. The Bahnhof Püttlingen ensemble, restored in keeping with heritage conservation requirements, was converted into a cultural centre. It regularly hosts changing exhibitions by artists from the Köllertal valley. After its restoration in 2004, the goods shed was reopened as an arts and cultural venue. Together, the two places show how historic buildings can be put to cultural use today.
In Köllerbach, St. Martin’s parish church is one of the Saarland’s oldest sacred buildings. The Heilig Kreuz Monastery was built between 1956 and 1960 near the Kreuzkapelle and is considered Germany’s only Redemptoristine monastery. The Saarland Clock Museum offers a different thematic perspective, presenting the development of timekeeping from antiquity to the present day. The church, the history of the monastery and the clock collection each have their own focus, so you can choose based on your interest in architecture, religious history or the history of technology.
Trails, Literature and Landscape
If you’d like to keep your mind active while walking, the Denkspur trail combines physical activity with cognitive challenges at various stations. A free app complements the trail. As its availability may change, it is best to check in advance whether it is currently available. The Literature Trail has a different focus: texts by four writers are displayed behind glass panels at locations in Püttlingen and Köllerbach. The concept combines experiencing literature in Püttlingen with a walk outdoors and the opportunity to get to know Püttlingen and Köllerbach. The four texts should not, however, be assumed to be works by authors from Püttlingen.
For views beyond the area’s immediate cultural attractions, the spoil heap of the former Viktoria mine offers a wide panorama across the region and into neighbouring Lorraine. Püttlingen brings together a range of different interests: historic buildings, exhibitions, collections, literary texts and outdoor activities. You can choose the focus of your stay accordingly, whether you’re more interested in historic sites, cultural attractions, trails or the landscape views.
Discover more destinations: Kleinblittersdorf, Völklingen, Saarbrücken, Sulzbach/Saar.
For the overview of the wider travel region: Saarbrücken Regional Association.
