Saarland Hidden Gems: The Best Tips from a Local

Tips and Info for a Vacation in Saarland

Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important information you need before visiting Saarland.

Location

The Saarland is located in southwestern Germany and borders Rhineland-Palatinate. It’s part of the beautiful wine region along the Moselle.

Mainz, one of the most beautiful cities in Rheinhessen, is about 150 kilometers away, and the historic city of Trier is only an hour’s drive from Saarland.

Germany’s smallest state, Saarland is also the perfect jumping-off point for day trips to neighboring France or Luxembourg. Luxembourg City, for example, is only a 90-minute drive away.

Our Hotel Recommendations

There are plenty of great places to stay in Saarland. Here are our hotel picks, organized by location:

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for a Vacation in Saarland

Our Expert

Hi, my name is Gerdi and I was born in Saarbrücken. I currently live with my family in Bexbach in the Saarpfalz district.

I’ve lived here in Saarland my whole life, and so far it’s been pretty great. I may not know every corner of the state, but I know quite a few of its regions well.

Most of all, I love living here — and I hope you’ll pay beautiful Saarland a visit someday.

In my free time, I enjoy bookbinding. You can see some of my work on my blog www.lost-im-papierladen.blogspot.de, though I have to admit it’s been a bit neglected lately. When you have a child, your own hobbies sometimes have to wait!

Saarland in Three Words

“Hauptsach’ gudd gess!”

This is one of the most well-known mottos in Saarland — because the people here love good food, and the most important thing is always that you’ve had something delicious to eat!

Why Go There!

Saarland blends rural and urban landscapes beautifully, so in my opinion there’s something for every kind of traveler.

You can head out on long hiking and cycling tours, or simply wander through town centers and do some shopping. The people of Saarland are a laid-back bunch — just let their easy-going vibe rub off on you a little and take a breath.

Saarland has a tremendous amount to offer, and most people — even many Germans — aren’t even aware of it. All the more reason to discover this beautiful region for yourself!

What Makes Saarland Unique

The mentality of the people here is one of a kind.

I still remember what a colleague said after moving to Frankfurt — that he missed, among other things, the warmth of the Saarland people.

So just strike up a conversation with a local — we’re genuinely friendly!

Things to Do and See in Saarland

Must-Sees

The Saar Loop is one of a kind, and the view from the Cloef is simply stunning. There’s now also a treetop walk there, and the whole area is great for hiking, walking, or cycling.

You can also take a boat trip on the Saar and soak in the views of the surrounding forests.

Saarbrücken is well worth your time too — it’s only a small city, but it has some lovely highlights, including the State Theater, the Ludwigskirche, and the basilica. Afterward, relax at St. Johanner Markt at one of the many restaurants.

When It Rains

Of course, Saarland has plenty of indoor options, just like anywhere else.

There are several museums to explore, and there are escape rooms (some with attached laser tag arenas) in Merzig and Saarbrücken.

Saarbrücken is also home to a cool Virtual Reality Arena — definitely worth checking out if you’re into gaming!

In Landsweiler-Reden, there’s Gondwana, the Prehistorium. Admission isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s a ton of fun for kids. And honestly, aren’t dinosaur worlds always a little exciting for adults too?

With Kids

Out in nature, you can go cycling or — in summer — swim, surf, or go boating at Bostalsee. There are great wildlife and animal parks, including the Naturwildpark in Freisen. The Freizeitzentrum Peterberg has a slide paradise and a summer toboggan run — not just fun for the kids!

The corn maze Maisalm in Merzig is also worth a visit in summer, when treasure hunts and similar activities are regularly held for kids.

For climbing and romping around, the climbing parks are a great option — for example at Jägersburger Weiher near Homburg. Afterward, you can hang around at Jägersburger Weiher itself, which is a popular spot in its own right.

Saarland in Winter

In my opinion, Saarland is at its best in summer, spring, or fall. In winter, many of the great outdoor spots simply aren’t at their finest, so I’d generally suggest planning your trip for another season.

To Relax

For every Saarlander, that’s basically their own home — I’d say! But if you’re “just” visiting, the more rural areas like Bosen or Losheim are wonderfully restorative. Life moves at a slightly different pace out there.

Best Viewpoint

The Cloef at the Saar Loop offers an absolutely gorgeous panorama that you really shouldn’t miss — in my opinion it’s one of the most beautiful vantage points in the entire region.

Best Photo Spot

First and foremost, just keep your eyes open! You can find great subjects almost anywhere. Light plays a huge role, and sometimes all you need to do is change your perspective.

One spot where I’ve personally taken some really beautiful photos is the Fröschenpfuhl in St. Ingbert (Hassel). Several forest paths start there. If you head from the parking lot toward the Fröschenpfuhl and continue along the path into the woods, after just a few minutes you’ll reach some fenced-in pastures — that’s where the photos you can see here were taken.

Craziest Activity

In Saarbrücken, you can walk with alpacas at the Almet in the St. Arnual neighborhood.

Or maybe you’d rather try driving a real excavator?

Whatever you consider crazy — personally, I’d find it pretty wild to pay almost €200 just to sit behind the wheel of an excavator!

Best Event of the Year

St. Wendel hosts various street festivals throughout the year, including one at Halloween and the Magician Street Festival in summer — entertaining for more than just kids.

For adults, the Horror Nights at the Maisalm in Merzig are a great pick. What’s a simple corn maze by day turns into a haunted house on certain nights that you walk through on foot. Guaranteed to give you the creeps!

Food and Drink in Saarland

Culinary Specialty

Saarland is known for its delicious potato dishes. Dibbelabbes, Grumbeer Kischelscher, Hoorische — if you get the chance, don’t miss out on them.

Favorite Restaurants

If you find yourself in St. Wendel, it’s worth stopping in at Bruder Jakob for a burger. You should also try the ice cream there — it comes from a maker in Tholey and is truly delicious.

In Saarbrücken, I love having a burger or fish ‘n’ chips at the Irish pub Old Murphy’s at St. Johanner Markt. And if you’re not that hungry, a small portion of their seriously good steakhouse fries is more than enough.

Also at St. Johanner Markt, the little Beaulongerie does really delicious baguettes — great for taking on the go too.

And since it’s incredibly hard as a Saarlander to stop at just three restaurant recommendations, I also have to mention Mondo di pizza in Neunkirchen and Homburg — absolutely delicious stone-oven pizza!

Best Ice Cream

In Homburg’s pedestrian zone you’ll find Gelat!oh. This small ice cream maker sources all its ingredients from the region — and you can taste the difference! There are also wonderful cakes, and in summer the homemade iced tea is wonderfully refreshing.

A little local tip: In the small town of Riegelsberg (near Saarbrücken), there’s the Eiscafé Merano right on the main street along the Saarbahn line. It’s not the coziest place and the backyard patio is anything but inviting — but the ice cream creations here blow many other parlors out of the water. The flavors are fantastic, and prices are so affordable that for what you’d pay for one scoop elsewhere, you can easily devour two sundaes here.

Best Hike

Saarland has many wonderful premium hiking trails. The Litermont Summit Trail in Nalbach is a particularly beautiful one. From the summit, you have a stunning view across the region.

Best Cycling Route

Saarland isn’t very large, so a cycling tour straight across the state along the Saar river is totally doable — and really rewarding.

If you’re not up for the full distance, you can easily split it into several stages. Either way, you’ll get to see a great deal of Saarland.

Places for a Stroll

Saarbrücken, as the largest city in Saarland, is always a great option. But if you’re after something more relaxed, Saarlouis is lovely.

In Neunkirchen, the Saarpark Center is a great place to browse on a rainy day.

And if you enjoy sewing, not far from the Saarpark Center is the Stoffparadies on Hüttenbergstraße — a huge selection of fabrics stacked right up to the ceiling, truly a paradise for sewing enthusiasts.

Hotels in Saarland

Favorite Hotel in Saarland

In Bosen, there’s the rustically charming Victor’s Seehotel Seegärtner — simple and cozy with great food. You’ll also be right near Bostalsee and a beautiful, peaceful corner of Saarland that’s perfect for unwinding.

Best Base for a Vacation

If you prefer city life, Saarbrücken is the natural home base. It’s also well worth exploring properly — maybe even join a guided tour, because even as a local I’ve picked up all kinds of new things on them.

For families, I’d recommend starting out in more rural areas, such as Merzig, Losheim, or near Bostalsee. From Merzig or the Losheim area, you’re also just a short drive from Luxembourg or Trier as additional day trip destinations.