Overview of Saarland
Situated in the west of Germany, Saarland is bordered by Rhineland Palatinate, France and Luxembourg.
The region has a tumultuous history starting after it was settled by the ancient Treveri and Mediomatrici Celtic tribes.
Over the next 2,000 years, the region underwent changes of allegiance between the Roman, Frankish, Carolingian, French and German Empires. All these changes culminated in the region's chaotic cultural heritage.
But most importantly, its connection with France turned the region into one of the most successful industrial powerhouses in the world.
On 1 January 1957, the territory finally became the smallest state of the Federal Republic of Germany as we know it today.
After having changed nationalities eight times, it’s little wonder then that the Saarland is somewhat of a ‘bipolar’ region, with strong French influences.
Steeped in the roots of Saarland is a rich cultural heritage dating back to its ancient tribes. Traces of the Roman era can be found in interesting archaeological sites which have produced some stunning relics, beautifully preserved Roman villas and partially restored Roman cities.
Magnificent castles, mysterious castle ruins and fortresses bear excellent witness to the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Saarland's famous industrial past shared with France at one time has left its mark in the remains of the “Volklinger Hütte”, a UNESCO World Heritage site ... evidence of its once great industrial prowess.
After its closure in 1986, it was declared a historical monument, and in 1994 was awarded the status of a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.
The importance of the site is that it’s the only surviving plant which has kept its original form intact from the heyday of the Industrial Revolution worldwide.
This makes the Saarland one of the top destinations in Germany for travelers who seek to learn more about the region’s ancient roots and discover its industrial history.
The endless idyllic lakes and ponds, splendid riverside meadows and magical forests is hiker and cyclist fans' ultimate nature wonderland.
Whether you want to enjoy the peaceful quiet of a rustic village or hamlet, check out the vibrant nightlife in a majestic town or elegant city, Saarland is waiting to introduce you to its mysterious 'split personality'.
A visit to Saarland is unmissable, even though the region appear to be the most aloof and uninteresting regions of Germany. Why not visit the region to expand your knowledge about it? That way you can form your own opinion about the character of the destination!
Due to the region’s historical past, you will encounter a wealth of historical landmarks and a diverse cultural heritage.
Put our 14/18 day Germany Vacation at the top of your travel bucket list for a memorable journey of discovery into subtle Saarland’s culture.
There are numerous opportunities to explore to your heart's content for a leisurely vacation combined with luxury experiences ... from exclusive dining options, to extraordinary spa treatments and other luxury delights.
Unearth one-of-a-kind experiences while exploring like a local to gain a deeper insight into the culture of the inhabitants.
Our proactive activities will draw you closer to the way of life of the locals. Such experiences are bound to change your perceptions and opinions of the destination and its inhabitants, and leave you with memories that you will cherish for life.
Join us on our 14 or 18 day vacations to experience one of Germany’s most unassuming regions.
But if you're not ready to travel with us yet, and is planning a trip to the Saarland, read more ... and use the information and links to discover off-the-beaten path places that you’ve never heard of before.
Saarland's Dillingen District
Pachten is a town situated in the municipality of Dillingen Saarland. Like most villages, you’ll find it hard to locate on a map, but you’ll be surprised at the intrinsic historical heritage of such an ‘insignificant’ place.
Museum Pachten
The location of the museum is very unusual, as it’s housed in a former farmhouse. So you might wonder what is the significance of the museum? Well, here it is.
The museum showcases pre-and early history of the district of Saarlouis, Dillingen and ultimately Pachten. The artifacts on display are from the Gallo-Roman period and the Roman settlement of Contiomagus.
Contiomagus was significant in that it could be accessed by two Roman trunk roads, one which led from Metz, France to Mainz, Germany, and the other from Trier, Germany to Strasbourg, France. This provided easy passage to and from Germany and France during an age when tarred, fast highways weren’t in vogue.
The farm’s barn is used for exhibitions, while the basement showcase ancient fossil and mineral collections. The bedroom is furnished with items dating back 100 years, giving you a glimpse into the personal life of farmers during that period.
The exhibition focuses on the Gallo-Roman era and the relics are from a local burial ground, which is one of the largest in south-western Germany. Other relics are from the Stone, Bronze, Iron Ages and Celtic periods.
The ceramics, coins, implements and tools that were used in everyday life in and on a farm property date back to the 19th to 20th centuries.
Various group tours on special topics are planned to include handicrafts, pottery or Roman cooking classes.
So if you want to put your creative skills to the test, the museum will be right up your alley!
Your Visit to Museum Pachten and the Roman Park
Temporary Closure
The museum is currently closed due to construction work. However, according to their website, you may contact them to arrange an appointment as part of a group tour. See details below:
More Info:
Contact
Tel: 06831/709-212
Website: https://www.roemermuseum-pachten.de/
Address
Fischerstrasse 2,
Dillingen,
Saarland, 66763,
Germany
Römerpark (Roman Park)
A 15-minute leisurely stroll from the museum will take you to the Römerpark which is located on the same premises as the museum. Called a Roman Vicus Contiomagus, it was a village-like structure, or, in simple English, a Roman market town.
It is estimated that the settlement was built shortly after the Roman conquest of the region and it contains the remains of residential buildings, a former Roman burial ground, a craftsman’s quarter and a temple complex. Part of the Pachten museum’s relics comes from this settlement.
The park is small and has a themed playground in the center, which will be a great place to visit if traveling with your kids. The spacious sand play area is framed by a small watercourse, has two “castle towers” with a connecting palisade wall, climbing nets and a large slide.
Roman fort towers was reconstructed in its original size near the playground, to give you an idea of what the fort might have looked like back then.
Access to the Roman Park is free since it’s located on the same premises as the museum. Nice for a picnic lunch after visiting the museum!
If you’re visiting the area in the beginning of September, you can attend the Pachten Roman and Celtic Festival which is an annual event.
St. Maximin (Pachten)
Known as St. Maximin and the Fourteen Holy Helpers, it is a Catholic parish church with some awe-inspiring items for such a standard building; compared to the notable and famous cathedrals in the region.
However, what will catch your eye as you walk into the church is the extraordinary organ on the balcony.
The next thing that will demand your attention is the outstanding alter piece containing little statuettes of the Fourteen Holy Helpers.
More Info:
Contact - Provisional Central Office St. Odilla, Dillingen
Tel: +49 6831 71074
Address
Provisional Central Office St. Odilia,
Maximinstr. 69,
66763 Dillingen/Saar
Germany
Office Hours
Monday & Tuesday: 09:00 – 12:30; 13:30 – 16:00
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 09:00 – 12:30; 15:30 – 18:00
Friday: 09:00 – 12:30
Lunchtime Treats
After your visit to the church, it should be lunchtime and the best place to start searching for a restaurant or café would be in the vicinity of the market square.
For lunch options, there are three eateries situated near the market square and St. Maximin Church where you can get closer to the locals while enjoying some local fare:
* Gastätte Hauch-Knopp – Wilhelmstraβe 6, 66763 Dillingen/Saar
* Gastätte Hector-Leinen – Friedrichstraβe 16, 66763 Dillingen/Saar
* Café Robert – Friedrichstraβe 14, 66763 Dillingen/Saar.
After Lunch
Saarbrücken
For your next visit take a drive to Saarbrücken which will be worth your while, even if the drive is approximately one hour.
There are so many iconic sites to visit, that you might have to extend your stay for another day if you really want to get into the history and culture of the town.
The town’s famous and amazing landmarks are mostly attributed to architect Friedrich Joachim Stengel dating back to the 1700’s.
Ludwigkirche on Ludwigsplatz
Ludwigsplatz houses an awesome ensemble of extraordinary buildings that was completed in 1775. Ludwigskirche is situated on the square, together with the palace and the civil servants’ houses.
The impressive structure of the church is considered to be one of the most stylish and aesthetically perfect Protestant baroque churches in Germany. After being completely destroyed during WWII, both the church and palace were meticulously and authentically restored to its original forms.
Outside the church, you will be welcomed by statues of the four evangelists in the niches and 28 figures of prophets, apostles, as well as other Biblical figures in the balustrades.
The interior is adorned with elegant stuccowork, and the galleries on four sides are held up by fine carvings of draped female figurines, which represent the women of Caryae.
According to a story related by the 1st century BC Roman architectural writer Vitruvius, caryatids represent the women of Caryae who were doomed to hard labor because the town sided with the Persians in 480 BC during Rome's second invasion of Greece.
The caryatids are therefore proof of the strong Roman influence in the region.
More Info:
Contact
Tel: 0681/52524
Email: alt-saarbruecken@ekir.de
Alternative Email: saarbruecken-mitte@ekir.de
Address
Evangelical Parish of Saarbrücken-Mitte
Ludwigplatz 11,
66117 Saarbrücken
Guided Tours for Groups – Prior Registration Required
Public Tours: Free Admission
Duration: approx. 15 – 20 minutes
Basilica of St. John the Baptist
About a 10-minute walk from the Ludwigkirche you will come across the Basilica of St. John the Baptist with its stunning interior. The Neo-Gothic church is currently being used for concerts, performances and discussions, as part of the project “City Church”.
Stengel was also responsible for this graceful Baroque church built in the 1750’s. The bronze doors show scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist and were remade in 1986 after they were damaged during WWII.
The church has an intricate pulpit dating to 1764 and four confessionals from 1789 containing figurines of the famous repentant sinners, namely, King David, Mary Magdalene, Peter and the thief on the cross.
More Info:
Contact
Tel: (0681) 90 68 80
Email: kontakt@pfarrei-st-johann.de
Address
Katholisches Pfarramt St. Johann 25
66111 Saarbrücken
Germany
Parish Office Contact
Tel: (0681) 90 68 80
Email: kontakt@pfarrei-st-johann.de
Address
Schumannstr. 25
66111 Saarbrücken
Germany
Opening Hours
Monday: 09:00 – 12:00; 14:00 – 16:00
Tuesday: 14:00 – 16:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 12:00
Thursday: 14:00 – 16:00
Friday: 09:00 – 12:00
Saar Historical Museum & Saarbrücken Castle
The size of this iconic museum can seem deceptive from the outside, until you step into it.
The museum offers current exhibitions on different topics, permanent exhibitions of the history of Saarland, a gigantic system of fortifications and casemates from the 15th and 16th centuries under the Schlossplatz.
In the galleries on the upper two floors, you can re-visit Saarland 300 years ago through its art, design and everyday items. The galleries also guide you through Saarland’s past from the Stone to the Middle Ages.
Below the Schlossplatz you will be taken on a journey of the Saar’s Medieval and Early Modern history.
This is a perfect opportunity to venture through sections of the Medieval castle to learn more about the history. The Renaissance casemate will complete the picture you have in your mind of how casemates were used during times of war.
More Info
Contact – Museum Box Office
Tel: 0681 506 4506
Email: info@hismus.de
NOTE:
Bookings are only binding after they’ve been confirmed. So make sure that you get your confirmation before your trip.
Contact – Administration
Tel: 0681 506 4501
Email: hms@hismus.de
Ticket Office Closing Time
30 Minutes before opening hours.
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Public Holidays: 10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 20:00 – free admission every first Wednesday of the month except for guided and private tours.
Free Audio Guided Tours
Visit the link below to learn more:
Museum Restaurant
You can visit the museum shop at the entrance area of the museum and you can visit the beer garden situated behind the restaurant.
Café am Schloss
Reservations:
Tel: 0681/58 26 21
Email: chateau@gmx.com
Website: https://www.cafe-am-schloss.com/
Saarbrücken Castle
This legendary Renaissance castle was rebuilt in the 17th century, only to be destroyed later with only the cellars remaining intact.
In the 18th century, Prince Wilhelm Heinrich commissioned Stengel to build a new Baroque residence on the same site. Since then, the castle suffered various forms of destruction and was partially burnt down before it was renovated in 1989.
Designed by the architect Gottfried Böhm, the castle is now an administrative center and venue for cultural events, conferences and other festivities.
Guided Tours
There are several guided tours available and you can contact them on the contact details provided for Saar Historical Museum before this section.
Offerings
* From the Castle to the Palace – Meeting point in the foyer of the Historical Museum (see address details under “Saar Historical Museum & Saarbrücken Castle” – “Saar Historical Museum” in the previous section above. Duration: approx. 90 minutes. The tour can be booked individually or for groups for a date of your choosing.
* Tours with the Castle Ghost – Saarbrücken Castle – Sundays 11:00 – this is a fun tour, especially if you're traveling with your kids. For children aged three plus, they will not only learn historical facts but be entertained by fun story-telling. The meeting point is at the Saarbrücken Castle's Foyer, Central Pavilion. Please note that you have to make an appointment for group guided tours. Contact – Tel: +49 (0)681/506 6006. Alternatively, you can contact the Saar Historical Museum to learn more: Email: info@hismus.de
* City Tours & Other Tours – you can also book these tours to learn more about Saarbrücken and surrounds by contacting the Saar Historical Museum for more info.
Museum in the Castle Church
The Castle Church is located to the north of the castle complex and is designed in the Late Gothic style dating from the end of the 15th century. In 1743, Stengel re-designed the tower to its present form.
From 1651, the church became the burial place for the Saarbrücken dynasty. Their tombs and memorials can be viewed here, and, contained within glass cases are Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque sculptures, candelabras and tabernacles.
The church was damaged during WWII and has become a museum for liturgical art from around the Saar region.
The museum at the castle offers permanent exhibitions throughout the year, as well as current exhibitions on a wide variety of topics regularly.
If you have a special interest in religion or want to discover the Saar's royal heritage, or both, you should definitely visit the museum.
More Info:
Museum Closure:
The museum will be closed from Tuesday, September 17, 2024 due to construction work. You can contact them on the following number for event updates: +49 (0)681.95405-0
Contact – Guided Tours
Tel: +49 (0)681.9964-234
Email: service@saarlandmuseum.de
Service Web Page:
Main Web Page:
General Enquiries
Tel: +49 (0)681.95405-0
Address
Am Schlossberg 6
66119 Saarbrücken
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 20:00
Monday: Closed
Rathaus St. Johann
A 5-minute walk from the Castle Church will bring you to this magnificent landmark, which is the town hall designed in the Gothic Revival style.
The windows in the façade are ornamented with tracery, pinnacles and masses of ornamentation from its Gothic past. On the central tower you will see Saarbrücken’s coat of arms, a clock and carillon that chimes about twice per day, at certain times.
Further down the façade there is a row of statues portraying a miner, a farmer, a brewer, a merchant, a tanner and a steel worker. The figurines are focused on the different major trades in the city at the turn of the century. Also in the same area is a statue of St. George slaying a ‘dragon’, which depicts the devil.
Glockenspiel in the Town Hall Tower
Interesting is that the town hall houses the glockenspiel in the tower which goes off at 15:15 and 19:19 every day. The song repertoire changes depending on the season and on special occasions. Thus if you visit the area regularly during different seasons and occasions, you will be treated to different songs!
The Tourist Information in the Town Hall offers regular guided tours of the tower of St. Johann’s Town Hall.
More Info:
Contact
Tel: +49 681 95909-200
Email: tourist.info@city-sb.de
Website: https://tourismus.saarbruecken.de/
Address
Tourist Information in the Town Hall
St. Johann
Rathausplatz 1
66111 Saarbrücken
Germany
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 15:00
Ratskeller: Cuisine at the Town Hall
Located in the historic town hall is the Ratskeller restaurant where you can enjoy authentic German cuisine when you take a break after visiting the town hall. The restaurant has rooms with different themes, a lounge, foyer, bistro and a standing area. And if you’re in the vicinity later in the day, you can enjoy delicious cocktails. See below for details:
* Daily Happy Hour from 17:00 – 19:00 with half-price cocktails;
* Daily Council Hour from 22:33: all cocktails come at the same price of €4.90;
* Sunday Brunch every Sunday, and a music program every second Sunday of the month.
More Info:
Contact
Tel: +49 681 9101708
Address
St. Johann,
Rathausplatz 1,
66111 Saarbrücken
Germany
Reservations Web Page
Reservations for group dining – from 17:00 on request. To learn more: https://www.ratskeller-saarbruecken.de/reservieren/
Kitchen Opening Hours for Groups
Monday – Thursday: 17:00 – 22:00
Friday & Saturday: 17:00 – 22:30
Sunday: 17:00 – 21:30
Sankt Johanner Markt
By now, you won’t have more time to explore further.
So head to the St, Johanner Market Square, to do some eye-shopping and check out what would be the perfect gifts for loved ones. Take a peek inside the boutiques so that when you return the next day, you will know exactly where to get some genuine Saarland gifts for loved ones and souvenirs for yourself.
You will find a variety of bars, bistros and restaurants on the square; an ideal spot to experience the heart-beat of Saarbrücken. The square is a pedestrian precinct, making it a pleasure to mix with the locals in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Baroque fountain that graces the square gives you a direct view of the castle and is a great vantage point to take some nice pictures.
For dinner, head to the Fröschengasse where the former craftsmen’s and workers’ houses were located. It was once partly built onto the old town hall and was rebuilt in 1978 according to the Baroque style. The houses have been transformed into restaurants with quaint courtyards where you can have a meal in a relaxing atmosphere.
Saarstraβe
A stroll to the wall at the end of Saarstraβe after dinner, will give you awesome views of the river and what lies on its banks. There is a water level meter in the wall to warn passers-by of high water levels.
Saarbrücken Market Days
If you happen to be on the square on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, you can spend the day looking at the wares on offer at the market. Visit during these main market days or if you're in the region around Xmas, the market is alive with locals and travelers from around the globe.
This is the ideal time to find authentic German gifts or one-of-a-kind souvenirs to grace your home with.
But for now, it's nearly time for you to find an eatery to satisfy your growling stomach's craving for genuine local cuisine.
And the rest of Saarbrücken will have to wait another day!
Other Places of Note in Saarbrücken
Stift Sankt Arnual
Located not far from St. Johanner Markt and within walking distance of the square, lies the district of Sankt Arnual.
The 13th century abbey church of Stift Sankt Arnual is regarded as one of southwest Germany’s prominent monuments. A succession of Princes and the Counts of Nassau-Saarbrücken are interred here.
Another prominent figure laid to rest here is the wife of Philipp I, Count of Nassau-Weilburg who passed away in 1456. His wife, Elisabeth of Lorraine-Vaudemont was one of the first writers of the Early New German language.
Visiting this site will give you a glimpse into the history of some of the region’s most important figures and will be worth your time spent in the area.
More Info:
Contact – Parish Office
Tel: 0681 9850505
Email: st.arnual@ekir.de
Address
Albert-Schweitzer-Haus
Arnulfstrasse 19
66119 Saarbrücken
Germany
Opening Hours – Collegiate Church
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friedenskirche (Peace Church)
A ten-minute walk from Sankt Arnual will take you to the Friedenkirche. The Friedenkirche is the old Catholic Church in Saarbrücken which was also designed by Stengel and erected in the 1740’s.
During the French Revolution in 1793, the church was converted into a “Temple of Reason”; which had its roots in a new belief system created by the Cult of Reason to replace Christianity. What happened during this period was that the symbols representing Christianity were covered up and replaced by the symbols of the "Cult of Reason".
During most of the 19th century, the building was used as a school. However, another incident which impacted the church's history happened in 1871, when a student at the school shot and seriously injured two classmates.
More Info:
Contact – Pastors
1. Dr. Ruth Tuschling
Tel: 0681 – 947 275 07 (Parish Office)
Mobile: 0177 - 712 90 48
Parish Email: saarbruecken@alt-katholisch.de
2. Michael Bastian (Volunteer Deacon)
Tel: 0681 – 940 008 37
Mobile: 0174 – 593 73 79
Address
Old Catholic Parish of Saarbrücken
Eisenbahnstr. 6
66117 Saarbrücken
Germany
Homburg
For your next day's tour, you can visit the town of Homburg.
Homburg is a small town in south-west Germany and is not to be confused with Bad Homberg in Hesse. Homburg is an ancient market town and lies on the River Erbach.
The market square is picturesque and surrounded by elegant examples of 17th century buildings. After exploring the square your next stop should be the Hohenburg Castle ruins. The ruins also go by the name “Homburg Castle Ruins”, “Homburg Fortress", as well as “Vauban Fortress Homburg”
Vauban Fortress Homburg (Hohenburg Castle Ruins/Homburg Fortress)
Castle ruins might not seem like the most interesting landmark to visit, but if you know a bit about the history of the ruin, or if there are guided tours that can explain the significance of the monument, it will come to life in front of your eyes.
The rest is all up to your imagination to put an important piece of history into context. The reward is that you discover an important event in history that you might otherwise have missed during your travels to a particular region ... just because you thought there's nothing interesting about castle and fortress ruins.
If you’re travelling on your own, you can use the listening tour app to download a GPS-supported audio tour which will help you find your way around the fortress.
Hohenburg Castle was the seat of the Counts of Homburg in the 12th century, who received rights to the city at the foot of the Schlossberg in 1330.
After the death of the last Count of Homburg in 1449, the castle and town were besieged by the Counts of Nassau-Saarbrücken.
King Louis of France expanded the castle into a modern citadel.
The ruins of the castle were uncovered in 1981.
More Info:
Contact – Homburg Tourist Office
Tel: 06841 101 820
Email: touristik@homburg.de
Website:
Address
Tourist Information Homburg
Talstrasse 57a
66424 Homburg/Saar
Germany
Schlossberghöhlen Cave
The Schlossberg Cave lies beneath the ruins of the Homburg Fortress. The cave consist of passageways which lead to domed halls. It is assumed that the first passageways were used for the defense of the Medieval town of Hohenburg.
The Schlossberg caves have recently been extensively renovated for the safety of visitors.
Information & Registration
More Info:
Contact
Tel: 06841 2064
NOTE:
It is possible to visit the cave during opening hours without prior registration.
Last Entry: One hour before closing time.
Group Visits:
Registration is required for groups.
Contact:
Tel: 06841 2064
Address
Schlossberghöhlen Homburg
Schlossberghöhenstraβe 1
66424 Homburg
Opening Hours:
Summer: 09:00 – 17:00
Winter: 10:00 – 16:00
December & January: Closed
Karlsberger Hof
In order for you to understand the history of Karlsberger Hof, we have to take a step back to its origins. The building that is now known as Karlsberger Hof used to be part of the Karlsberger Castle.
The Karlsberg Palace was an existing estate under Duke Karl II August von Palatinate-Zweibrücken. The building was developed and underwent many conversions which turned it into one of the most iconic palace complexes in Europe at the time.
During the French revolution it was totally destroyed, except for the former warehouse, which is today known as Karlsberger Hof. Karlsberger Hof is now occupied by the Karlsberger Hof Foundation.
Forest Park Karlsberg Castle
The foundation’s purpose is to preserve the legacy of the castle by safeguarding the ruins and the relics of the surrounding castle park and the Karlslust, a park located further away from the castle site.
These areas have been re-visualised to give visitors an immersive experience about the history of the area when they visit.
This makes for an interesting hike to discover the castle’s and its surrounding areas’ history. You can explore the trail along a small circular path. A newly created footpath forms a connection between the cascades and swan ponds, as well as other restored monuments along the way.
There are audio trail stations where you will learn and immerse yourself in historic facts during your walk; to help you visualize what the area looked like way back then. Each station is marked with a symbol on the map and you are provided with two free audio tours for your hike.
The duration of the hike is approximately one to two hours.
The area is lush with vegetation, and is an ideal stop for you to stretch your legs if you’re not hiking in the area.
Forest Park Karlsberg Castle Hiking
Information for Your Visit to Karlsberg Castle Forest Park
Make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes as the grounds are extensive and involves a lot of walking if you want to explore what is left of the castle. The site is popular with hikers across the world. If traveling in a group, make it interesting by having each person searching for different clues to see who can get to their "destination" first.
Orangery
Explore the remains of the plant house, said to have been the most impressive building, where citrus fruits were cultivated. The duke also used it as a banquet hall in summer.
The Karlslust
This was an extensive castle park and some of its characteristics highlighted the gardens. The menagerie was inspired by ancient amphitheaters housing numerous animals. Today the facility is known as the “Bear Kennel”.
A visit to the park will be well worth your while if you’re a nature enthusiast. It is stunning to say the least, and surrounded by lush vegetation for you to enjoy nature at its best.
To start your journey of discovery on the audio trail, head to one of the stations of the trail. You will be provided with an audio which will give you extensive information about the history of Karlberg during your hike.
More info about the hiking trail:
Download the Audio:
To learn more about the Audio Trail, the link below provides you with a map, a download link for the audio and contact details:
More Info:
Contact – Karlsberg Castle Forest Park
Karlsberger Hof Foundation - Enquiries
Contact Person: Réka Maret
Tel: 06841/105414
Email: info@schloss-karlsberg.de
Website: https://schloss-karlsberg.de/
Karlsberger Hof
Tel: 06841-17-30-52
Email: karlsbergerhof@t-online.de
Address
Karlsbergstrasse 62,
66424 Homburg
Germany
Roman Museum Schwarzenacker
About a half hour’s drive from Homburg, you can visit one of the area's most iconic museums where you can experience Roman history and the history of Homburg.
The Roman Museum is an open-air museum dating back to the Roman Empire, which used to be a former Roman trading town. The town was founded by Emperor Augustus and was completely destroyed in 275 -276 AD after a raid. Some of it has been reconstructed to give you deeper insight into Roman everyday life.
When you walk through the Baroque garden you will come across a villa that dates back to the 18th century.
The villa houses the museum where various relics from the Roman craftsmen and artists are displayed. The relics are displayed on the ground floor.
Thirty late Baroque paintings on display used to be part of the villa. They are on permanent loan from the Bavarian State Painting Collections. What’s even more interesting is to learn how they came into the possession of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. More about that below ...
Group Themed Tours: Children & Adults
Kids love story-telling and they enjoy it even more if it's interactive. And if you're in the same boat, the museum has lots of family fun activities in store for you and your family.
This is a great way to immerse your group into the local culture, as well as giving your kids the opportunity to learn about the Roman history and culture through fun experiences. So whether you're a couple with young kids or an adult family group, you'll have a variety of experiences to choose from.
Museum Experiences for Children
Click on the link below to have a look at the themes: https://www.roemermuseum-schwarzenacker.de/index.php/kinder
Museum Experiences for Adults
Click on the link below to have a look at the themes:
Other Themed Tours
These tours are best for adult groups - whether family or friend groups.
Click on the link below to get access to these tours:
More Info:
Contact
Tel: (06848) 73 07 77
Address
Roman Museum Homburg-Schwarzenacker,
Homburger Straße 38,
66424 Homburg
Germany
Opening Hours
November – February: Closed
March – Monday – Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00
April – October – Monday – Friday: 09:00 17:00
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 09:00 – 18:00
Dining
After wrapping up your interactive themed tour at the museum, it’s time to find a place where you can enjoy a delicious dinner.
French Gastronomy: Gästehaus Petit Château
Why not skip the German fare and try out the fine French cuisine at Petite Chateau? The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 18:00 to 23:00. Make sure that you book before 19:30 as the kitchen only accepts orders up to this time.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it is actually a guest house, and if fully booked, you might have trouble getting a reservation for the restaurant.
More Info:
Contact
Tel: (06848) 73 07 77
Email: info@lapetitemaison.saarland
Reservations:
Tel: 0841/15211
Address
Alte Reichsstraße 4,
66424 Homburg
Germany
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 18:00 – 23:00
Kitchen Opening Times
Tuesday – Saturday: 18:00 – 19:30
Wine Bars
There are so many wine bars it will make your head spin before you've even had one sip of the region's delectable wine. Take a walk through the town to see which one tickles your fancy and enjoy it in the company of locals who might have even more stories to tell than the "maids" at the Roman Museum.
Beer-Lovers
Homburger Brauhaus
The brewery offers indoor-and-outdoor dining options. If the weather permits, you’ll enjoy the ambience of al fresco dining and the welcoming vibe of the Brauhaus.
More Info:
Contact
Tel: 06841 - 2466
Email: info@homburger-brauhaus.de
Website: https://www.homburger-brauhaus.de/
Address
Talstrasse 38d
66424 Homburg
Germany
Kitchen Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 21:00
Friday: 09:00 – 21:30
Saturday: 09:00 – 21:00
Restaurant Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 22:00
Friday: 09:00 - 23:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 22:00
Sunday: Closed
Saarland Public Holidays: 09:00 – 17:00
For Night Owls
Akif’s Lounge (Hookah Bar)
If retiring at 11:00 is too early for you, you are adventurous and would like to experiment a bit, you might want to get yourself to Akif’s Lounge.
This is your chance to try smoking shisha in a traditional Turkish water pipe (nargile). After having puffed your lungs out, you can sample some cocktails, of which they have an extensive array. End the night with some fresh coffee to get your brain back to its normal self. Also on offer are the most delicious biscuits to be washed down with the refreshing brew ...
More Info:
Contact
Tel: +49 6841 9949799
Address
Talstraße 54,
66424 Homburg
Germany
Opening Hours
Monday - Thursday 18:15 – 23:00
Friday – Saturday: 18:15 – 01:30
Sunday: 18:15 – 23:30
Nature & Hiking in Saarland
Hiking trails through unspoilt woodland and meadows in Saarland is perfect for those who want to experience the region’s natural beauty. The region has top-quality hiking trails and proof thereof is that the Saar-Hunsrück Climb was officially recognized as Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail in 2017.
To learn more, visit this link:
There are over 60 premium trails so you will be spoiled for choice. The Saar-Hunsrück Steig and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Bliesgau are two of the most outstanding choices.
If you’re into glamping, you can visit this link to learn more about the Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve Glamping Resort:
The landscape of Bliesgau extends far into France and large parts of the area are under the protection of the Biosphere Reserve.
Enjoy the natural beauty of wide landscapes, orchards, meadows, beech forests and pastures and ... breathe, just breathe in the fresh and unpolluted air.
Added to this is the fabulous fauna and flora, stunning wild horses, enormous water buffalo and numerous bird species that presents nature in all its forms.
Cyclists can take advantage of the routes along the valley floors for cross-border trips to France and Luxembourg. For those who are super-fit, the arduous ascents of the Hunsrück peaks are challenging if you want to try them.
A cultural cycling tour from Saarbrücken to Trier will have you experience the cultural highlights of Porta Nigra in Trier, as well as Villeroy & Bosch and the UNESCO World Heritage site of “Volklinger Hütte” in Saarland in a unique way.
Wrapping Up
A visit to Saarland is exciting as you can easily cross into Luxembourg and France to experience more than one culture in one visit.
Ancient villages and pulsating towns all offer a wide range of historical heritage that gives the region its bipolar character.
Delectable cuisine from local Saarlandish fare to exotic French dishes makes the region a food-lover’s haven.
Vast vineyards ensure that the region produce premium wines that can hold its own with the more famed vintage of the Rheingau and Rhineland Palatinate.
Unadulterated landscapes with mystical forests and premium hiking and cycling trails are not to be missed by those who are seeking the tranquility of the countryside.
What are you waiting for? Try Saarland to be pleasantly surprised by all the mysteries that the region holds.
Happy travels and ... Carpe Diem!
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