Saarland
GREAT THINGS HAVE SMALL BEGINNINGS
»Unn?!«
At the heart of Europe, in southwestern Germany, in the Greater Region: Saarland is the most French of all German states – and, just like their neighbours on the other side of the border, the people of Saarland appreciate the fine art of savoir vivre. Over the course of 200 years, the state changed hands eight times, but never relinquished its identity. This is something that has shaped the mindset of the people of Saarland. Short distances, close personal relationships, a lively sense of community, a willingness to roll up their sleeves and pitch in, including in a wide range of voluntary activities and charities: all of these attributes make for a region that is focussed on the future and on progress. The state is the ideal place to work, study, conduct research, enjoy life and relax. Word of the broad choice of attractions and activities for tourists is spreading: more and more guests are discovering the unbeatable choice of active, nature and culture holidays along the Saar.
5 Highlights
in Saarland
Saar Loop
The Saar Look is the state’s most instantly recognisable landmark, and a popular excursion destination for guests from near and far.
Saar Polygon
Visible from afar, the Saar Polygon is a reminder of the end of coal mining in the Saar region in June 2012.
World Heritage Site Völklingen Ironworks
Mining meets the modern age at the World Cultural Heritage Site at the Völklingen Ironworks, where fantastic exhibitions are regularly held and there is lots of space for art.
Bliesgau Biosphere
The Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve in the south-east of Saarland is one of 17 UNESCO biosphere reserves in Germany. The landscape is characterised by forests, wild orchards and the floodplains of the Blies River.
Tholey Abbey
Tholey Abbey is the oldest monastery on German soil. Three stained glass windows in the abbey church were designed by the famous artist Gerhard Richter.
SAARLAND AT THE FESTIVAL OF GERMAN UNITY
After Schwerin comes Saarbrücken – and at the Festival of German Unity visitors can book their trip to German Unity Day 2025.
Our guests will also learn why, quite apart from the festivities next year, Saarland is always worth visiting. Our eye-catching mobile pop-up showroom presents a great choice of attractions and activities:
- Take part in the Saarland Quiz and find out more about the smallest federal state in Germany – e.g. with questions about the UNESCO biosphere reserve Bliesgau, winner of the federal competition Sustainable Tourism Destinations. There’s an attractive main prize.
- See Saarland from above and beat the high score: powered by technology developed in Saarland, the Saarbird gaming experience invites visitors to take a gesture-controlled sightseeing flight over the most European of all 16 federal states.
- Football world champion game changer with a unique history: how the Saarland almost prevented the Miracle of Bern and why it also counts as one of the new federal states thanks to a referendum in 1955.
- Join us for some “Verzählsches” – the local word for a cosy chat: the Saarland Team at our info counter look forward to chatting to visitors.
In other words, diversity and lots of attractive activities in a small area – as we said: great things always start out small.
Visitors can also expect great culinary offerings: Saarland, a region of starred chefs, joie de vivre and culinary delights, has specialties that are individual and sophisticated, down-to-earth and typical of the region.
Conviviality, hospitality and a culture of enjoyment: Saarland’s barbecue culture has many of the attributes that characterise the state’s spirit. Visitors to the festival can enjoy sizzling specialities straight off the grill in a typical Saarland setting – but at the heart of Schwerin.
This great programme will be rounded off by live music and award-winning magic from the Saarland.
FOR GERMAN UNITY DAY 2024:
THE MINISTER-PRESIDENT OF SAARLAND,
Anke Rehlinger
“People who set sail together need to be able to trust one another. Once you have that, you can make progress at full speed. German Unity Day shows that this trust has grown across the whole nation. Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are marvellous hosts for a country that has grown together and continues to do so – a nation that is setting sail together. I look forward to the celebrations in Schwerin!”
Anke Rehlinger
Minister-President of Saarland