Here is my guide to the best things to do in Saarbrücken, the capital of Germany’s smallest province, Saarland, which is on the doorstep of north-east France in southwestern Germany.
Saarbrücken may not be familiar to many travellers – it’s way off the beaten track, in one of the least-explored regions of Germany.
Business travellers may have come across Saarbrucken, as it hosts trade fairs and conferences, but it’s relatively unknown territory in tourist terms.
We stopped over twice in Saarbrücken, and took the time to explore this intriguing city and surrounding area.
We found a city with a charming old Baroque core, some great museums and galleries and, a few miles away, one of the most amazing World Heritage Sites we’ve ever visited.
Things to Do In Saarbrücken – A quick snapshot
Saarbrücken is the capital of the Saarland region of Germany, but in tourist terms, it’s way off the beaten track.
It’s a small city at one of the crossroads of Western Europe, with the French border only 5 km (3 miles) away. Luxembourg is little more than an hour away, and Belgium is less than 2 hours’ drive away.
Saarbrücken dates back over a thousand years, and many of its finest buildings date from the 18th century Baroque period. Most of these are the work of architect Friedrich Joachim Stengel.
Its name means ‘bridges over the river Saar’.
We stayed in Saarbrücken twice, using it as a stopover base en route to and from Paris. We found that it makes a very good base for exploring the ancient Roman city of Trier, the unheralded but very scenic Saar river, and the border area of the Lorraine region of France, including the beautiful city of Metz.
It’s also an 11-minute train ride from Völklingen Ironworks, a relatively unknown but stupendous UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Things to do In Saarbrucken
1. Explore Altsaarbrücken – Old Saarbrücken
Saarbrücken Altstadt is the area to the south of the river Saar between the Castle and Ludwigskirche (see both below). It’s far more atmospheric than the modern city centre across the river, with some beautiful 18th century houses lining the quiet streets.
Take a walk through this area of Saarbrücken first – you can either climb up to the Castle as I did, or head towards the lovely Ludwigskirche first, and walk uphill from there.
2. Explore Saarbrücken Castle
One of the first things to do in Saarbrücken is to explore the Schloss, or Castle. If you have just half a day in the city, this is where you should head.
Begin by walking up from the Schlosskirche at river level to the stone towers and ramparts of the late medieval castle, which command some of the best views of the city.
Schloss Saarbrücken later became a Baroque palace, designed and built by Friedrich Joachim Stengel, who built many of the finest buildings in Saarbrücken.
The modern glass and steel section in one wing of the Schloss was added in 1989 by Gottfried Bohm. This part of the palace now houses the Museum of Prehistory and Early History.
3. Ludwigskirche – St Ludwig’s Church
This fine Baroque church has become the symbol of Saarbrücken, and it’s the city’s most beautiful building, inside and out.
It’s one of the principal Protestant churches in Germany, along with the likes of the Michaelis Church in Hamburg and the Frauenkirche Dresden.
The Ludwigskirche is a lutheran baroque-style church and is was commissioned by Prince William Henry of Nassau- Saarbrücken in 1762, though it wasn’t completed until after his death.
The architect was Friedrich Joachim Stengel, who also built the nearby Castle (see above).
The exterior was originally painted white, in harmony with the splendid townhouses around the square, but there’s no sign of it being repainted, especially as it’s such a familiar local landmark the way it is.
The interior is quite simple and restrained, painted white, giving it a spacious, bright and airy feel. T
here are some wonderful Baroque flourishes, particularly the stucco ceiling decorations and the caryatids, female figures helping hold up the upper storey of the church.
4. Visit St Johanner Markt (sankt johanner markt)
If you’re staying in Saarbrücken overnight and only have a couple of hours at the end of the day, head for the Johanner Markt, close to the Old Bridge on the east side of the river Saar.
Altsaarbrücken on the other side of the river is beautiful but it’s on the quiet side. The St Johanner Markt is a lot livelier, with a host of restaurants and cafes around the busy square and surrounding side streets.
There’s a strong French influence in the architecture and ambience of the area, not to mention a few bistros. The whole area is pedestrianised, and there are plenty of great places to eat, including the French Restaurant Bastille and a nice little Mexican place, Café Especial.
5. Saar Historical Museum
The Historisches Museum Saar tells the fascinating story of the smallest Land (province) in Germany. The main exhibition focuses on its history since 1870.
It was a heavily industrialised region, and the 1919 Treaty of Versailles gave the Saarland to France for a decade, ostensibly to compensate it for the massive industrial losses incurred because of the First World War being fought on its soil.
The Saarland was returned to (by then Nazi) Germany in 1935, and the regime soon took over Saarbrücken Castle. The Gestapo (Nazi secret police) imprisoned and tortured victims there, and one of the cells has prisoners’ graffiti preserved on its walls.
It’s also well worth visiting the Museum as it gives you access to the underground walls of medieval Saarbrücken Castle.
6. Castle Gardens and Hieronymus Bock Herb Garden
This beautiful garden was a real surprise, as I hadn’t found any mention of it when I was seeking out things to do in Saarbrücken.
It’s located just below Saarbrücken Castle, on the south side, and is named after late medieval German botanist Hieronymus Bock.
There is a small section devoted to herbs, and the parterres pictured. It’s a serene spot, and it was a pleasure to sit in the shade and savour it for fifteen minutes or so.
7. Schlosskirche
The Castle Church dates back to the 13th century, and the present edifice was begun some time in the late 15th century.
It was built to provide a place of worship for people living in and around the Castle, a short distance up the hill.
The Schlosskirche has been rebuilt following fire in the 17th century and destruction during the Second World War.
It is now a Museum of ecclesiastical art, and you can also see the tombs of some of the Counts of Nassau- Saarbrücken in the chancel of the church.
8. The Alter Brucke (Old Bridge) And Riverside Walks
If you visit Saarbrücken, sooner or later you’re going to come across the Old Bridge, which links Altsaarbrücken with the St Johann district.
It’s a beautiful stone arched bridge dating from 1546, with a great view of the Schlosskirche and along the river Saar in both directions.
The riverbank is a popular area with locals. The walk and cycle way along the river is one of the best things to do in Saarbrücken.
The path on the Altsaarbrücken side (the left bank of the river) leads to the Saarkran, a remnant of the city’s trading past. It was built in the 18th century by the ubiquitous Friedrich Joachim Stengel.
9. Rathaus St Johann City Hall
The Rathaus St Johann is the city hall (town hall) of the town of St Johann, which along with Malstatt-Burbach was merged with Saarbrücken in 1909, creating the city we see today.
The Rathaus is magnificent, and I was amazed to learn that it only dates from the end of the 19th century.
It was designed and built by Georg J von Hauberrisser, who was also responsible for one of the most famous landmarks in Germany, the highly impressive Munich Rathaus.
10. St John the Baptist Basilica
The Basilica of St Johann was founded some time in the 7th century, and there has been a church on the site ever since. It was subsidiary to the nearby Monastery of St Arnual.
The present Baroque church was built by Friedrich Joachim Stengel, though there may have been some input from others, including another local architect, Heinrich Eckardt. It serves the local Catholic community.
There is more in the way of ornate Baroque ornamentation in the Basilica than in the Ludwigskirche, with a gold-painted pulpit and some extravagant side chapels.
11. Europa Galerie
This large shopping mall is housed in a fine neo-Renaissance palazzo style building in the city centre, and is one of the main landmarks of Saarbrücken. It’s by far the largest mall in the Saarland, and there’s also a supermarket downstairs in case you need supplies.
12. Bürgerpark Saarbrücken
I came across the Saarbrücken Citizens’ Park having wandered a little off piste after exploring Altsaarbrücken. It’s next to the river Saar and just to the west of the city centre, and I was drawn to it by the red brick building pictured.
The park is on the site of the former port, with a few old industrial buildings. At first I thought the building pictured bore a resemblance to the Imperial Baths in Trier, but on closer inspection I found it gushed waterfalls at intervals, while a handsome grey heron looked on from above the arches.
There is also a network of walking trails and a very popular skating area.
13. State Theatre
The Saarlandisches Statttstheater is a prominent Saarbrücken landmark, close to the river and Old Bridge. It’s the largest theatre in Saarbrücken, and when we visited they had a busy concert, drama and ballet schedule lined up for the next few months. An excellent arts venue.
14. German-French Garden
The Deutsch-Französischer Garten on the outskirts of Saarbrücken is the most extensive park in the city. It was opened to celebrate friendship between Germany and France, and there’s something there for everyone.
There are four themed flower gardens, playgrounds and lakes, and the Garden also plays host to some events, including a Christmas Market for a few days each year.
Best Things to do near Saabrucken
1. Völklingen Ironworks
I hadn’t realised how close Völklingen Ironworks (Völklinger Hütte) is to Saarbrücken until our second stopover in the city, and immediately made plans to visit.
It’s one of the first modern industrial sites to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and only 11 minutes away by train, there was no way I was going to miss it.
It’s one of the less familiar World Heritage Sites in Germany to English speakers, but if you have even the slightest interest in industrial history, this is a must-visit.
It’s an awe-inspiring place, with all the industrial remnants intact. Parts of the site have been used as spaces for art and exhibitions, while others have been left to nature, a work of art in itself.
2. Day Trip To Trier
Trier is the main reason most visitors venture to this relatively quiet corner of western Germany.
Trier – then known as Augusta Treverorum – was the Romans’ largest city north of the Alps. Several of the finest Roman monuments in Europe still stand there, including the magnificent Porta Nigra, a gateway that also housed a church for centuries
There is plenty more to see in this city on the Moselle River, with some beautiful old streets around the picturesque Hauptmarkt.
Trier Cathedral is one of the most impressive churches in Germany, and the nearby Roscheider Hof Open Air Museum is one of the best of its kind in Europe.
See Also: Things To Do In Trier – 26 Reasons to Visit The Oldest City In Germany
3. Gondwana – The Praehistorium
As a Dad with a dinosaur-loving son, I’ve seen my fair share of dinosaur attractions around the world. And Gondwana – The Praehistorium, about half an hour on the train from Saarbrücken, is one of the best I’ve seen yet.
The roaring animatronic creatures are great, inspiring awe (and plenty of roar) in the kids. The second part of the visit is a time travel journey from the Big Bang to the present day, including encounters with a megalodon (a prehistoric mega-shark that makes a great white look like a stickleback) and Neanderthal people.
The website recommends that the attraction is suitable for kids aged six and over. I would go along with this – some of the loud roars and noises can scare some children, so bear this in mind if considering a visit.
The nearest train station is Schiffweiler, a 10-15 minute walk away.
4. Day Trip To Luxembourg
Luxembourg is an easy day trip from Saarbrücken, either by car or train. Some trains run direct from Saarbrücken, others involve a change art Trier main station (Trier Hbf).
5. Day Trip To Metz
The city of Metz is also within easy reach from Saarbrücken, by car, bus or train.
It’s one of the most underrated cities in France, yet has an amazing Gothic Cathedral and a small but outstanding section of surviving town wall, the Porte des Allemands (Gate of the Germans).
Metz (pronounced ‘Mess’) is also home to two exceptional museums, La Cour d’Or (which incorporates Roman-era Baths, two churches, and a medieval granary.) You’ll also find the Centre Pompidou Metz, a regional sister branch of the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which has an excellent collection of modern art from 1905 onwards.
Fun things to do in Saabrucken in December
Germany is famous for there Christmas markets and there are several you can visit if you happen to be visiting Saabrucken in December.
Sankt Wendel is a small town near Saarbrücken and has one of the best Christmas markets in South West Germany. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Saarbrücken in December.
Saarbrucken also has a Christmas market, you will find stalls in Saarbrücken at Sankt-Johanner-Markt, and along Bahnhofstrasse. And a Flying Santa – every Christmas season in Saarbrücken!
Best things to do in Saarbrucken with kids
The Adventure Park Sarr Saarbrucken
Check out the climbing park in the heart of Saarbrücken’s Municipal Forest. With heights ranging from 3 to 12 meters, it offers forest climbing, a kids’ maze, and a flyline—perfect for active kids.
Gondwana das Praehistorium
Near Saarbrücken, this prehistoric museum is a must-visit for dinosaur fans, featuring lifelike exhibits and interactive experiences. Note: it’s loud and has flashing lights, so consider that if your child is sensitive. (we didn’t find this out until after entering !) Easily accessible by train.
Saarbrücken Wildlife Park
Located in the St. Johann neighborhood, this small wildlife park offers a chance to see over 20 types of animals in natural-like settings. You’ll find native species like wild boar, European bison, mouflon, and foxes, as well as roaming pheasants and rabbits. The park also features a playground and a kiosk for drinks and snacks.
Saarbrücker Felsenwege
Go hiking through the Saabrucken rock paths. The Saarbrücken rock paths since 2021. See this website for more details.
Where Is Saarbrücken?
Saarbrücken is in south-west Germany, and is the capital of the province of Saarland, the smallest in Germany.
The city of Saarbrücken is just 5 km (3 miles) north of the border with France – the nearest large town in France is Forbach, a further 5 km inside the country.
It is 183 km (114 miles) south-west of Frankfurt-am-Main, and 123 km (77 miles) west of Heidelberg. It is also just 65 km (40 miles) south-east of the ancient city of Trier if you’re travelling by train – otherwise it’s closer to 90 km (56 miles) by road.
The nearest major city in France is Metz, 68 km (42 miles) south-west of Saarbrücken. The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg, is 123 km (76 miles) to the south-east.
Luxembourg City is between 70 and 100 km north-west of Saarbrücken, depending on which mode of transport you take.
How To Get To Saarbrücken
We prefer to encourage rail or bus travel in Europe when distances are short, rather than air travel.
Saarbrücken main station (Saarbrücken Hbf on timetables) is well-connected, with trains to Trier, Luxembourg and Koblenz in one direction and direct trains to Mainz, Ludwigshafen and Metz in others.
There are two bus stations in Saarbrücken – the main one outside the train station and the Fernbusbahnhof on Dudweilerstrasse, where Flixbus services arrive and depart.
TIP for Flixbus travellers – there are virtually no services at the Dudweilerstrasse bus station, not even a taxi number to call. We worked out that it’s actually a fairly short walk to the main train station – head around the hardware store and then walk down Ursulinenstrasse, which takes you into the city centre (a 7-8 minute walk).
Saarbrücken Attractions Map
I created this map in google maps so you can see the exact locations of the top things to do in Saarbrucken. Click on the map and it will take you to google maps.
Explore more of our articles on Germany below:
- Rhine River Castles – 15 Romantic Castles In The Rhine Valley
- Marksburg Castle – rare medieval Castle to survive the Middle Ages fully intact
- Braubach, Germany – gorgeous wine town, one of the most romantic on the Rhine
- Rheinfels Castle – the largest and most imposing of the famous Rhine Valley Castles
- Rudesheim Germany – the most famous wine town on the Rhine
- Things To Do In Cochem – the most popular town in the Mosel Valley
- Berlin Landmarks – 21 Top Attractions In Berlin
- Photographing Berlin – 15 Best Places To Photograph In Berlin
David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times. David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.