Saarland

Regional Overview

A Forgotten Borderland

Representing the small portion of ancient Lotharingia to remain in the German sphere of influence is the Saarland. The rugged Palatine Highlands isolate the region from Germany, resulting in a small territory with a significant French influence. Traveling through Saarland is a unique experience through one of the few borderlands to retain its local identity.

Regional Identity

What to Lookout For

  • The French-Baroque in the style of Lorraine, specifically from Nancy.
  • The Protestant Baroque aesthetic, e.g., whitewashed houses and large hall churches.
  • The industrial legacy of the Wilhelmine German Empire, e.g., in Völklingen

D+

C+

B-

B+

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My suggested travel destinations with the top three destinations highlighted.

What is the Saarland?

The Saarland today is an overlooked region in Europe. With a declining population and large post-industrial landscapes, it sometimes does not garner much respect as a travel destination. However, it possesses spectacular natural landscapes and one of the richest cultural traditions in Germany. The sweeping gorge of the Saar river, cutting its way from Lorraine to the Rhineland, bound the traditions of the French with those of the German, and there is nothing else quite like it.

Regional Overview

Saarbrucken

Exploring the Saarland

The Saarland is an oft overlooked region of Europe, difficult to reach and lacking in major cities. The densely forested borderlands served as a natural barrier between France and Germany,…

Interactive Map

Thematic Tours of the Region

Traces of a Saarland Style

Traces of a Saarland Style

This guide takes on a trip to discover the traces of a regional style that almost, but never fully asserted itself. Follow the footsteps and works of Friedrich Stengel, and how his creations define the image of the Saarland.
The Saar Valley

The Saar Valley

The Saarland is a quiet, rugged region with few cities and a long history as a war-torn borderland. This guide follows the history of the region from the Thirty-Years War to the Industrial Revolution.

Cities of the Saarland

Hiking in the Region

Hike: Wars of Unification – Battle of Spichern

Hike: Wars of Unification – Battle of Spichern

The Battle of Spichern was the first critical battle of the Franco-Prussian war. From the context of this battle alone, one may have guessed that the French forces were on…

Hike: The Klause Castle

Hike: The Klause Castle

The Klause Kastel is a 19th-century sepulcher for John of Bohemia, a famous 14th-century knight who, according to legend, commanded an army while blind. The sepulcher is, however, built into…

My Quantitative Travel Rankings

To understand where the categories come from, see this article here.

Social Score

2.7 / 10

The score is based on the following:

  • Hype: 3.5
  • Growth: 3.0
  • Wealth: 1.4
  • Recognition: 3.4
Ease of Travel

4.7 / 10

The score is based on the following:

  • Accommodation: 1.4
  • Transportation: 6.6
  • Ease of Planning: 5.7
  • Infrastructure: 4.3
  • Interactivity: 3.4
  • Airport: Yes
Historical Immersion

5.2 / 10

The score is based on the following:

  • Historical Context: 4.3
  • Monuments: 8.1
  • Quality*: 4.0
  • Landscape: 8.2
  • Vineyards: 4.6
Authenticity

6.6 / 10

The score is based on the following:

  • Undiscovered: 5.5
  • Cultural Immersion: 6.0
  • Tradition*: 10

Navigation

Lorraine

A borderland where France meets Germany

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