Saarlouis between fortress history and the Saar oxbow lake
Accommodation in Saarlouis
Saarlouis combines traces of its fortress history with waterscapes, forest paths and art. Historic fortifications reflect French and later Prussian history. This makes the place interesting for anyone who doesn’t want to devote their days to just one theme: between the Saar oxbow lake and the city forest, you’ll find varied landscapes, while museums and theatres add further cultural highlights.
Views of the water and paths along the Saar oxbow lake
From Vauban Island, you can look out over the Saar oxbow lake and the fortress. Statues there commemorate Marshal Ney and the soldier Lacroix. The Saar oxbow lake itself also shapes the landscape: this 10.4-hectare body of water is a habitat for various waterbirds. A five-kilometre path runs along its banks, offering a way to experience the waterscape on foot.
The Saar-Leinpfad is on a different scale. This paved route along the Saar is almost 40 kilometres long, runs from Saarbrücken to Merzig and passes through Saarlouis. This means you can choose between a five-kilometre waterside path and a much longer route along the river when planning your day. The different lengths and landscapes help you decide what kind of outing you’re looking for.
Forest paths offer a different side of the landscape
Saarlouis City Forest covers around 150 hectares and is the largest continuous forest area within Saarlouis. It has a marked five-kilometre circular trail. Together with the equally long path along the Saar oxbow lake, it offers a clear comparison: both trails are the same stated length, but pass through different surroundings. If you like having the choice between water and forest during your stay, these two paths provide a useful guide. Check the trail markers on site before setting out.
Art, fortress history and guided tours
The Ludwig Gallery Saarlouis brings together old and modern art, as well as fine art and popular art. It presents three changing thematic exhibitions each year; the specific themes may vary. This gives it a different focus from the historic fortifications and offers an opportunity to experience art in different forms. Check the current exhibition programme when planning a visit.
The Theater am Ring also has a notable history: it reopened on 10 July 2016 after more than three years of renovation and reconstruction. Groups wishing to combine their visit to Saarlouis with a guided exploration can book individually arranged tours. Check in advance for available dates so you can fit this activity into your plans.
Choosing an outing and finding accommodation
The Vauban-Steig combines a hiking trail with views over the French-German Gau landscape above the Saar valley near Saarlouis. The start and finish are in Wallerfangen-Düren. It adds another landscape perspective to the paths along the Saar oxbow lake and through the city forest. The different activities vary in their surroundings, length and character, so first consider whether you’d like to focus your stay more on water, forest, culture or a hiking route.
Saarlouis has direct road access to the A8. When looking for accommodation, you can start with the focus you have in mind: this lets you connect your choice of destination with the experiences that interest you during your stay. Whether you’re interested in art and history or paths through varied landscapes, Saarlouis offers different themes to help guide your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Nalbach, Wallerfangen, Schmelz, Dillingen/Saar, Rehlingen-Siersburg, Wadgassen, Ăśberherrn, Lebach.
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