Riegelsberg: Mining History and a Symbol of Peace

Riegelsberg invites you to explore two distinct themes in the town’s history: remembrance and mining. The Hindenburg Tower commemorates those who died in the First World War and today also stands for peace; a monument at the Bauer roundabout is dedicated to the area’s mining past.

The Hindenburg Tower: A Memorial and Symbol of Peace

The 15-metre-high, three-storey brick tower was inaugurated in 1934 and is a listed monument. It commemorates those who died in the First World War and is now presented as a symbol of peace and an anti-war memorial. The small park around the tower is intended as a place to relax and linger.

If you would like to see inside the tower, you can get the key from Riegelsberg Town Hall. Arrange to collect the key before you arrive. This allows you to include a visit to the interior in your plans.

Mining History at the Bauer Roundabout

A three-part tower monument dedicated to the area’s mining past stands at the Bauer roundabout. Its museum-like structure displays a winding wheel, a mine cart and a bucket used for sinking shafts. These named objects bring the subject to life: while remembrance and symbolism of peace are central to the Hindenburg Tower, the focus here is on mining.

Culture in the wider destination of Saarbrücken Regional Association

The wider destination of Saarbrücken Regional Association offers a broader perspective on industrial history. The Völklingen Ironworks is the first industrial monument from this era to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is an outstanding example of an integrated pig-iron production plant of the type that shaped industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Other cultural monuments reflect different periods. Saarbrücken Castle is an 18th-century cultural monument where concerts are held. The Historical Museum Saar is a cultural monument dating from the 13th to the 20th century; it includes an underground castle and offers exhibitions. The cultural attractions in the wider destination therefore range from historic buildings to museum exhibitions.

The Wintringen Chapel cultural site is also part of this wider destination: it is a 15th-century cultural monument and an art venue in the Bliesgau UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Franco-German Garden combines heritage protection with another practical offering: it has been protected as a listed monument in its own right since 2001 and has two playgrounds.

Cycling and Hiking Ideas in the Regional Association

There is an extensive network of recreational cycling routes for rides in the wider destination of Saarbrücken Regional Association. The Regional Association has established the Velo visavis routes together with neighbouring districts on both the German and French sides. They avoid traffic and lead through the natural areas of Saarkohlenwald and Warndt Forest, as well as along the Upper Saar. Routes and signage may change, so it is advisable to check the latest route information before setting out.

The Schäfertrail in the wider destination of Saarbrücken Regional Association offers a different kind of activity: it follows the paths made by sheep. This gives you a choice of themes when planning—from cycling on the Velo visavis routes to a hiking trail with this distinctive connection. The route information can help you take current route details into account when planning your trip.

When looking for accommodation, you can first decide what you want to focus on: would you like remembrance and mining in Riegelsberg to shape your stay, or would you also like to include cultural and outdoor activities in the wider destination of Saarbrücken Regional Association? You can then choose where to stay based on which of these themes you would like to prioritise during your visit.

Discover more destinations: Heusweiler, Friedrichsthal, Quierschied, Großrosseln.

View the wider travel overview: Saarbrücken Regional Association.