Discover Saarlouis

Saarlouis combines fortress history and culture with waterside landscapes and woodland trails. If you are looking for a hotel in Saarlouis, the different travel themes can help you plan: Would you mainly like to explore history and art, or are trails along the Saar oxbow lake and through the urban woodland your priority? The sights and routes offer specific points of reference.

Fortress history, art and guided tours

Historic fortification features in Saarlouis reflect French and later Prussian history. Vauban Island offers views across the Saar oxbow lake and the fortifications. Statues of Marshal Ney and the soldier Lacroix can also be seen there. The island thus brings together historic sculptures and views of the water and fortress.

The Ludwig Gallery Saarlouis brings together old and modern art as well as high and popular culture. Its program includes three changing themed exhibitions each year. Since exhibitions can change, it is worth checking the current themes before your trip. The gallery is a distinct cultural highlight alongside the history of the fortifications.

The Theater am Ring also has a notable reopening story: It reopened on July 10, 2016, after more than three years of renovation and reconstruction. Saarlouis also offers individually bookable guided tours for groups. If you plan to join one, check the current dates and availability, as the offer may change.

Along the Saar oxbow lake and in the urban woodland

The Saar oxbow lake is a 10.4-hectare body of water that is home to various waterbirds. A five-kilometer path runs along its banks. It offers a different landscape perspective from the historic fortress sights and makes the Saar oxbow lake a specific focus for a trip centered on water and nature.

The Saarlouis urban woodland offers another option for trails in green surroundings. It covers approximately 150 hectares and is the largest contiguous woodland area within Saarlouis. There is a marked five-kilometer circular trail in the woodland. Comparing it with the waterside path is simple: the two paths mentioned are the same length, but one follows the Saar oxbow lake, while the other forms a loop through the urban woodland.

Routes around Saarlouis

The Saar-Leinpfad is an almost 40-kilometer paved route along the Saar. It runs from Saarbrücken to Merzig and passes through Saarlouis. Its length and route through several towns set it apart clearly from the two five-kilometer paths along the Saar oxbow lake and through the urban woodland.

The Vauban Trail combines a hiking route with views across the German-French Gau landscape above the Saar Valley near Saarlouis. Its starting point and destination are both in Wallerfangen-Düren. This makes it easy to distinguish the route geographically when planning from trails that run directly along the Saar oxbow lake or through the Saarlouis urban woodland.

Plan your arrival and stay

Saarlouis has a direct road connection to the A8. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider two separate questions: How would you like to get here, and which themes would you like to shape your stay? Fortress history, exhibitions, the Saar oxbow lake and the urban woodland offer different points of reference.

Discover more destinations: Rehlingen-Siersburg, Dillingen/Saar, Saarwellingen, Wadgassen, Lebach, Schwalbach, Schmelz, Wallerfangen

Go to the main travel overview: Saarlouis.