If you are planning a trip to Germany, your visit will be incomplete without going to Saarbrücken; one of the loveliest cities. Saarbrücken is the capital city of Saarland, a state in Germany. It borders France like other cultural cities like Baden-Baden and Freiburg and is an administrative, and business center.
There are numerous places to visit and a lot more things to do. But you can’t do or see everything in one trip.
So, here is a list of the 17 best things to do in Saarbrücken, that you have to experience during a holiday.
17. Saarländisches Staatstheater
Though the last name on this list, the Theater Saarbrücken is undoubtedly not the least lovely or unimportant place. Saarländisches Staatstheater is a significant structure in Saarbrücken because it is Saarland state’s official theater.
Constructed between 1937-38, it got destroyed during the Second World War. However, it got restored in 1948, and the government declared it a historic structure in 1983. Since its establishment, the theater has held many programs. It is a beautiful monument where you can enjoy great.
Tourist Tip: Look for performance dates and enjoy a night of singing and drama if you are on vacation there.
16. Adventure Park Saar
Constructed as a recreational area, the Adventure Park Saar, Saarbrücken, also called the climbing park is a great place to have fun. If you enjoy vigorous physical activities while outdoors, don’t miss it.
Situated precisely at the center of the municipal forest of Saarbrücken, it has seven parts. The heights of the courses range from three to twelve meters high. You can have fun by swinging, walking, climbing and jumping. You can do the courses on different types of rope designs.
Who is Adventure Park Saar for?
Visitors from age twelve onwards can take part in the activities. So, you can go and enjoy yourself with family, friends or even alone.
15. Saarbrücker Felsenwege
If you love hiking and trekking, there is excellent news. The authorities have opened the Saarbrücker Felsenwege again. Though only the middle and upper parts are accessible, you can still see the beautiful waterfalls, springs, rock inscriptions, and different shaped rocks formed naturally. The rock path stayed closed for a long time due to landslides.
But now, only the lower path stays shut. It is an important location as experts and enthusiasts can learn a lot of things about the past. Hence, you are sure to have a great experience as you can enjoy nature and get to know new things.
14. Ludwigsparkstadion
Established in 1953, Ludwigsparkstadion is a stadium for different types of events, including sports. It used to hold 35000 spectators, but after renovations in 2020, it can now have only about 16000. Though built for different events, football matches happen most of the time, as well as concerts.
If you are a sports fan, you can check out the stadium sometime where you might be able to watch a match or two. If an international band or even a local group is holding a concert during your vacation, you can go and listen to some music. It is always relaxing and fun to hear music, so it will be an unforgettable experience.
13. Saarbrücken Bürger Park
Located on the fringes of the city center at Saarbrücken, Bürger Park, or Bürgerpark Hafeninsel is a blend of a city park and landscape park. With the Saar River flowing alongside, it is a beautiful recreational area where people of all ages can enjoy their free time. The Bürger Park is a modern structure with construction that began only in the 1980s. It opened in 1989 after three years of building.
It has a small outdoor theater, many plants, Montan Era art and relics, and a water area. A small bridge connects the easter and western sides of the park. If you are exhausted from visiting the bustling sites, you can enjoy and relax at this lovely place.
12. Brennender Berg
Nature lovers and those looking for some adventure and unique experiences would love to visit Brennender Berg. It means burning mountain because of a “coal seam fire” that started burning way back in 1668.
Located between Sulzbach and Dudweiler, the phenomenon occurs in a deep and narrow ravine. You can see smoke seeping from the cracks in rocks and even lit coals. The authorities tried to douse the fire with water, but they couldn’t do it. Though the fire has decreased by the late eighteenth century, the coals continue to burn. You can visit and take a look and also enjoy the lovely surroundings.
11. Basilika St. Johannes der Täufer
The Baroque style Catholic Basilica is one of the several magnificent structures in Saarbrücken. Situated in St. Johannes Market, it dates back to the 1750s. With the catholic population growing under Louis XIV, there was a need for a catholic church in the area. Contributions from Louis XV and a collection initiated by pope Benedict XIV made it possible for the church to finish on time.
Since its inauguration, the Basilica of St. John the Baptist has undergone several renovations, with the Baroque style being restored in the 1970s.
Tourist Tip: If you visit, be sure to check out the complex pulpit design!
10. Europa Galerie
Located in a very convenient site, the Europa Galerie is a spectacular shopping center in Saarbrücken. It is just on the other side of the train station; so, visiting the center is easy. The building of this magnificent structure started in 1990, and it was supposed to open in 2009. However, due to some building delays, it opened only in 2010.
With over 25,000 visitors every day, it is one of the most popular locations in the city. Not only is the building extraordinary but you can have an outstanding shopping experience too.
Who is it for? Visit alone or with family and friends and enjoy a day out.
9. Ludwigskirche
Ludwigskirche is one of the most famous and important protestant churches in Germany. Construction began in 1762 on the orders of Prince William Henry, but it stopped after his death due to a shortage of funds. However, Louis, Prince William’s son, took over, and the building was completed in 1775. It is a Baroque style church and has seen several renovations over the years. It is not only important as a church but also as a monument.
Whether you are a religious person or not, you will surely love and appreciate this structure. It is enigmatic and looks spectacular.
Thursdays and Saturdays are best to visit the church.
8. St. Johanner Markt & Rathaus
When in Saarbrücken, you should definitely check out St. Johanner Markt & Rathaus. According to records, people might have been building houses and streets since as early as 1322. The St. Johanner Rathaus or the Town Hall is also nearby. The architectural style of the market square is Baroque done in the 1740s.
The town hall, on the other hand, is Gothic Revival in style from 1900. Though the square is open daily, you will notice many decorated stalls on three days of the week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Hang out with friends and family and enjoy local food and shop for beautiful trinkets.
7. Saarbrücken Wildpark
The Wildlife Park of Saarbrücken or Saarbrücken Wildpark spreads over 17 hectares and lies in the forest of St Johann. Established in 1929, the Park consists of about twenty-five species and is home to almost one hundred and fifty animals and birds.
Birds of prey, red deer, fallow deer, peacocks, and ibex are some of the lovely birds and animals you can find in the Park. There is also a stone and wood display area and a restaurant too. The Park also offers a number of fun activities. If you are a nature lover, this place will suit you very well. Hence, it will be an exciting experience for the whole family.
6. Saarbrücken Castle (Schloss Saarbrücken)
The earliest mention of a castle in the location dates back to 999 AD. Over the centuries, it saw demolition, reconstruction, and renovation several times. The final rebuilding and renovation took place between 1982-1989.
Touristspy Tip: See our list of German Castles to visit
Currently, the Château de Sarrebruck is employed for administrative purposes. The architectural design of the castle is Baroque. The architects over the years in charge of reconstruction have maintained the style, so it still looks ancient. It is a magnificent building with a lot of history, and it is partially open to the public. You should try to pop in if you are keen on history and architecture.
5. Saarland Museum, Modern Gallery
The museum at Saarland is a massive complex with three branches. The Modern Gallery at Saarland Museum is one of these built-in 1979. As the name suggests, the works available at the gallery range from the nineteenth century to date.
If you are an art enthusiast, you will love visiting the gallery. You can check out the works by different experts of different eras. Besides the paintings, you can also see photographs, sculptures, and drawings.
Some notable works include that of Alexander Archipenko, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, and Lovis Corinth. Franz Marc’s the Little Blue Horse painted in 1912, is one of the highlights of the Saarland Museum, Modern Gallery.
4. Saarbrücken Old Town
If you want to spend time in a place that displays history, you have to go to Saarbrücken Old Town. Sprawled on the banks of the River Saar, it is a scenic location where you can enjoy the old streets and buildings.
You can also taste authentic cuisine and beverage in the area at the many restaurants in the town. Churches, museums, and the city hall are some of the architectural marvels that you can witness when you are in the old town of Saarbrücken. It can also be fun to explore the back streets and little shops for souvenirs and handicrafts.
3. Bade- und Saunawelt Calypso
If you intend to swim and relax on your trip to Saarbrücken, the Bade- und Saunawelt Calypso is an excellent location. It is open for visitors of all ages so you can go with family or friends. It has both indoor and outdoor facilities with several pools. Since they heat the pools during cold weather, you can enjoy a day in any season.
There are plenty of things to do like swimming, sliding or relaxing in the saunas. If you wish to work out while visiting, swim in the sports pool, which is about twenty-five meters long. If you are famished, a restaurant and a kiosk are also available in the area.
2. Deutsch-Französischer Garten
Situated near the border between French-German, the Deutsch-Franzosischer Garten is a scenic location with plenty of history. Both the Germans and French-occupied and controlled the area at one point in time or the other.
As the name suggests, the Park is a creation of the German and French governments’ effort signifying friendship. It came about after Saarbrücken decided in the 1950s to be a part of Germany.
Who’s it for? You can visit the magnificent garden on foot, bike or a car along with the whole family or even alone. Enjoy the lovely flowers, scenery and check out the cemetery of notable people.
1. Saarbrücken Zoo
Built at the foothills of Eschberges hill, the Saarbrücken Zoo came into existence in 1956. There was an old zoo earlier in another area, but it did not survive the second world war. The present zoo has an area of about 32.1 acres (13 hectares) with more than 1700 residents. There are approximately 160 species, with several of them being brought from various locations around the world.
Visit the zoo with friends, family or even alone and you will still enjoy and learn a lot. Expect to see giraffes, cheetahs, giant tortoises, sharks, and even penguins. You can also see anacondas, gorillas, and chimpanzees, among others.
