A Road Trip to Saarland
After a test drive on the Nürburgring's old Formula One circuit, I decided to skip the second round. It was incredible to experience the speed of the car and be overtaken by other sports cars, but the ride was intense, and I was glad to enjoy the rest as a spectator.
Once we shifted to a more relaxed pace, passing Trier and heading towards Saarbrücken in Saarland, I could finally appreciate the landscapes and vineyards around us.
Saarland is a unique blend of German and French influences, with a rich industrial history and a modern economy. Its strategic location and cultural heritage make it an intriguing region within Germany.
We also passed by Villeroy & Boch in Mettlach, famous for its high-quality ceramics, including tableware and bathroom fittings. Founded in 1748, the company has a long history of craftsmanship and innovation.
It felt great to return after some time. Whenever I visit Joerg, we always make a point to spend a few days in Rehlingen, where I feel at home, just as I did during my first Christmas in Europe.
In summer, I often cycle along the Saar River with Joerg's mom. It's a beautiful region for a bike tour, and I always scout for biking trails wherever I go. One day, I hope to do a bike tour in Saarland. It pairs perfectly with a Travel and Wine Tour.
I'm particularly drawn to the Saar and Mosel rivers and the many bike tours available in those areas. Despite its charm, not many people, even Germans, are familiar with Saarland.
Recommended Bike Routes:
🚴 Saar-Radweg (Saar Cycle Route) – From Sarreguemines (France) to Konz (near Trier), mostly flat and scenic.
🚴 Moselle-Saar-Ruwer Cycle Route – From the Saar Valley to the Moselle River, passing Trier and Bernkastel-Kues.
🚴 Saarschleife Loop – A shorter, rewarding route around Mettlach, with an optional climb to the Cloef viewpoint.
🚴 Saar-Hunsrück Climb – A more challenging route into the Hunsrück mountains, offering breathtaking views.
In Saarland and the surrounding regions, the most common wines include:
Riesling – Dominates the Saar Valley, producing crisp, mineral, and citrusy wines with great aging potential.
Elbling – An ancient grape variety, often used for sparkling wine, producing light, fresh whites.
Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc) – A smoother, fruitier white with subtle acidity.
Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris) – A fuller-bodied white with more richness.
Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) – A lighter-bodied red wine grown in warmer sites.
The Saar Valley's steep vineyards and cool climate contribute to the distinct character of Saar Rieslings, making it a unique wine region.
I find this area captivating. I've been scouting cycling spots, and I look forward to taking a bike tour here, possibly heading to Luxembourg.
During my time in Rehlingen, a small town next to Dillingen, we once visited a water recreational park to cool down on a summer day. Later, we played golf-football, a fun game where you navigate obstacles from one hole to the next before winding down in a nearby town.
Historically, Saarland has a complex background. It was originally inhabited by Celtic tribes before being conquered by the Romans. In more recent history, after World War I, the region was placed under the administration of the League of Nations, and in a 1935 referendum, its residents voted to rejoin Germany.
After World War II, Saarland was again briefly under international administration until a 1955 referendum saw its citizens opt to become a state of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Saarland has a diverse industrial base, including manufacturing, mining, and steel production. Its economy is closely tied to that of neighboring France and Luxembourg. The region also boasts cultural attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Völklinger Hütte, a former ironworks turned industrial monument and museum.
Saarland has a unique cultural identity, influenced by its proximity to France and its own distinct history. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and vibrant cultural scene.