| This tour follows the
route of the River Saar north from
Saarbrücken to its confluence with the Mosel,
then continues along a short stretch of the Mosel
to end in Trier, the oldest city in Germany. This is a four night / three day trip, excellent for a short break, or combining with another of our holidays. |
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Day 1. Arrival in Saarbrücken. Day 2. Leave Saarbrücken cycling along the left bank of the river. After some nine miles, you see the dramatic former steelworks in Völklingen, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After visiting the site, continue past Wadgassen to former French fortress, the birthplace one of Napoleon's most famous marshals, Marshal Ney, Saarlouis (about 18 miles). Here you will find history around every corner, as well as an attractive cafe scene where you can relax after the day's ride. |
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Day 3. Leave Saarlouis into open country. Soon forests sread out to your
left, while on the right bank is the town of Dillingen. Continue to Merzig,
the heart of one of Germany's fruit growing areas. From here on you will find that
the pubs and inns serve Viez, the local cider, which is very refreshing.
After Merzig you enter the most scenically dramatic part of the route; the river,
though broad, runs through a deep gorge whose banks are heavily forested. The climax is the
Saarschleife, where the rivers turns through a full 180° bend.
Shortly after you arrive in Mettlach (about 22 miles). Mettlach is known as the headquarters of the famous ceramic producers Villeroy & Boch. There is also an excellent craft brewery in the town. Day 4. The final day starts with a short ride to the Lutwinus Chapel. Continue to St. Michaels Chapel in Taben-Roth. Ahead is the former Celtic fort of Kastel-Staat on which a French Franciscan monk built a church in 1600. Continue to Saarburg, dominated by the remains of its medieval castle. The whole town is surrounded by vineyards, while narrow streets wind among attractive half-timbered houses. From here to Konz, the confluenece with the Mosel, you can follow either bank of the river through rolling countryside dotted with small villages. Finally, join the Mosel cycle trail, passing Karthaus monastery for the last few miles into Trier (about 26 miles). |
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