Saarland

The Saarland borders Luxembourg and France, which is why cross-border cycling tours are a defining feature of the region. Often, you don't even realize that you've crossed the border until suddenly you hear "Bonjour." Due to its proximity to France, the Saarland offers a taste of the French savoir-vivre. The Saarland Cycle Path is particularly suitable for exploring the different regions in a large loop. Starting from Saarbrücken, the route takes you towards France along the Blies River, further into the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, through the tri-border area of Saarland, Lorraine, and Luxembourg, and finally to the Saar Loop, the landmark of the Saarland.

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Since mining is now a thing of the past in the Saarland, it is possible to experience it firsthand at the Velsen Adventure Mine in the state capital, Saarbrücken. A detour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Völklinger Hütte is also highly recommended. Above ground, despite its industrial heritage, the Saarland offers plenty of natural beauty, such as the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park, the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, and the Bliesgau Biosphere Reserve, which together make up around 60 percent of the state's area.