Hello everyone! The place we’ll visit today is a city. Yes but which one? Well, today we’re going to Saarbrücken. This city is not far away from the France border and the French city of Metz. Impatient to know it? Here we go, let’s start!

Saarbrücken, capital of the Saarland, is a political, cultural (in fact the city hosts the Universität des Saarlandes) and economic center (the city is known as major industrial center for the production of steel, sugar, beer, pottery) and plus it has a large railway network and its airport. The city is situated on the banks of the Saar river. Saarbrücken hosts the Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz (did you get it, right?), one of the largest nonprofit research institutes in the technology sector which is based on innovative methods of investigation.

To know more ( what to eat, where to eat, where to have fun, things to visit…) continue to read.

What do you think, ca we start our cultural tour? Let’s go!

PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS…)

• Saarbrücker Schloss: baroque complex located in Alt-Saarbrücken district (old part of the city), on the banks of the Saar river. Who knows the German language has the knowledge of the “schloss” word, it means castle. So why call it a complex? Simply because it was once a medieval castle. Today it can’t be considered a castle, because of the deterioration of the building the city authorities have decided to rebuild it in a more modern way. The complex is the place to the administrative offices and the Historical Museum Saar.
  
• Ludwigskirche: baroque Protestant church. It is considered a symbol of the city, so much so that (as we have already seen in Schwerin) the church was represented in the German coin. Its peculiarity lies in the position of the altar, the pulpit and the organ that are unusually (for the Lutheran Church) close to each other. The building, as well as the surrounding square (Ludwigsplatz), was a project that has been carefully designed by the builder so as to underline the beauty of this place.
• Saarland Museum: is a museum of art. The building hosts a modern gallery, antique collections (porcelain, coins, furniture, silverware) and outdoor sculptures. The works of famous artists, are principally those that go from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century and they are: Abraham Mignon, Joos de Momper and Gillis van.
• Moderne Galerie: gallery of modern art that includes various works from the nineteenth century to the present day. There are temporary exhibitions (also permanent) that include classical and contemporary works. The museum also houses a collection of graphic art on the theme of expressionism and on the Berlin Secession.
• Stadtgalerie Saarbrücken: modern art gallery. Here you will find many works by young artists who continue to experiment and define art in all its forms. The structure must be said that it is very nice indeed. The atmosphere is so fabulous there!
• Völklinger Hütte: the museum is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and it is located in Völklinger. Okay, maybe its look is not very inviting but very interesting inside. You will know everything about the production of iron through a tour in the production areas of the material. We will tell you more, in summer, occasionally, are held some concerts and the museum comes to life with the light show. Hard to believe but it is like this!
• Historische Museum Saar: modern history museum about Saarbrücken and its river Saar. The museum houses a vast collection of art and everyday objects and it will also let you live the multimedia experience.
• Gedenkstätte Gestapo-Lager Neue Bremm: former concentration camp, now a memorial. You will notice the words “HOSTAL HOSTILE HOTEL HOSTAGE GOSTIN OSTILE HOSTEL HOSTIL HOST” a play on words that recalls what was to be a “memorial hotel ” and the brutality of what happened.
• Museum für Vor- Und Frühgeschichte: archaeological museum.
• Schlosskirche: former church, now a museum of sacred art. The building is situated on the bank of the Saar river. During the day it has its charm but at night when it is another story!
  
• On the Halberg hill, not at all far from the city center, there are Roman mitreo (was the center of worship for the followers of Mithraism) and several Roman ruins and the church of Sankt Arnual.

The most popular theater in Saarbrücken is the Saarländisches Staatstheater then there is the Theater im Viertel. While a concert hall for current music is the Garage Saarbrücken.

 

ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)

 

It’s time to explore another part of th city. Which one? Follow us and you will know it!

• Alte Brücke: a romantic walk on the old bridge located on the Saar river or maybe a ride on the boat… or both the things!
• You can go to the discovery of the city squares: one located in the historical district of St. Johanner Markt, with several shops, bars and clubs. Ludwigsplatz that we already know it. The Europa-Galerie Saarbrücken, a shopping center located in Bahnhofstrasse, next to the central station. This area is perfect for a pleasant walk as it marks the beginning of the pedestrian zone (but if you are tired to walk, you can always take a ride on the taxi-bike!). Another option would be to enjoy another romantic walk, this time on another bridge, the Wilhelm Heinrich Bridge.
• Zoo di Saarbrücken: home to more than a thousand species of animals (seals, penguins, gorillas…), in a very attentive area to the preservation of nature.

We might describe Saarbrücken as a green city, rich in vegetation. Forests, valleys, parks, all of them are the background of the city. Now we just have to discover some green area where you can stop for a while.

• Deutsch-Französischer Garten: Saarbrücken is a park that offers lots of entertainment and attraction. Two of these are: the cable car and a train that will let you to visit the magnificent park from two different perspectives. Of course there will be the pond and a stage where there are often held some shows or concerts. Very beautiful!
• Staden: other green area of the city located on the banks of the Saar. In addition to the natural element we can find also the historical one, thanks to the various monuments that populate the park.
• Bürgerpark Saarbrücken: this other park worth a visit too, it also won a prestigious award. The peculiar thing about this park (not counting its size, its beautiful trails, the particular vegetation and so on) is the small bridge that connect the two sides of the green area, built on a waterway at the end of it you will find the remains of an aqueduct. This can really give an extra touch to an already beautiful park.
• Abenteuerpark – Saar: it’s a different park. It is an adventure park (full of surprises and obstacles to overcome!)
• Alternatively there is the park Historische Tabaksmühle (great for hiking) where there is also a restaurant.
• Now you have two ways to relax and have fun at the same time: a ride on the waters of the city Saarbrücker Personenschiffahrt or Bade- Sauna- und Wellnessparadies Calypso, a place with (outdoor and indoor) swimming pools waterslide, sauna, relax and entertainment area… Not bad, huh?

 

Don’t forget that Saarbrücken is an university city, so full of young people, that means that its nightlife should be quite active. Will it be like this? Let’s find out together!

• KUFA Saarbrücken: disco.
• Number One: nightclub.
• CLUB SEVEN: disco.
• Blau Nite Club: nightclub.
• Kurze Eck: pub.
• Feinkost Schmitt: cafè.
• Camera Zwo: movie theater.

It must be said that all of these locals, but also other ones, are all very close to each other.

 

TYPICAL FOODS

Another space, another tour, now it’s up to the culinary part. Ready? Let’s start!

A real tradition of the city and the Saarland region is to combine a mix of sweet and savory dishes. For example the bean soup will be eaten with a plum cake. The inhabitants are very attentive about the food and its combinations. They like to eat well. Now let’s see these tasty dishes.

• Kartoffelsuppe: potato soup with crispy bacon and grilled onions and various spices and herbs.
• Frikadeller: meatballs in pan (their shape tends to be flatter than the orginal ones).
• Obstkuchen: fruitcake. It’s a simple cake that can have different combinations of fruit. According to the type of fruit on it, the cake will have a various flavor. A very popular dessert throughout Germany.
• Rhabarberkuchen: rhubarb pie. Also this cake is simple but with the “wow” effect, thanks to its main ingredient: the rhubarb. Try it!
• The most famous alcoholic drink is the “Quetsch”. It is a plum brandy. While the fruit juice is the perfect non-alcoholic option thanks to their high quality.

 

WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’..)

And now the big dilemma. Where do we eat? Don’t worry, we have the solution!

• KALINSKI Wurstwirtschaft & Gin Bar: German, vegetarian, contemporary cuisine and fast food.
• Zum Stiefel:  German and European cuisine.
• Gusto Steakhouse: European, Argentinian, South American, steakhouse, and gluten-free cuisine.
• Die Burgerei: burgers.
• Viertel Muhle: international, vegetarian, vegan cuisine and fast food.
• Trattoria Il Mio: Italian, Mediterranean cuisine.
• Ristorante Pizzeria La Mamma: Italian cuisine.
• Osaka: Japanese, Asian cuisine.
• Mei Thai: Thai cuisine.
• Herzenslust: international cuisine.
• Wongar Australian House: vegetarian, Australian, International cuisine.

 

Our tour in Saarbrücken is over. Always ready for another adventure somewhere in  Germany. Where? It’s up to you to find out. How? Continuing to stay tuned.

Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you’ve been there or you’re going to go there? What  you liked the most or least? We’re curious to read your opinions.

A big kiss to everyone.

 

Below we will list the accommodations that you can find in Saarbrücken.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?iata=SCN&aid=960457 – accommodations next to the Saarbrücken airport.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-1854320&aid=960457 – accommodations in the city.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?landmark=1915&aid=960457 –  accommodations next to the main station of Saarbrücken.

 

Booking.com