museum
Völklinger Hütte
A vast decommissioned ironworks turned UNESCO industrial monument, where you can climb 27 m up the old blast furnaces.
10 km · about 20 min drive
Saarland, Germany · Europe
Saarlouis is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Schwalbach, 38km from Route du Vin.
Saarlouis is a town located in Saarland, Germany. With a population of 38,333, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Saarlouis sits in Germany, where you drive on the right. It's in the Europe/Berlin time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Saarlouis to your route.
Saarlouis (German: [zaːɐ̯ˈlʊɪ̯] ; French: Sarrelouis, [saʁlwi]; formerly Sarre-Libre and Saarlautern) is a town in the state of Saarland, in western Germany, located on the banks of the Saar river. With a population of over 37,000 (2024), it is the fifth-largest city of Saarland and serves as an important regionalRead more
center. Saarlouis lies near the border with France and Luxembourg. The town functions as the administrative seat of the district of Saarlouis and is part of the cross-border SaarLorLux Euroregion.
Saarlouis was founded in 1680 by order of Louis XIV of France as a fortress town designed by the military engineer Vauban. The stronghold was intended to secure France’s new frontier after the Treaty of Nijmegen. The star-shaped fortifications gave the city its characteristic layout, parts of which remain visible today. Saarlouis became part of Prussia following the Treaty of Paris of 1815.
In the 20th century, Saarlouis shared the turbulent history of the Saar region, which changed hands multiple times due to its strategic and economic importance. Following the Treaty of Versailles, the town became part of the Territory of the Saar Basin administered by the League of Nations, before rejoining Germany in 1935 after a plebiscite. After World War II, Saarlouis was again included in the French-occupied Saar protectorate before the Saar Treaty of 1956 paved the way for its return to Germany in 1957.
Today, Saarlouis is a regional centre of commerce, culture, and industry. It is known for its French-inspired urban layout, historic fortifications, and cultural events such as the annual “Emmes” town festival. Its location close to France and Luxembourg makes it a key part of the SaarLorLux region.
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Saarlouis offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Saarlouis is located in Saarland, Germany, Europe. The coordinates are 49.3137 latitude, 6.7515 longitude.
Saarlouis has a population of approximately 38,333 people, making it a town in Germany.
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Essential numbers in Germany
ADAC roadside assistance: +49 89 22 22 22. No general speed limit on some autobahn sections but advisory 130 km/h.
Full driving guide for Germany8 notable places within an hour's drive.
museum
A vast decommissioned ironworks turned UNESCO industrial monument, where you can climb 27 m up the old blast furnaces.
10 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
From the Cloef viewpoint and treetop walk, the Saar River carves a spectacular horseshoe through forested hills.
26 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Moselle village at the France-Germany-Luxembourg tripoint where the 1985 Schengen Agreement was signed, with a European Museum and parking.
33 km · about 40 min drive
famous road
Wine road running about 42 kilometres along the Moselle from Schengen to Wasserbillig, linking terraced vineyards and riverside villages.
38 km · about 45 min drive
landmark
Fortified Lorraine village dubbed the 'Little Carcassonne', minutes from the Luxembourg border, with 700 m of intact medieval ramparts, a massive gate tower and flower-lined lanes.
41 km · about 45 min drive
cathedral
Nicknamed the 'Lantern of God' for its immense expanse of stained glass, including windows by Chagall.
47 km · about 55 min drive
ancient ruins
The best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, its blackened sandstone has guarded Trier for nearly 1,900 years.
50 km · about 60 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Terraced Riesling vineyards line the gentle Moselle, a string of wine villages on a slow scenic river drive.
50 km · about 60 min drive
April to October
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