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
EuropeGermanySaarland
Saarlouis
Saarland, Germany · Europe
About Saarlouis
Saarlouis is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Schwalbach, 38km from Route du Vin.
Saarlouis is in Saarland, Germany, with about 38,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Schwalbach, about 5 km away.
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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Saarlouis?
Within an hour or so of Saarlouis: Völklinger Hütte (10 km), Saarschleife (26 km), Schengen (33 km), Route du Vin (38 km).
Are there any good drives near Saarlouis?
The nearest famous roads are Route du Vin, Moselle Valley Road (B53) and Mosel Valley Wine Route.
Where is Saarlouis?
Saarlouis is in Saarland, Germany, about 5 km from Schwalbach.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 38,333
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Germany
- Region
- Saarland
- Timezone
- Europe/Berlin
- Coordinates
- 49.3137, 6.7515
Emergency & Services
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 GermanyTags
Worth the detour from Saarlouis
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
scenic viewpoint
Saarschleife
From the Cloef viewpoint and treetop walk, the Saar River carves a spectacular horseshoe through forested hills.
26 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Schengen
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
Route du Vin
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
Rodemack
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
scenic viewpoint
Luxembourg Moselle Valley
Terraced Riesling vineyards line the gentle Moselle, a string of wine villages on a slow scenic river drive.
46 km · about 55 min drive
cathedral
Metz 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
Porta Nigra
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
Driving roads near Saarlouis
- 26 kmSaarschleifeFrom the Cloef viewpoint and treetop walk, the Saar River carves a spectacular horseshoe through forested hills.
- 38 kmRoute du VinWine road running about 42 kilometres along the Moselle from Schengen to Wasserbillig, linking terraced vineyards and riverside villages.
- 46 kmLuxembourg Moselle ValleyTerraced Riesling vineyards line the gentle Moselle, a string of wine villages on a slow scenic river drive.
- 56 kmGrand Duchess Charlotte BridgeLuxembourg City's striking 'Red Bridge', a scarlet steel span soaring 74 m above the Alzette valley to link the old town with the Kirchberg European quarter.
- 56 kmChemin de la CornicheRampart walkway along Luxembourg City's old walls, described as Europe's most beautiful balcony, overlooking the Grund quarter.
- 79 kmMoselle Valley Road (B53)A slow, beautiful river road through the steepest vineyards in Europe between Trier and Koblenz.
Driving in Germany
- Drives on
- the right
- Petrol
- ~€1.78/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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