Saarland is Germany's smallest area state outside the city-states, tucked into the country's southwestern corner along the borders of France and Luxembourg. Its capital, Saarbrücken, blends French flair with German efficiency, while the wider state is defined by the dramatic Saarschleife river bend, the UNESCO-listed Völklingen Ironworks, and rolling forested hills that mark a long industrial past now turned green. Saarland's border-region character shows up everywhere, from bilingual signage to a cuisine that mixes Saarländische comfort food with French touches.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Baumwipfelpfad Saarschleife
A treetop walkway climbing above the forest canopy to a tower with sweeping views over the Saarschleife, the dramatic horseshoe bend of the Saar river - a highlight for children who enjoy the elevated boardwalk and slide at the base of the tower
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Zoo Saarbruecken
A compact, family-friendly zoo set in wooded parkland with big cats, primates, and a petting area, easily combined with a picnic in the surrounding Deutsch-Franzoesischer Garten
Duration: Half day
Deutsch-Franzoesischer Garten
A large binational park spanning the Saarbruecken-Sarreguemines border area with playgrounds, a cable car (Gondelbahn), minigolf, a butterfly house, and open lawns - one of the easiest full days for families with young children
Duration: Half day
Gondwana Das Praehistorium
A prehistory theme museum in Schiffweiler-Landsweiler-Reden built around a real fossilized rainforest, with life-size dinosaur models and hands-on exhibits that appeal strongly to children fascinated by prehistoric life
Duration: 2-3 hours
Bostalsee Lake Day
Saarland's largest lake offers swimming beaches, pedal boats, a rope adventure course, and a nearby Center Parcs resort - the region's most popular family lake destination in summer
Duration: Full day
Cloef-Saarschleife Viewpoint
An easy, stroller-accessible walk to the famous viewing platform overlooking the horseshoe bend of the Saar river, a quick and rewarding stop for families of any age
Duration: 1 hour
Losheimer Stausee
A quieter reservoir lake near the French border with walking and cycling paths, a swimming area, and paddleboat rentals, popular with families seeking a calmer alternative to Bostalsee
Duration: Half day
Voelklingen Ironworks (Weltkulturerbe Voelklinger Huette)
A UNESCO World Heritage former ironworks with dramatic industrial architecture to explore, an adventure-style walking trail through the blast furnace structures, and rotating exhibitions that older children find genuinely striking
Duration: 2-3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Saarland restaurants and gasthauses generally welcome children, and many offer a Kinderteller (children's plate) for a reduced price
Schwenker (grilled meat cooked on a swinging grill) and simple bratwurst plates are inexpensive, filling options children usually enjoy
Dibbelabbes, a regional potato dish, is a mild, familiar-tasting choice for younger palates
Bakeries throughout Saarland sell affordable pastries and sandwiches, useful for quick lunches between attractions
Lake-side kiosks at Bostalsee and Losheimer Stausee serve casual snacks and ice cream, convenient for a day of swimming and play
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
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