Fun things to do in Saarland

This is one of the five best hiking paths I did in Germany so far ! The start is in the town of Mettlach, beyond the bridge. Start at the small carpark, cross the street, pass the restaurant on the other side to your right and follow the "Bohnenberger Strasse". From here, the hiking path is marked with a blue "X", later exclusively with a "maitre`s hat"-Symbol. You can also follow the signpost direction "Cloef". The path is well signposted, it is unlikely that you will get lost. The path leads to the viewingpoint "Saarschleife" with an excellent panorama of the river bend. From here, follow the maitre`s hat symbol ("Tafeltour") until you reach the riverbank, take the ferry to the other side, and then follow signpositings "Montclair Castle" (basically you turn left once the ferry has taken you to the other side, follow the river bend and then take the first possible path uphill). From Montclair Castle, you follow the signs back to Mettlach. Total time ca. 6 hours - without photostops.

The little town of Merzig has one attraction which is a small private "zoo" with wolves from different habitats around the earth. It was established by a former army instructor who is fascinated by wolves. Each month, on the first saturday he gives free tours and also interacts with the wolves who seem to accept him as a member of the "pack". Interesting if you love wolves, though I disliked the fact that it is very difficult to take photographs due to mesh wire, even from the several viewing points in the "Wolfspark". Also, the enclosures are quite big, and sometimes it is a matter of luck if wolves show up or hide in a remote corner of their enclosure.

The "Hütte Völklingen" is a former ironwork factory that has gained UNESCO world heritage status as a momunent of technical and industrial history. It is a very interesting place, not only because the process of iron- and steelprocessing is explained in great detail, but because of the sheer size of the factory which boggles the mind. The "Hütte" has a viewing point with a 360° panorama of the surrounding area. Also, there are always several permanent and temporary exhibitions on technical or cultural themes that are worthwhile to explore.