Founded by Count Siegfried of Luxembourg, earliest mentions of Saarburg Castle date back to 964. Being one of the oldest mountain castles of the country, Saarburg attracts thousands of visitors every year. While a major part of the castle is in ruins, the giant castle-tower can still be seen from a distance.
One of the most impressive natural attractions in the country, the Saar River Loop is Mettlach's defining natural landmark. Flowing through the valley, the glistening river forms a bend and is surrounded by dense verdure of forests. An observation terrace with a treetop pathway allows visitors to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the loop and the river valley. Either take a ferry tour of the river or go hiking through the scenic trails in the valley. Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers are sure to love this spectacular attraction.
The Liebfrauenkirche is one of the oldest Gothic churches in Germany. It is believed to date back to the 13th Century. The church has a floor plan consisting of eight rounded altar niches resembling a twelve-petaled rose, a symbol of the Virgin Mary. The architecture of the church is simply beautiful and it is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The church conducts regular services and prayers and is an active parish church.
The Cathedral of Saint Peter or Trierer Dom is regarded as one of the oldest churches in Germany. Built on the ruins of a Roman building, this cathedral has earned a place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cathedral is most noted for its unique style of architecture, which is influenced by the number of renovations done through its existence.
Porta Nigra (translated as Black Gate) in the ancient city of Trier is a 2nd-century Roman city gate which, today, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman city, at that time, was surrounded by walls and was an important trading center, significant enough to be referred to as the 'second Rome'. The Porta Nigra formed the northern entrance to the city and is the only surviving of the four gates as it was converted into a church dedicated to St. Simeon in the 11th Century. Porta Nigra was reverted to its medieval appearance and function as a gate by Napoleon in 1803. The Porta, as it is locally referred to, stands at a height of 90 feet (27 meters) and is made up of sandstone blocks connected by iron rods. The entrance to the gate is marked by a small courtyard and a two-story tower with galleries.
Since the medieval era, Hauptmarkt has been the central market square of this city. Its location seems like it has been taken straight from a postcard, thanks to the magnificent buildings that surround this square. The square offers access to many important buildings of the city. The highlight of this place is the beautiful late 16th-century fountain that depicts St. Peter along with the four cardinal virtues. Apart from taking in the remarkable Renaissance and Baroque architectural marvels, one can also indulge in some street shopping here.
Saarburg is already an enchanting place with multi-hued buildings, cobbled streets and a bustling city life. But what truly makes it stand out is the man-made waterfall running through the city. The Leuk River cascades down a 60 feet (18 meters) drop before joining the major Saar river, a feat accomplished in 13th century. The Gothic brick facade of St Laurentius dominates the skyline and is worth checking out, along with the ruins of Saarburg Castle.
This winery ranks among the best in the region, regaling guests with a variety of sparkling wines cultivated from the freshest of grape variants. Weingut Dr. Heinz Wagner features a range of wines with capture the essence of the area's viticulture tradition. Embark on a tour of the vaulted cellar located within the premises and round off your trip with a glass of tasteful wine.
Visitors can examine old mill wheels and work equipment in this historic mill.
A religious tradition since at least the 1300s, the pilgrimage church of St. Marien is famous in Saarburg for the image of Madonna nursing an infant Jesus, a sight which is revered by visitors from far and wide. The sandstone altar with the graceful image, along with the renovated interiors, adds a vibe of tranquility to the place which is hard to replicate. The ornate cross from the late Renaissance period is also of note.