Difference between revisions of "Saarland"
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− | + | [[file:Saarland_Banner.jpg|1280px|"Saarschleife" (bend in the Saar) near Mettlach}} | |
− | The '''Saarland''' is a small federal state of [[Germany]], located in the west of the nation and forming part of the German border with [[France]] and [[Luxembourg]]. Its name is very literal - the state is formed by the territory of the Saar river basin, although not all of it, as the river starts in [[France]] and flows into the larger Moselle river in [[Rhineland-Palatinate]]. The Saarland has been heavily industrialised since the 18th century, thanks to its formerly rich coal deposits, but is now often written off as a remote postindustrial periphery. In reality, this compact state holds natural wonders and quite a bit of interesting legacy, and its location at a crossroads of European cultures makes it a worthwhile stop on your trip. - 49.383056|6.833056|height=400|width=|align=}} | + | The '''Saarland''' is a small federal state of [[Germany]], located in the west of the nation and forming part of the German border with [[France]] and [[Luxembourg]]. Its name is very literal - the state is formed by the territory of the Saar river basin, although not all of it, as the river starts in [[France]] and flows into the larger Moselle river in [[Rhineland-Palatinate]]. The Saarland[[category:Germany]] has been heavily industrialised since the 18th century, thanks to its formerly rich coal deposits, but is now often written off as a remote postindustrial periphery. In reality, this compact state holds natural wonders and quite a bit of interesting legacy, and its location at a crossroads of European cultures makes it a worthwhile stop on your trip. - 49.383056|6.833056|height=400|width=|align=}} |
− | <h2 class=subheader> | + | <h2 class=subheader>Cities</h2> |
Many ways (2130880673) - | Saarbrücken | Many ways (2130880673) - | Saarbrücken | ||
*Homburg GPS: 49.327807,7.335091 | *Homburg GPS: 49.327807,7.335091 | ||
Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
*Mettlach GPS: 49.495457,6.583503 | *Mettlach GPS: 49.495457,6.583503 | ||
*Neunkirchen (Saarland)|Neunkirchen GPS: 49.350177,7.178879 | *Neunkirchen (Saarland)|Neunkirchen GPS: 49.350177,7.178879 | ||
− | *Saarbrücken GPS: 49.233333,7 – The capital city of | + | *Saarbrücken GPS: 49.233333,7 – The capital city of Saarland. |
*Saarlouis GPS: 49.306322,6.755905 | *Saarlouis GPS: 49.306322,6.755905 | ||
*St Wendel GPS: 49.466667,7.166667}}<!-- is this a place we might conceivably need to cover here on en-WV? or just a populated place to fill the list?--> | *St Wendel GPS: 49.466667,7.166667}}<!-- is this a place we might conceivably need to cover here on en-WV? or just a populated place to fill the list?--> | ||
Saarlouis - Kleiner Markt - Saarlouis | Saarlouis - Kleiner Markt - Saarlouis | ||
− | <!--<h2 class=subheader> | + | <!--<h2 class=subheader>More Destinations</h2>--> <!--add when needed--><h2 class=subheader>{{FULLPAGENAME}} Halal Travel Guide</h2> |
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− | <h2 class=subheader>{{FULLPAGENAME}} Halal Travel Guide</h2> | ||
Saarland is in fact the second-smallest state by population, ahead of only the Free City of [[Bremen]], and has the smallest area of all states but the three city-states of [[Berlin]], Bremen and [[Hamburg]]. Within [[Germany]], it is entirely surrounded by [[Rhineland-Palatinate]]. | Saarland is in fact the second-smallest state by population, ahead of only the Free City of [[Bremen]], and has the smallest area of all states but the three city-states of [[Berlin]], Bremen and [[Hamburg]]. Within [[Germany]], it is entirely surrounded by [[Rhineland-Palatinate]]. | ||
− | Historically, Saarland as an entity did not exist until the 20th century, although settlements like Saarbrücken and Saarlouis have been around for centuries - in fact, Saarbrücken dates back to the ancient Roman Empire. The territory of today's Saarland has fallen within various spheres of influence and was for most of the time a hash of small parts belonging to various German kingdoms and duchies, as well as to [[France]]. | + | Historically, Saarland[[category:Germany]] as an entity did not exist until the 20th century, although settlements like Saarbrücken and Saarlouis have been around for centuries - in fact, Saarbrücken dates back to the ancient Roman Empire. The territory of today's Saarland[[category:Germany]] has fallen within various spheres of influence and was for most of the time a hash of small parts belonging to various German kingdoms and duchies, as well as to [[France]]. |
− | Unified Saarland was created in 1920 by the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, as "Territory of the Saar Basin" (or ''Saargebiet'') under the auspices of the League of Nations, but under ''de facto'' French administration. A fixed referendum held in 1935 resulted in over 90% of the local population deciding to join [[Germany]]. After the Second World War and the "Saar Protectorate" was created by the victorious Free French, and it existed as a sovereign state under French control between 1945 and 1957, when the protectorate once again voted to return to [[Germany]] and became one of its federal states. | + | Unified Saarland[[category:Germany]] was created in 1920 by the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, as "Territory of the Saar Basin" (or ''Saargebiet'') under the auspices of the League of Nations, but under ''de facto'' French administration. A fixed referendum held in 1935 resulted in over 90% of the local population deciding to join [[Germany]]. After the Second World War and the "Saar Protectorate" was created by the victorious Free French, and it existed as a sovereign state under French control between 1945 and 1957, when the protectorate once again voted to return to [[Germany]] and became one of its federal states. |
The reason for France's interest in the Saar region were the coal mines that provided an important part of Germany's coal production and thus its heavy industries until 2014, when the last mine closed. However at least since the 1980s Germany's heavy industries in both Ruhr and Saar had undergone a severe crisis and were highly dependent on government subsidies, which were granted mostly because of political considerations (miners being traditionally social democrats and coal being Germany's only notable domestic resource). | The reason for France's interest in the Saar region were the coal mines that provided an important part of Germany's coal production and thus its heavy industries until 2014, when the last mine closed. However at least since the 1980s Germany's heavy industries in both Ruhr and Saar had undergone a severe crisis and were highly dependent on government subsidies, which were granted mostly because of political considerations (miners being traditionally social democrats and coal being Germany's only notable domestic resource). | ||
− | Still even today as a consequence of the Saar's early industrialisation it retains several "classic" industries besides steel production, such as automotive components and ceramics. Nowadays, Saarland is also an important hub of software development. Saarland does not only make cars, but is also the place with most cars per capita in [[Germany]]. | + | Still even today as a consequence of the Saar's early industrialisation it retains several "classic" industries besides steel production, such as automotive components and ceramics. Nowadays, Saarland[[category:Germany]] is also an important hub of software development. Saarland[[category:Germany]] does not only make cars, but is also the place with most cars per capita in [[Germany]]. |
Altes Hüttenareal Neunkirchen (Saar), Ensemble Eisenwerk - Old steel mill of Neunkirchen (Saarland)|Neunkirchen | Altes Hüttenareal Neunkirchen (Saar), Ensemble Eisenwerk - Old steel mill of Neunkirchen (Saarland)|Neunkirchen | ||
− | <h2 class=subheader>Local | + | <h2 class=subheader>Local Languages</h2> |
− | Locals in Saarland speak ''Saarländisch'', a distinct German dialect that is hard to understand even for proficient German speakers. The different variations of ''Saarländisch'' fall into Rhine Franconian and Moselle Franconian varieties, both of which have numerous differences in grammar, pronunciation and writing for standard German. Moreover, ''Saarländisch'' is rife with vocabulary acquired from French, although sometimes pronounced in a way the French would not understand either. | + | Locals in Saarland[[category:Germany]] speak ''Saarländisch'', a distinct German dialect that is hard to understand even for proficient German speakers. The different variations of ''Saarländisch'' fall into [[Rhine]] Franconian and Moselle Franconian varieties, both of which have numerous differences in grammar, pronunciation and writing for standard ([https://de.ehalal.io/muslim-friendly-travel-2024/{{urlencode:{{FULLPAGENAME}}|PATH}} German]). Moreover, ''Saarländisch'' is rife with vocabulary acquired from French, although sometimes pronounced in a way the French would not understand either. |
Most inhabitants can also speak standard German as well, so if you do, you should get by just fine. The region is also practically bilingual, with French being the other language, taught in schools to all schoolchildren as the first foreign language (ahead of English). | Most inhabitants can also speak standard German as well, so if you do, you should get by just fine. The region is also practically bilingual, with French being the other language, taught in schools to all schoolchildren as the first foreign language (ahead of English). | ||
− | <h2 class=subheader>Travel | + | <h2 class=subheader>Travel to {{FULLPAGENAME}}</h2> |
− | === | + | ===By Plane=== |
− | Airports in or close to Saarland include those in Saarbrücken (IATA Code: SCN), Luxembourg (city)#By plane|Luxembourg (IATA Code: LUX) and Hahn (IATA Code: HHN). As Hahn is served only by no frills airlines like [https://flights.ehalal.io Ryanair], and Saarbrücken has only a limited number of scheduled flights and these airports may not be your best option. If you are flying transatlantically or from even farther away, flying into Frankfurt Airport or [[Paris]] Charles de Gaulle Airport might be necessary and thanks to the excellent train connections, making use of a rail air alliance might work out cheaper, more comfortable and even faster than a connecting flight. | + | Airports in or close to Saarland[[category:Germany]] include those in Saarbrücken (IATA Code: SCN), [[Luxembourg]] (city)#By plane|Luxembourg (IATA Code: LUX) and Hahn (IATA Code: HHN). As Hahn is served only by no frills airlines like [https://flights.ehalal.io Ryanair], and Saarbrücken has only a limited number of scheduled flights and these airports may not be your best option. If you are flying transatlantically or from even farther away, flying into Frankfurt Airport or [[Paris]] Charles de Gaulle Airport might be necessary and thanks to the excellent train connections, making use of a rail air alliance might work out cheaper, more comfortable and even faster than a connecting flight. |
− | Mettlach Bahnhof 07 - Saarland is relatively well covered by a system of railway lines | + | Mettlach Bahnhof 07 - Saarland[[category:Germany]] is relatively well covered by a system of railway lines |
− | === | + | ===By Rail=== |
− | Saarland is well-integrated into the European railway network and at some point it had the most kilometers of railway lines per square kilometre of gross area. As it lies right between the heart of [[Germany]] and [[France]] and the high-speed ICE/TGV trains between [[Paris]] and Frankfurt call at Saarbrücken five times daily. Within [[Germany]], IC and ICE trains can take you to Saarbrücken from [[Dresden]], Mannheim, Munich, Stuttgart to name a few. | + | Saarland is well-integrated into the European railway network and at some point it had the most kilometers of railway lines per square kilometre of gross area. As it lies right between the heart of [[Germany]] and [[France]] and the high-speed ICE/TGV trains between [[Paris]] and Frankfurt call at Saarbrücken five times daily. Within [[Germany]], IC and ICE trains can take you to Saarbrücken from [[Dresden]], Mannheim, [[Munich]], [[Stuttgart]] to name a few. |
− | Long-distance trains stop in Saarbrücken only for the most part; the only other station that sees the occasional long-distance service is Homburg. All the other stations can only be reached by local and regional trains. Regional trains generally travel beyond Saarland (as Saarland is really small), mostly to Rhineland-Palatinate (e.g. Kaiserslautern, Koblenz or Mainz), but also to Metz in Lorraine, [[France]] and even as far as Strasbourg in Alsace. | + | Long-distance trains stop in Saarbrücken only for the most part; the only other station that sees the occasional long-distance service is Homburg. All the other stations can only be reached by local and regional trains. Regional trains generally travel beyond Saarland[[category:Germany]] (as Saarland[[category:Germany]] is really small), mostly to [[Rhineland-Palatinate]][[category:Germany]] (e.g. Kaiserslautern, Koblenz or Mainz), but also to Metz in Lorraine, [[France]] and even as far as [[Strasbourg]] in Alsace. |
=== Travel on a Bus in {{FULLPAGENAME}} === | === Travel on a Bus in {{FULLPAGENAME}} === | ||
Line 46: | Line 44: | ||
Apart from airport links to places such as Hahn, Intercity buses in Germany|domestic bus lines were ''de facto'' illegal in [[Germany]] prior to 2012. As such the market is still relatively young and thus volatile, with one high profile merger as recently as 2014. Still prices tend to be lower than for trains (though shopping around is always a good idea, especially for groups) but travel duration tends to be longer and service and comfort (such as seat pitch) worse. | Apart from airport links to places such as Hahn, Intercity buses in Germany|domestic bus lines were ''de facto'' illegal in [[Germany]] prior to 2012. As such the market is still relatively young and thus volatile, with one high profile merger as recently as 2014. Still prices tend to be lower than for trains (though shopping around is always a good idea, especially for groups) but travel duration tends to be longer and service and comfort (such as seat pitch) worse. | ||
− | <h2 class=subheader> | + | <h2 class=subheader>Get Around</h2> |
Merzig, view from the sculpture trail to the valley of the Saar, image 2 - Landscape near Merzig | Merzig, view from the sculpture trail to the valley of the Saar, image 2 - Landscape near Merzig | ||
− | Public transit is provided within the framework of ''Saarländischer Verkehrsverbund'' (Saarland's Transport Union), referred to as ''SaarVV'' in short. The SaarVV covers the entirety of Saarland and provides a unified fare structure over the public buses and trams in the region. It also partners with Deutsche Bahn with regard to railway services, so that travelling by local trains within Saarland is also covered by the same fares. | + | Public transit is provided within the framework of ''Saarländischer Verkehrsverbund'' (Saarland's Transport Union), referred to as ''SaarVV'' in short. The SaarVV covers the entirety of Saarland[[category:Germany]] and provides a unified fare structure over the public buses and trams in the region. It also partners with Deutsche Bahn with regard to railway services, so that travelling by local trains within Saarland[[category:Germany]] is also covered by the same fares. |
− | The fare system relies on zones to calculate the fare. Saarland is divided into numerous zones (see [https://Z.pdf map), and every journey's cost depends on how many zones you travel through, regardless of your origin or destination and the number of interchanges or the means of transportation used. The territory of the city of Saarbrücken (zone 111) counts as two zones. | + | The fare system relies on zones to calculate the fare. Saarland[[category:Germany]] is divided into numerous zones (see [https://Z.pdf map), and every journey's cost depends on how many zones you travel through, regardless of your origin or destination and the number of interchanges or the means of transportation used. The territory of the city of Saarbrücken (zone 111) counts as two zones. |
− | As of September 2014 and the cheapest single-zone ticket for an adult costs €2.50, while a weekly card for the entirety of Saarland is €64 (please see the complete rates [https://elle_A5-www.pdf here, in German]). | + | As of September 2014 and the cheapest single-zone ticket for an adult costs €2.50, while a weekly card for the entirety of Saarland[[category:Germany]] is €64 (please see the complete rates [https://elle_A5-www.pdf here, in German]). |
− | <h2 class=subheader>What to | + | <h2 class=subheader>What to See</h2> |
VH zwischen HO - Hot-blast stoves of Völklinger Hütte | VH zwischen HO - Hot-blast stoves of Völklinger Hütte | ||
Ringwall Otzenhausen 01 - Celtic ''Ringwall'' in Otzenhausen, ''Kreis'' Street Wendel | Ringwall Otzenhausen 01 - Celtic ''Ringwall'' in Otzenhausen, ''Kreis'' Street Wendel | ||
Line 62: | Line 60: | ||
While it doesn't market its industrial legacy as aggressively as Ruhr and is indeed not as widely known for heavy industries and there is still a lot that remains from the heydays of coal and steel. This of course means that the originally exquisite nature has suffered a lot, but thanks to strict German environmental laws and the demise of the "dirty" heavy industries, nature is recovering and pleasant to look at. | While it doesn't market its industrial legacy as aggressively as Ruhr and is indeed not as widely known for heavy industries and there is still a lot that remains from the heydays of coal and steel. This of course means that the originally exquisite nature has suffered a lot, but thanks to strict German environmental laws and the demise of the "dirty" heavy industries, nature is recovering and pleasant to look at. | ||
* '''Völklinger Hütte''', 13 kilometers west of Saarbrücken, huge disused ironworks complex which was operated from 1873 to 1986 and which used to cover the whole production cycle from raw iron ore and hard coal to pig-iron. It was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage in 1994, being an exemplary piece of industrial legacy in the Saar-Lorraine-Luxembourg region. | * '''Völklinger Hütte''', 13 kilometers west of Saarbrücken, huge disused ironworks complex which was operated from 1873 to 1986 and which used to cover the whole production cycle from raw iron ore and hard coal to pig-iron. It was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage in 1994, being an exemplary piece of industrial legacy in the Saar-Lorraine-Luxembourg region. | ||
− | * '''Celtic hill fort''' of Otzenhausen (in the northernmost tip of | + | * '''Celtic hill fort''' of Otzenhausen (in the northernmost tip of Saarland, 16 kilometers northeast of Wadern) |
* '''Besseringen B-Werk''', completely preserved fortification part of the World War II German defensive "Siegfried Line" ("Westwall") near Merzig. | * '''Besseringen B-Werk''', completely preserved fortification part of the World War II German defensive "Siegfried Line" ("Westwall") near Merzig. | ||
* '''Villeroy & Boch Discovery Centre''', ceramic company founded in 1748 moved to their newer location of Mettlach in 1812. | * '''Villeroy & Boch Discovery Centre''', ceramic company founded in 1748 moved to their newer location of Mettlach in 1812. | ||
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* '''View of the river Saar''', such as at the Saarschleife, loop in the river Saar, near Mettlach. | * '''View of the river Saar''', such as at the Saarschleife, loop in the river Saar, near Mettlach. | ||
− | <h2 class=subheader> | + | <h2 class=subheader>Things to Do</h2> |
Schales mit Apfelkompott und Petersilie fcm - Schales im Apfelkompot und Petersilie | Schales mit Apfelkompott und Petersilie fcm - Schales im Apfelkompot und Petersilie | ||
<h2 class=subheader>Halal Restaurants in {{FULLPAGENAME}}</h2> | <h2 class=subheader>Halal Restaurants in {{FULLPAGENAME}}</h2> | ||
− | In theory and the cuisine of Saarland should be a mixture of French and German ones, but in training you will mostly find typical heavy German dishes prevailing, although under amusing local names. Some local favourites include: | + | In theory and the cuisine of Saarland[[category:Germany]] should be a mixture of French and German ones, but in training you will mostly find typical heavy German dishes prevailing, although under amusing local names. Some local favourites include: |
* ''Dibbelabbes'' - a potato soufflé with bacon | * ''Dibbelabbes'' - a potato soufflé with bacon | ||
− | * ''Kappes und | + | * ''Kappes und GrumColase'' - white cabbage and potatoes |
* ''Gequellde'' - potatoes cooked in their skin | * ''Gequellde'' - potatoes cooked in their skin | ||
* ''Gefilde'' - dumplings in a creamy bacon gravy | * ''Gefilde'' - dumplings in a creamy bacon gravy | ||
* ''Ringelweck'' - a [https://ehalal.io/buy-halal-food/snacks/ Snacks] with Lyoner in the traditional "Ringel-Form" | * ''Ringelweck'' - a [https://ehalal.io/buy-halal-food/snacks/ Snacks] with Lyoner in the traditional "Ringel-Form" | ||
* ''Lyoner'' - a ring of Beef sausage is eaten with "Kerschdscher" - raw potato cubes fried in hot lard | * ''Lyoner'' - a ring of Beef sausage is eaten with "Kerschdscher" - raw potato cubes fried in hot lard | ||
− | * '' | + | * ''Grumsoft drinksalat'' - potato salad with mustard and a roll |
* ''Schwenker'' - marinated Beef cutlets grilled | * ''Schwenker'' - marinated Beef cutlets grilled | ||
− | There is also some French influence in the form of delicacies such as cured veal cheeks with fried goose liver, coq au vin (capon cooked in | + | There is also some French influence in the form of delicacies such as cured veal cheeks with fried goose liver, coq au vin (capon cooked in fruit cocktail), and slices of turbot stuffed with shrimp. |
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− | <h2 class=subheader>Muslim Friendly | + | There are many drink festivals around Saarland[[category:Germany]] all year long. Merzig has fantastic cider and is honoured at the Viez festival. An entire "fruit cocktail summer" is dedicated to the grape. The of the Saar is made in the upper Moselle valley. The is made from Elbling grapes and grapes from Auxerrios and Burgundy vines. |
− | The accommodation base is adequate if not quite abundant, and consists of some mid-price to economic chain hotels, as well as small local independent hotels and guest houses. Staying anywhere within Saarland affords good opportunities to visit the entirety of the region, as no destination is ever more than 100 km, or 1 hours 30 min, away. | + | <h2 class=subheader>Muslim Friendly Hotels</h2> |
+ | The accommodation base is adequate if not quite abundant, and consists of some mid-price to economic chain hotels, as well as small local independent hotels and guest houses. Staying anywhere within Saarland[[category:Germany]] affords good opportunities to visit the entirety of the region, as no destination is ever more than 100 km, or 1 hours 30 min, away. | ||
− | <h2 class=subheader>News & References | + | <h2 class=subheader>News & References</h2> |
<references/> | <references/> | ||
− | <h2 class=subheader> | + | <h2 class=subheader>Travel Next</h2> |
− | * Rhineland-Palatinate surrounds Saarland from the north and east and there are good connections between the two ''Länder''. | + | * [[Rhineland-Palatinate]][[category:Germany]] surrounds Saarland[[category:Germany]] from the north and east and there are good connections between the two ''Länder''. |
− | * Saarland borders the [[France|French]] region of Lorraine to the south. Local trains take one hour to get from Saarbrücken to Metz. | + | * Saarland[[category:Germany]] borders the [[France|French]] region of Lorraine to the south. Local trains take one hour to get from Saarbrücken to Metz. |
− | * Luxembourg shares a short border to the Saarland's west. There are hourly intercity buses between Saarbrücken and Luxembourg City as well as the SaarLuxBus linking the border regions of both states. | + | * [[Luxembourg]] shares a short border to the Saarland's west. There are hourly intercity buses between Saarbrücken and [[Luxembourg]] City as well as the SaarLuxBus linking the border regions of both states. |
Latest revision as of 08:07, 21 September 2024
[[file:Saarland_Banner.jpg|1280px|"Saarschleife" (bend in the Saar) near Mettlach}} The Saarland is a small federal state of Germany, located in the west of the nation and forming part of the German border with France and Luxembourg. Its name is very literal - the state is formed by the territory of the Saar river basin, although not all of it, as the river starts in France and flows into the larger Moselle river in Rhineland-Palatinate. The Saarland has been heavily industrialised since the 18th century, thanks to its formerly rich coal deposits, but is now often written off as a remote postindustrial periphery. In reality, this compact state holds natural wonders and quite a bit of interesting legacy, and its location at a crossroads of European cultures makes it a worthwhile stop on your trip. - 49.383056|6.833056|height=400|width=|align=}}
Contents
Cities
Many ways (2130880673) - | Saarbrücken
- Homburg GPS: 49.327807,7.335091
- Merzig GPS: 49.448959,6.643784
- Mettlach GPS: 49.495457,6.583503
- Neunkirchen (Saarland)|Neunkirchen GPS: 49.350177,7.178879
- Saarbrücken GPS: 49.233333,7 – The capital city of Saarland.
- Saarlouis GPS: 49.306322,6.755905
- St Wendel GPS: 49.466667,7.166667}}
Saarlouis - Kleiner Markt - Saarlouis
Saarland Halal Travel Guide
Saarland is in fact the second-smallest state by population, ahead of only the Free City of Bremen, and has the smallest area of all states but the three city-states of Berlin, Bremen and Hamburg. Within Germany, it is entirely surrounded by Rhineland-Palatinate.
Historically, Saarland as an entity did not exist until the 20th century, although settlements like Saarbrücken and Saarlouis have been around for centuries - in fact, Saarbrücken dates back to the ancient Roman Empire. The territory of today's Saarland has fallen within various spheres of influence and was for most of the time a hash of small parts belonging to various German kingdoms and duchies, as well as to France.
Unified Saarland was created in 1920 by the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, as "Territory of the Saar Basin" (or Saargebiet) under the auspices of the League of Nations, but under de facto French administration. A fixed referendum held in 1935 resulted in over 90% of the local population deciding to join Germany. After the Second World War and the "Saar Protectorate" was created by the victorious Free French, and it existed as a sovereign state under French control between 1945 and 1957, when the protectorate once again voted to return to Germany and became one of its federal states.
The reason for France's interest in the Saar region were the coal mines that provided an important part of Germany's coal production and thus its heavy industries until 2014, when the last mine closed. However at least since the 1980s Germany's heavy industries in both Ruhr and Saar had undergone a severe crisis and were highly dependent on government subsidies, which were granted mostly because of political considerations (miners being traditionally social democrats and coal being Germany's only notable domestic resource).
Still even today as a consequence of the Saar's early industrialisation it retains several "classic" industries besides steel production, such as automotive components and ceramics. Nowadays, Saarland is also an important hub of software development. Saarland does not only make cars, but is also the place with most cars per capita in Germany.
Altes Hüttenareal Neunkirchen (Saar), Ensemble Eisenwerk - Old steel mill of Neunkirchen (Saarland)|Neunkirchen
Local Languages
Locals in Saarland speak Saarländisch, a distinct German dialect that is hard to understand even for proficient German speakers. The different variations of Saarländisch fall into Rhine Franconian and Moselle Franconian varieties, both of which have numerous differences in grammar, pronunciation and writing for standard (German). Moreover, Saarländisch is rife with vocabulary acquired from French, although sometimes pronounced in a way the French would not understand either.
Most inhabitants can also speak standard German as well, so if you do, you should get by just fine. The region is also practically bilingual, with French being the other language, taught in schools to all schoolchildren as the first foreign language (ahead of English).
Travel to Saarland
By Plane
Airports in or close to Saarland include those in Saarbrücken (IATA Code: SCN), Luxembourg (city)#By plane|Luxembourg (IATA Code: LUX) and Hahn (IATA Code: HHN). As Hahn is served only by no frills airlines like Ryanair, and Saarbrücken has only a limited number of scheduled flights and these airports may not be your best option. If you are flying transatlantically or from even farther away, flying into Frankfurt Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport might be necessary and thanks to the excellent train connections, making use of a rail air alliance might work out cheaper, more comfortable and even faster than a connecting flight.
Mettlach Bahnhof 07 - Saarland is relatively well covered by a system of railway lines
By Rail
Saarland is well-integrated into the European railway network and at some point it had the most kilometers of railway lines per square kilometre of gross area. As it lies right between the heart of Germany and France and the high-speed ICE/TGV trains between Paris and Frankfurt call at Saarbrücken five times daily. Within Germany, IC and ICE trains can take you to Saarbrücken from Dresden, Mannheim, Munich, Stuttgart to name a few.
Long-distance trains stop in Saarbrücken only for the most part; the only other station that sees the occasional long-distance service is Homburg. All the other stations can only be reached by local and regional trains. Regional trains generally travel beyond Saarland (as Saarland is really small), mostly to Rhineland-Palatinate (e.g. Kaiserslautern, Koblenz or Mainz), but also to Metz in Lorraine, France and even as far as Strasbourg in Alsace.
Travel on a Bus in Saarland
- See also: Intercity buses in Germany
Apart from airport links to places such as Hahn, Intercity buses in Germany|domestic bus lines were de facto illegal in Germany prior to 2012. As such the market is still relatively young and thus volatile, with one high profile merger as recently as 2014. Still prices tend to be lower than for trains (though shopping around is always a good idea, especially for groups) but travel duration tends to be longer and service and comfort (such as seat pitch) worse.
Get Around
Merzig, view from the sculpture trail to the valley of the Saar, image 2 - Landscape near Merzig
Public transit is provided within the framework of Saarländischer Verkehrsverbund (Saarland's Transport Union), referred to as SaarVV in short. The SaarVV covers the entirety of Saarland and provides a unified fare structure over the public buses and trams in the region. It also partners with Deutsche Bahn with regard to railway services, so that travelling by local trains within Saarland is also covered by the same fares.
The fare system relies on zones to calculate the fare. Saarland is divided into numerous zones (see [https://Z.pdf map), and every journey's cost depends on how many zones you travel through, regardless of your origin or destination and the number of interchanges or the means of transportation used. The territory of the city of Saarbrücken (zone 111) counts as two zones.
As of September 2014 and the cheapest single-zone ticket for an adult costs €2.50, while a weekly card for the entirety of Saarland is €64 (please see the complete rates here, in German).
What to See
VH zwischen HO - Hot-blast stoves of Völklinger Hütte Ringwall Otzenhausen 01 - Celtic Ringwall in Otzenhausen, Kreis Street Wendel Schlossberghoehlen - Schlossberghöhlen - a system of red sandstone caves in Homburg
While it doesn't market its industrial legacy as aggressively as Ruhr and is indeed not as widely known for heavy industries and there is still a lot that remains from the heydays of coal and steel. This of course means that the originally exquisite nature has suffered a lot, but thanks to strict German environmental laws and the demise of the "dirty" heavy industries, nature is recovering and pleasant to look at.
- Völklinger Hütte, 13 kilometers west of Saarbrücken, huge disused ironworks complex which was operated from 1873 to 1986 and which used to cover the whole production cycle from raw iron ore and hard coal to pig-iron. It was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage in 1994, being an exemplary piece of industrial legacy in the Saar-Lorraine-Luxembourg region.
- Celtic hill fort of Otzenhausen (in the northernmost tip of Saarland, 16 kilometers northeast of Wadern)
- Besseringen B-Werk, completely preserved fortification part of the World War II German defensive "Siegfried Line" ("Westwall") near Merzig.
- Villeroy & Boch Discovery Centre, ceramic company founded in 1748 moved to their newer location of Mettlach in 1812.
- Ludwigskirche, Lutheran Baroque-style church in Saarbrücken
- Remains of the fortification in Saarlouis that dominated the city's hexagonal floor plan.
- Schlossberghöhlen - a system of red sandstone caves in Homburg
- View of the river Saar, such as at the Saarschleife, loop in the river Saar, near Mettlach.
Things to Do
Schales mit Apfelkompott und Petersilie fcm - Schales im Apfelkompot und Petersilie
Halal Restaurants in Saarland
In theory and the cuisine of Saarland should be a mixture of French and German ones, but in training you will mostly find typical heavy German dishes prevailing, although under amusing local names. Some local favourites include:
- Dibbelabbes - a potato soufflé with bacon
- Kappes und GrumColase - white cabbage and potatoes
- Gequellde - potatoes cooked in their skin
- Gefilde - dumplings in a creamy bacon gravy
- Ringelweck - a Snacks with Lyoner in the traditional "Ringel-Form"
- Lyoner - a ring of Beef sausage is eaten with "Kerschdscher" - raw potato cubes fried in hot lard
- Grumsoft drinksalat - potato salad with mustard and a roll
- Schwenker - marinated Beef cutlets grilled
There is also some French influence in the form of delicacies such as cured veal cheeks with fried goose liver, coq au vin (capon cooked in fruit cocktail), and slices of turbot stuffed with shrimp.
There are many drink festivals around Saarland all year long. Merzig has fantastic cider and is honoured at the Viez festival. An entire "fruit cocktail summer" is dedicated to the grape. The of the Saar is made in the upper Moselle valley. The is made from Elbling grapes and grapes from Auxerrios and Burgundy vines.
Muslim Friendly Hotels
The accommodation base is adequate if not quite abundant, and consists of some mid-price to economic chain hotels, as well as small local independent hotels and guest houses. Staying anywhere within Saarland affords good opportunities to visit the entirety of the region, as no destination is ever more than 100 km, or 1 hours 30 min, away.
News & References
Travel Next
- Rhineland-Palatinate surrounds Saarland from the north and east and there are good connections between the two Länder.
- Saarland borders the French region of Lorraine to the south. Local trains take one hour to get from Saarbrücken to Metz.
- Luxembourg shares a short border to the Saarland's west. There are hourly intercity buses between Saarbrücken and Luxembourg City as well as the SaarLuxBus linking the border regions of both states.
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