Denise Weber
Discover the Great Region – your tour guide around the Saarland
Welcome to the Great Region, dear first-year students! The adventure of studying begins not only in the lecture halls, but also in the charming corners and exciting places around the Saarland. Because let’s be honest, to get through the semester well, leisure activities and excursions are also part of it.
So that you can enjoy your new home to the full right from the start, we have put together a guide for you with cities and must-sees worth seeing. From historical sights to cozy cafés – here you can find out how to make the most of your free time in the cities of the Greater Region. Let’s discover the diverse side of this region together and create unforgettable memories!
Luxembourg
Luxembourg City is known for its impressive blend of history, modernity and internationality.
The old town of Luxembourg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combines medieval charm with vibrant city life. Here, narrow alleyways surrounded by historic fortresses and towers invite you to explore the old town on foot.
Luxembourg is home to many parks and green spaces that are not only ideal for relaxation, but also for a picnic. The Kirchberg, a modern district, is home to several European Union institutions, contemporary architecture, museums and a wide selection of restaurants and cafés.
Another great place for all fashion enthusiasts is the large shopping center „La Cloche d’Or“. Here you will find numerous stores for every budget. A great place to spend an afternoon. It is a particularly interesting place to visit at Christmas time, as the whole building is beautifully decorated.
Luxembourg gets a big plus point for its well-developed infrastructure. Good to know: all public transportation is free in Luxembourg! In other words, hop on the train and off you go. Alternatively, the L40 bus runs several times a day to Luxembourg from Saarbrücken main station. You can take this free of charge with your semester ticket and be in Luxembourg within 1h15.
If you need more information about accessibility in Luxembourg, you can find out more at this link: Tourism for all – Visit Luxembourg.
Trier
Trier is the oldest city in Germany. Here you will find a wonderful mixture of ancient history and modern charm. Situated in the Moselle valley, Trier is characterized by its well-preserved Roman architecture, which makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Porta Nigra, the city’s landmark, an imposing Roman city gate, is definitely a place you have to see. In addition, the Basilica of Constantine, the Imperial Baths and the amphitheaters are further relics from Roman times that transport you back to a bygone era and are well worth a visit.
In addition to its historical charm, Trier also has a quaint old town with cozy cafés, restaurants and boutiques. The old town invites you to take a leisurely stroll.
A special highlight is the Porta Nigra at night, when it is illuminated to create a magical atmosphere. Trier is not only known for its history, but also for its wines. The vineyards along the Moselle are home to some of the best Rieslings in the world. Wine lovers need to be careful here, as one or two wine boutiques may tempt you to try them.
Metz
The charming French city of Metz is just 45 minutes away by car. Located in the north-east of France, the metropolis is one of the larger cities in the „Grand Est“ region.
If you are traveling by train, you will arrive directly at one of the most beautiful train stations in France. In 2020, it was nominated as the most beautiful train station in France for the third time in a row.
Metz is particularly known for its diverse cultural and architectural heritage, which dates back to Roman times. The Saint-Étienne Cathedral in the old town, the city center of Metz, is particularly worth seeing. A stroll through the old town is recommended for anyone who wants to be enchanted by a mixture of French and German architecture and typical French alleyways.
Metz also offers a lively cultural scene. In addition to numerous museums and art galleries, there is also the Opéra Thêatre de Metz to discover – the oldest opera theater in France that is still in use. This city has also a wide range of bars and cafés to offer.
If you want to learn more I can recommend you this instagram page called „metzadresses“. Click on the instagram button.
And would you like to see the city for yourself? There are several FlixBus services to Metz every day for a small price! It’s definitely worth a visit.
You can find helpful information on a barrier-free visit under the following link, as the city of Metz attaches great importance to this: Disabled tourism in Metz Eurométropole: places accessible to people with a disability (tourisme-metz.com)
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the charming capital of the Alsace region, is a fascinating destination with a unique blend of French and German culture. Known for its good food and beautiful architecture, Strasbourg is definitely worth a visit.
Strasbourg’s landmark is the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Standing in front of it, you almost can’t see the top of the cathedral, it’s so big. Can you manage to fit it into one photo?
The old town, also known as „La Petite France“, is a picturesque district with sweet alleyways, half-timbered houses and charming bridges spanning the canals. Here you will find the perfect opportunity to enjoy Alsatian cuisine, from tarte flambée to delicious cheeses.
Strasbourg is also known for its lively cultural and student scene. Events such as the famous Strasbourg Christmas market, the oldest in Europe, add to the festive atmosphere of the city. The Christmas market is definitely a must-see if you are ever in the city at Christmas time.
Strasbourg is quite easy to reach from Saarbrücken. It takes 2 hours by train and only 1h40 by FlixBus.
