Nestled in the hills at the center of Germany’s Saarland state, Lebach boasts the largest weekly market in this region. The market’s history dates to 10th century parish records and for most of the intervening time Lebach was the market to attend, sitting at the crossroads of several major byways. The market continues to this day, every Tuesday.
In addition to special Easter and Christmas markets, the town celebrates the birth of the Virgin Mary with Green Week in September. The festival market takes place on the Tuesday following the second Sunday in September. Spend the day browsing the 500 stalls that fill the town with produce, apparel, household goods, and crafts.
On the second Saturday of September, Lebach’s Green Week begins with an open house at the nearby Graf-Haeseler barracks where the local garrison of Paratrooper Battalion 261 puts on show of their aerial skills. The next day, visit the exciting horse races.
Lebach is home to one of Germany’s premium trails, the 7.6 km Kaltensteinpfad. This hilly walk will take you to heights of 220 m, through fairy tale forests full of moss and ferns, wetlands teeming with wildlife, historic Third Reich sites, and even a tunnel full of bats.
On the trail, you will pass a natural stone monument known as Kaltenstein where Celtic legends say the druids made sacrifices to their gods over 2000 years ago.
Back in Lebach, relax in one of the many restaurants or bars, or send an email from local Internet cafes. Or visit the Asian Garden on the banks of the Theel River. Meditate on the pure shapes and colors of the gardens and take in the beauty of their harmony and composition.
All in all, Lebach is a friendly town, full of easy-going and open-minded people, and a good place to spend a few days relaxing, hiking the many walking trails, or just enjoying the market.
