Merchweiler is more than just your straight forward working class town in the Saarland. This parcel of land in the west of Germany close to France and Luxembourg has got to be some of the most beautiful around the globe; and not a spot you’ll easily forget.
In Merchweiler little things mean the most, which is quite evident in the art gallery exhibitions that are held within its Town Hall and the choir concerts (along with other cultural activities) put on throughout the year.
It’s also evident at the Chapel Maria Himmelfahrt where every flower is lovingly planted to make its garden pleasing for all the senses. Summer is the most beautiful time to visit and where every plant in the Maria Chapel is in full bloom.
The Chapel Celebration on/about August 15th couldn’t come at a better time — when many of the faithful come to pay homage.
That’s also when the Rose Garden, where there are more than 3500 rose bushes, creates the most intoxicating of scents. There’s not a more beautiful place to enjoy a cup of coffee (or, tea) while playing a game of chess (provided by the garden). There’s miniature golf out there, too; and, entrance to the Rose Garden is free. (Don’t get caught picking any, though! ;-)
You’ll probably spend more time within the rose garden than over at the Local History Museum (known as Heimatmuseum in German). But, it’s a good place to visit anyway.
Don’t do a rush through of Merchweiler’s St. Michael’s Church in the village of Wemmetsweiler. It’s been an integral part of village life since the 17th century.
Other old buildings to see around town include some late 18th and mid 19th century farmhouses at Bergstraße 4 and 6, and one at Dorfstraße 27. Haus Ackerman is a charming example of architecture from around the start of the 20th century.
Certainly, I, too, have an affinity for anyplace that thinks small details are just as important as the larger ones.
