What’s to say about Ottweiler in Saarland, located only about 32 km or 20 miles north-east of Saarbrücken, other than it’s filled with some unique museums, old historical buildings (castles included, of course), and picturesque hiking and cycling trails? Well, if that’s the case, then Ottweiler is off to a great start.
Ottweiler has an insect museum with over 50,000 exhibits, not bad to check it out if you don’t have a bug phobia!
Rest assured, there aren’t any bugs over at the Local History Museum, only a look into the cultural life of the town from long ago. Also take the kids back to school at the School Museum, a look at a 1000 years of school history in Germany.
After the museums, head over the the Designer Outlet stores for some fabulous shopping.
Shopping has been big here for years since Ottweiler was once the place to be for buying some of the famous porcelain that was produced here at the factory in the 18th century. It produced some of the most beautiful porcelain in the world but stopped production sometime in the 19th century. It’s incredibly rare and only a few museum pieces remain in the entire world.
Ottweiler once had its own brewery, but sadly that’s closed now. However, its former old blue & white building still stands. You can still get a beer since there are plenty of beer gardens in town.
Try your hand at the miniature golf course after imbibing a few brews for a good laugh!
Ottweiler does have its own Renaissance castle, right by the old Stadtmauer. As pretty as Schloss Ottweiler is, the nearby ruins of 13th century Lichtenberg Castle steal the show. It’s really two castle combined and is the largest of all the castle ruins in all of Germany. The castle’s first gate is quite imposing with its thick stone walls, but the third gate seems to have a softer side. That’s where the castle’s youth hostel, restaurant, and museum are located. It’s also where the castle holds its annual Jazzfest.
More festivals around Ottweiler are the Kindist Crafts Market in May, the Old Town Festival in June, and the town’s Vintage Car Festival held every summer. There’s also a large Christmas Market in the town square. While you’re there try a local specialty cake called the Fornaro Cake.
With so much to do in Ottweiler everyone in the family will have some great memories to take home with them. So, after getting off to a great start here, you’ve gotten yourself a perfect ending.
