If this was written 220 years ago Saarwellingen wouldn’t even be a town in Germany. But, the town’s loss to France during the French Revolution was Germany’s gain. But, the old landholding country of France (Luxembourge, too) is less than 30 minutes away.
Good thing land barons put up boundary stones (that are still found here) a few centuries ago to let you know whose land you were on.
It also has a therapeutic Kneipp wading bath; which you’ll need after you’ve gone exploring all around Saarwellingen Proper and the neighborhoods of Reisbach and Schwarzenholz.
Of course, no town here in Germany would be the same without a castle. The French loved them, too, so you won’t miss out as there is one here; known as Schloss Saarwellingen. This Baroque castle was built in 1766, when the area was still French. Doesn’t that make it a chateau, instead of a Schloss? Just something to ponder-but there’s a great Schlossfest held here annually on the 1st weekend of August.
There’s also the ruins of another castle nearby, known as the Altenburg. Only some 13th/14th century bricks remain hidden within the surrounding forest. Again, Schloss/chateau, you decide. Either way, there’s always something romantic about castle ruins, no matter what you call them.
Then again, no town in Germany is complete without a church either, as life really centered around them centuries ago. You’ll find three here, St. Bartholomäus, the Parish Church Blasius, and the 19th century Parish Church Marien. None of which should be missed while you’re here.
The countryside in this part of Saarland is exceptional (the wine grapes seem to favor it) and your time here is best spent outside. Not only is there a fantastic outdoor pool (with waterslide and beach volleyball) and an artificial lake for more outdoor fun, but also a wildlife game park with everything from deer to wild pigs. There’s even a petting zoo for the little ones.
Since the town is now German, Willkommen to Saarlingen fits more proper than Bienvenue. But, no matter what language you say it, you’re Welcome in Saarwellingen.
