The town of Schmelz (which translates to Glaze) is made of six municipalities, Schmelz itself, Hüttersdorf, Limbach, Michaelbach, Primsweiler, and what translates to the Village in the Bean Valley (you got to love that name!) since 1974.
These independent villages in the Saarlouis district date back to Roman times, but became much more economically and strategically important during the days of the Middle Ages when iron and glass were melted here.
Besides its long history Schmelz is an active town with an array of outside attractions and activities, most of which are very family friendly.
The outdoor swimming pool is great fun for the whole family and complete with waterslide, water mushroom, beach volleyball court, and energy replenishing snacks.
Schmelz also has three Nordic Walking courses, each designed for your comfort and experience level. Take the Blue Course for a less extensive workout, while the Black Course is for some heavy distance walking. The town’s 31 kilometer Cycle Round Course, is great for cycling around the Saalouis mountain countryside, while the higher elevations may only be suitable for more experienced riders.
Schmelz is also home to an outside fitness garden all designed to exercise in the great outdoors.
And for you hikers? You’ll get a treat hiking up the sandstone cliffs! ;-)
For something a bit more of a slower pace there’s plenty of places of interest to visit around town at your leisure. The Court Lime Tree (which is really an Elm) was planted in 1730 and still going strong. The Engelgrundweiher, a protected nature area, has the Naturdenkmal — a 380 year old Oak.
Since Schmelz is such an old town actually, the Aussener Bell Tower (Außener Glockenturm) dates to the 12th century and Limbach’s dates to the 13th.
Then there’s the restored Bettingen Mill House which offers authentic bread baking courses (and a chance for some really good eats!).
You’ll be lucky if you’re in town during its Autumn Days Festival (a.k.a. Schmelzer Herbsttage) held in September with two days of enjoying local food and fun for the whole family.
