A great tour of a small region: Saarland Cycle Route

Spectacular scenery, excursions to France, hilly countryside and broad valleys are just some of what the Saarland has to offer. The Saarland Cycle Route is the ideal way to discover it all.

Setting off from Saarbrücken, the route leads into neighbouring Lorraine and the town of Sarreguemines, along the Blies and into the Oster valley. After the Saar-Hunsrück nature reserve it crosses the Schwarzwälder Hochwald forest and Mount Petersberg with its spectacular views. Near Mettlach you'll catch a glimpse of the famous Saar Bow. The winegrowing region in the area where Germany borders France and Luxembourg is a great place to stop for a break, as are the Saargau orchards. After visiting the Völklingen Ironworks, you head back towards Saarbrücken. To make the tour more manageable, you can hire an electric bike from eVelo Saarland. Terrain: the route runs through hilly stretches with occasional steep gradients. Mainly asphalt trails but also old towpaths, mostly free of traffic. Part of the route dips into France. Scenery: region around the German/French border with low hills and mountains, forests and meadows, river meadows and streams, the Saar Bow, Lake Bostalsee in wooded upland scenery, Saar-Hunsrück nature reserve, peaks in the Schwarzwälder Hochwald forest.

• Length: 356 kilometres, circular route
• Route info: hilly in parts, steep gradients