But cyclists can then reward themselves with a good glass of wine or perhaps natural cosmetics from the Bliesgau biosphere region. The Saarland Cycle Route offers a wonderful cross-section of the entire federal state, with stops in the state capital of Saarbrücken, at the Völklingen Ironworks World Heritage Site, in the baroque town of Blieskastel and with a detour into neighbouring France to Saargemünd.
Character:
The route is mostly car-free, but the hills in the border triangle and between the Saar and Moselle rivers require some fitness.
Route:
Saarbrücken - Saargemünd - Blieskastel - Homburg - St. Wendel - Weiskirchen - Mettlach - Perl - Hemmersdorf - Völklingen - Saarbrücken
Journey:
Saarbrücken is easily accessible by train, as are several other towns along the route, such as Mettlach and Homburg.
Cycling hotels:
e.g. Hotel Haus Schons in Mettlach, http://www.hotel-haus-schons.de
Sonnenhof in Perl-Hellendorf, http://www.sonnenhof-perl.de
More bike-friendly hosts at http://www.radfahren.saarland.de and http://www.bettundbike.de
Bike service:
Addresses for hire (including e-bikes) and repair at http://www.radfahren.saarland.de
Maps/literature:
Bikeline cycle tour book and map 1:50,000 "Saarland-Radweg", 90 p., 12.90 euros. ADFC regional map "Saarland" 1:75,000, 6.80 euros.
Information (general):
Saarland Tourist Information Centre, Franz-Josef-Röder-Str. 17, 66119 Saarbrücken, Tel. 0681/92720-0, http://www.tourismus.saarland.de
