An MTB tour with 44 per cent trail content and a tour length of 53 kilometres - found in Germany! More precisely, in St. Ingbert in Saarland, in the centre of the Bliesgau biosphere reserve. A protected area from which mountain bikers are traditionally excluded. Here, however, seamless signposting even officially encourages you to ride the trails.
Despite all the joy, Saarland's best bike spots four days, I was also a little ashamed along the way. Some of these tours have been around since 2007, and although I'm now really into trails full-time, I hadn't even had the Saarland on my radar. How did that happen?
Perhaps because the small federal state on the western edge of the republic does not particularly stand out in terms of relief. The highest peak is the Dollberg, and at 695 metres, it is already halfway to its northern neighbours in Rhineland-Palatinate. But perhaps the Saarland has simply gone under because it has been overlooked by well-known bike regions such as Palatinate Forest, Vosges Mountains, Luxembourg and Hunsrück is virtually surrounded.
Ultimately, it was the Saarlanders themselves who literally nudged us into their goldmine. Kilometres of nature trailsThe network of paths, created by the miners who once had to get to the coal mines through the woods. Or the network of paths that were trodden between the wartime bunkers near the border with France. It's all still there: cherished, maintained and signposted.
In the Sankt Wendel region around Freisen, a trail-building professional has even been allowed to let off steam for some time now. His job is to spruce up existing trails with tables, jumps and sharkfins and, on top of that New trails in the forest create. A few kilometres have already been covered. These are all trails that can otherwise only be found with such vigour in a Scottish Trail centre would suspect.
And why do you make such a Legal mountain bike paradise when you see how hard bikers in other federal states have to negotiate for individual single trails? A question that amazes my guide in St. Ingbert: "Why, our tour is even called the Pur-Route. So: pure trails!" We have now compiled this and other aha moments in this special about Saarland. Have fun reading it!
Saarland Special XXL - Contents
Intro - Saarland is neither large nor does it have any mountains worth mentioning. Nevertheless, these five bike spots couldn't be more different
St. Ingbert - Coal mining and war have left their mark: one of the most trail-heavy and best signposted marathon tours in Germany
Freisen in the Sankt Wendel region - Where the Grüne Hölle Freisen association is at home, a trail centre is growing that is very similar to the Scottish models
Flowtrail Ottweiler - a permanent institution since 2012. Four kilometres of downhill trails on the Betzelhübel with all the gimmicks that only bike parks usually offer
Neunkirchen - After 20 years of renaturalisation, the deciduous forests around the Reden coal mine are now also set to sprout trails for bikers
Perl - Vines, Roman villas and a trail centre just like in the Czech Republic. Unlimited MTB fun in the border triangle with France and Luxembourg
Info Saarland - The small federal state has big plans: 400 km around Saarland, Freisen Trail Centre, Saarschleifen Bike Marathon and a new tour app
When you return from a tour of the Saarland, there is one question that is always asked: "So, which spot is the best?" The good thing is that the answer is always different. Depending on who asks.
A marathon racer who likes fast trails and wants to go the distance is sent to St Ingbert on the Pur routes. Perhaps even in July, when the Saarschleifen Bike Marathon takes place in the region. Even in bad weather: this is where the sandstone soil dries the quickest.
Families with children are sure to have the most fun in the vineyards of Perl. Here the little ones can let off steam on the pump track and the super trails in the Meeswald, while their parents can enjoy long loops high above the Moselle.
Those looking for enduro fun, on the other hand, should try the The green hell of Freisen head for. The highest mountains with long descents and a professional route shape await here, as well as touring laps with easier, great trail entertainment.
After Neunkirchen is not visited for the trails, but for its mining scenery, which nature has reclaimed with all its might. And if you are travelling there on the main road: Stop at the Flowtrail OttweilerSaarland's spot with bike park equipment! In the end, a road trip to all the spots might be the best idea after all. Then you can also visit the Saarschleife landmark.
Our 20-page special with the best mountain bike spots and tours in Saarland can also be found as a XXL supplement in BIKE 6/2021 or individually in the BIKE app. Order your favourite issue of the BIKE home delivery free of charge or read the digital edition in the BIKE app for iOS or Android. Particularly favourable and convenient reading BIKE subscription.
Deciduous forest, sandstone soil and narrow paths: the large marathon circuit around St. Ingbert is one of the most trail-heavy tours in Germany.
There are these little red arrows labelled "50 m". A service that is so unusual that the most obvious meaning doesn't come to mind at first: "Well, trail junction in 50 metres!" Jörg Grünbeck is not only the trail commissioner in St. Ingbert, but also a full-time transport planner and an ambitious marathon rider in his spare time. This explains the character of this perfectly signposted green trail route around St. Ingbert.
From the P+R car park in Sengscheid, you roll along one of the few tarmac sections of the tour to the trail entrance and off you go: 80 per cent of the main route consists of a straightforward network of paths and forest tracks, from which playful extra loops branch off. For example, the grenade trails, the skull descent or the trench.
Incidentally, the subsoil consists of coloured sandstone, as in the nearby Palatinate Forest. Rainwater therefore seeps away quickly and the tyres never have to dig through mud puddles. At the Kahlenberghütte, it's worth taking a break on the wooden terrace. Not only because of the view, but also to ensure that your strength and concentration last until the end. The last trail sections are slightly exposed. A super tour!
Die Grüne Pur: Information about the tour
The precinct Just as the miners once hiked straight through the forest to the mineshafts or the soldiers in the war between bunkers and trenches, the trails around St. Ingbert still run today. Roots or stones are rarely in the way on the main route. A perfect training circuit for marathon racers!
There are also 14 extra loops of varying degrees of difficulty, which, for example, plunge into old shell funnels with compressions, plunge down steep slopes, turn rollercoaster curves or circle through a trench slightly wider than a handlebar.
There is also a second Pur route (blue), which runs to the north-west of the city. At 42.9 km and 960 metres in altitude, it is shorter, but has more challenging climbs and is more demanding in terms of riding technique. The St. Ingbert tour network spans a total of 116 km! The starting points are the P+R car park in Sengscheid and the Schüren local recreation area in the north.
Overnight stay Alfa-Hotel: 2 nights incl. sauna, fitness room, packed lunch and riding technique course: 164 euros. Info: www.alfa-hotel.de
Retreat The tour passes a drinking fountain at 16 km and the cosy Kahlenberghütte at 35 km: www.kahlenberghütte.de
Bike shop Well-stocked and housed in an old petrol station: Total Normal Bikes, Kaiserstr. 331, www.total-normal.com
Driving technique courses Christian Stopp, saarpfalz-bike.de
General information holiday-st-ingbert.com
Tour 1: The Green Pure
- 53.6 km I 1446 m elevation gain I 4:50 h I Trail share 44 %
- Condition 4/5
- Driving technique 3/5
- Landscape 3/5
"Green Hell No. 9" is the name of the big loop around Freisen. We would prefer to rename it "Heaven", because you really rarely find such fun trails on tour.
You could almost say that there are "only" 19 per cent of trails - but they definitely feel like more on this tour. Perhaps because the mountains around Freisen are higher and the descents are therefore longer. But above all because the trails here never take the direct route, but utilise every bend and opportunity to play.
Shortly after the start, however, a ramp piles up into the Werter forest. It is the feeder to the many trails that wind around the beech trunks to the right and left. However, this large loop climbs all the way up to the summit cross of the Füsselberg (595 m) and takes the trail down into the next valley. Small berms, a few hills to push off and pick up speed - someone has clearly done some work in terms of riding fun.
An impression that is reinforced as the tour progresses, as the route climbs over several windmill-covered panoramic mountains and then rewards you with increasingly creative downhill garlands. The one on the Kahlenberg is so twisted that you have to think for a moment whether you're going straight up or down. It's just a shame that the final descent doesn't have a trail like this. But all in all: almost like Scotland!
The precinct Freisen is located in the Sankt Wendeler Land region, on the eastern border of the Saarland. The mountains are higher here and the downhill trails are longer. There is a dedicated bike club called Grüne Hölle Freisen, a local councillor who is willing to talk and a very talented trail builder who lives nearby: Nico Reuter. All these circumstances make the tours here feel like a Scottish trail centre.
The trail hotspot in Freisen is the 595 metre high Füsselberg with five very exciting trails, which are equipped with the latest bike park elements such as sharkfins, small doubles and kickers (Bergwerk Downhill, Jumpline, DoubleNico, new Jumpline and Dropline). In total, the built network will span over 15 kilometres. However, the trails that you pick up on the Green Hell No. 9 tour presented here also put a big grin on your face.
MTB club The members of Grüne Hölle Freisen not only organise trail maintenance and signposting, but also training sessions and events. Current information about MTB can therefore be found here: www.g-h-f.org
Events Individual time trial from U7 to S4 with special classifications for Fatbikes, Singlespeed, Enduro and Youngtimer (bikes older than 15 years) and CTF. Date: 11-12 September, info: www.g-h-f.org
Retreat The locals grab an ice cream at the Venezia ice cream parlour or a delicious meal at the swimming pool restaurant at the starting point.
Bike shop We Cycle, Linxweilerstr. 27a, St. Wendel
General information www.bostalsee.de
Tour 2: Green Hell No. 9
- 35.2 km I 925 m elevation gain I 3:20 h I Trail share 19 %
- Condition 3/5
- Driving technique 3/5
- Landscape 4/5
The bike club has been running its mini bike park at Betzelhübel since 2012. Three downhill sections with jumps, roadgaps, wallride and tableline.
Crank up for 20 minutes - then you have the choice of what you want to tackle for the next 120 metres. The blue arrows indicate an easy, winding flow trail. If you follow the red arrows, you will encounter wood in the form of jumps that you can roll over and a wallride. If you choose the black route, you should be able to land drops safely and also know what to do on roadgaps and step-ups.
The club members of RV Tempo Hirzweiler have built a total of four kilometres of trails that lead into a tableline at the bottom. All lines were given a facelift in March and have been open again since the beginning of April.
Info Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Start: Häuser an den Eichenwäldchen car park, directly on the B420 (below) or Steinbach sports ground (above). www.flowtrail-ottweiler.com
It has been 26 years since the Reden coal mine was closed. Since then, nature has been growing again - and a network of tours is set to sprout with it.
It was once considered the most modern facility in Germany - but on this tour, which winds its way up and down into the area of the former coal mine, you have to look closely to recognise a few relics. A shaft entrance in the middle of the forest - overgrown with ivy. A black trail through a sparse birch forest - and that's it.
But then the tour turns into the avenue to the village of Madenfelderhof, and suddenly you are rolling towards the bare, 90 metre-high face of the Reden slag heap. A sandy path, which soon widens, winds its way up its pyramid-like flanks.
It culminates on a plateau with a 360-degree view and the large beer garden of the Bergmanns Alm. The descent on the south-west side of the spoil tip is unfortunately tarmac, but the tour soon plunges back into dense forest and winds its way around idyllic little lakes.
The most scenic part of the tour leads through the Bliesgau biosphere reserve at the end on a mix of trails and forest paths, which is somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany. Afterwards, you could roll down to Furpach on the country road, but a final detour is rewarded with a fun downhill trail straight to the car park.
Reden mountain dump: Information about the tour
The precinct The recultivation of the former coal mine is a lengthy process. Negotiations on environmentally friendly trail routes are therefore taking a little longer in Neunkirchen, especially as some tour sections lead through Natura 2000 conservation areas. However, there are plans for a MTB project with three officially signposted routes around the district town, which are to be connected to the route networks of St. Ingbert and Sankt Wendel in the long term.
The tour around Neunkirchen presented here contains the most beautiful viewpoint of all the routes in this special, makes a large loop through the disused mine complex and is almost like an open-air museum. After all, the productive Saar mines were always a bone of contention between Germany and France. Starting point of the Berghalde-Reden tour: the car park at Furpach swimming pool.
Retreat The Bergmanns Alm on the Reden slag heap offers "Alm Food" (Fri-Sun, summer holidays daily). Info: www.bergmannsalm.de Tip for the evening: the Waldeslust. The charm of a traveller's pub, but with very tasty, simple food. Waldstr. 32, Neunkirchen
History The complete history of the Reden spoil tip, including the current redevelopment and dismantling concept, can be read here: www.erlebnisort-reden.de
Bike shops Fahrrad Schweitzer, Steinwaldstr. 99 in Neunkirchen and Intersport Stiwi in Illingen, www.sportstiwi.de
General information www.regionneunkirchen.de
Tour 3: Berghalde Reden
- 31.9 km I 704 m elevation gain I 3 h I Trail share 16 %
- Condition 2/5
- Driving technique 1/5
- Landscape 3/5
The Saarland wine region clings to the slopes of the Upper Moselle. Even the Romans felt at home here. Today, super trails modelled on those in the Czech Republic await you here.
Leaning back comfortably in the deckchair bench, the view sweeps over a closed sea of forest. Guide Manuel has to explain the special thing about this view: "Straight ahead is Luxembourg, to the left is France - three countries at a glance." The trails over there are said to be as good as those on this side of the Moselle, but that would be the border triangle tour, for which you would need a little more time and stamina.
This Gladiator Ride, on the other hand, appeals to trail fans who place less emphasis on distance and more on uninterrupted riding fun. Nine kilometres of trail wind their way through the Meeswald forest around the Roman Villa Borg with maximum playfulness. Berms, bends, small drops - due to the lack of major gradients, you not only have to actively steer here, but also keep your footing at all times. Just like in the Czech trail centres, which served as a clear role model.
A special highlight is a kind of halved half-pipe. Here, the trail does not cross the small, steep slope, but goes up and down several times. At the bottom, you have to take enough momentum in a U-turn to get back up the slope and turn into the next descent. A very fun tour with a nice roll-in phase on country lanes that offer sweeping views of the Moselle valley.
Galdiator-Ride: Information about the tour
The precinct The idyllic wine-growing region of the Upper Moselle borders directly on Luxembourg and France, two extremely bike-friendly nations. No wonder that the municipality of Perl was only too happy to join their singletrail networks and also orientate itself on their signposting system.
Under the leadership of former racing cyclist Patrick Müller, Perl is focussing on the younger generation of mountain bikers. Last year, a large tarmac pump track and a cross-country short track were created in the district of Sehndorf.
The fun is only surpassed by the trails in the Meeswald: here, as many kilometres of trails as possible have been laid out in loops in the smallest possible space. The Czech trail centres, which are among the best in the world, were the model here.
Patrick Müller was responsible for the planning, schoolchildren and clubs helped with the construction and the municipality has hired an MTB officer to look after the trail. If you need a bit more of a run, simply follow the seamless signposting across the border triangle.
Overnight stay Landgasthaus Sonnenhof with weekend offer: 2 nights with half board incl. guided tours and various excursions: 180 euros (children 160 euros), www.sonnenhof-perl.de
MTB School The MTB-Saar-Obermosel association organises riding technique courses, training sessions and races. Info: www.mtb-saarobermosel.de
Skill Centre Sehndorf The facility (photo above) was completed in 2020 and is open all year round. General information: https://freizeit.perl.saarland/mountainbike.html
Tour 4: Gladiator Ride
- 25.5 km I 479 m elevation gain I 2:10 h I Trail share 34 %
- Condition 2/5
- Driving technique 3/5
- Landscape 4/5
For bikers: A 400-kilometre trail route along the state border, the new touring app, the Saarschleifen Marathon and a dedicated state coach for mountain biking - Saarland has more to offer mountain bikers.
FUNFACT: Even Switzerland is almost 16 times bigger than the Saarland. But you can cycle round the Saarland in under ten hours. At least that's what the fastest racing cyclists on the "Saarlandschwein" website's Hall of Fame list seem to be able to do. This cycle route measures 300 kilometres and 3600 metres in altitude and is already close to the state border.
And this is exactly the kind of route around Saarland that those responsible for tourism have now planned for mountain bikers. The route was scouted by Sascha Schwindling. The sports scientist, who holds a doctorate, paid attention to a high proportion of trails and also ventured deeper into the neighbouring forests of Rhineland-Palatinate and France. The planned route measures almost 400 kilometres and has now been submitted to the relevant authorities for approval. If everything goes smoothly, signposting can begin by 2023 at the latest.
Tour app and trail network Saarbrücken
All Saarland tours with GPS data including emergency call function and "defect detective" for e.g. fallen trees are available free of charge on Google Play and in the iTunes store. All information: www.urlaub.saarland
The newly founded Saarbrücken MTB club started with 150 members. As everywhere in Germany, coronavirus has also led to high user pressure in the forest and discussions in Saarland. Back in spring 2020, a comprehensive concept for a legal trail network was submitted to the Saarland Ministry of the Environment. This was received positively by all official bodies. It was now necessary to found an association for further discussions and work steps. The latest information on developments can be found on the association's own YouTube channel and on mv-sb.de
Interview: 3 questions for Nico Reuter
BIKE: Nico, you've just completed two new trails in Freisen, but the project isn't complete yet, is it?
NICO REUTER: No, we are still in full swing. After the first trails on the Füsselberg were such a success and already attract 200 - 250 bikers a day, the municipality has now commissioned a trail centre with a total of 15-20 kilometres and an asphalt pump track at the swimming pool.
When do you expect the trail centre to be completed?
The engineering plans have been finalised, the invitation to tender will follow soon and, if nothing comes up, the project should be completed by mid-2022.
Ecoparc Concepts stands for sustainable project development. What does this mean in the case of Freisen?
We build our lines mainly in logging roads where the soil has already been compacted by harvesters. For the construction itself, we only use soil from the region. Most recently, we used 30 - 40 lorry loads that were excavated from a nearby construction site and were left over. We will also be planting 666 trees together with the club's young people. We will do this in places that have had to be cleared in recent years due to the bark beetle. We will finance this with donations, which we hope will soon be coming in from the many trail users.
Saarschleifen Bike Marathon
The bike marathon, which passes the country's landmark of the same name, is popular beyond the borders - not least because of its high trail content. However, the coronavirus pandemic is of course throwing a spanner in the works this year: the big mass start event in July 2021 has unfortunately been cancelled. But individual rides are possible. In the period from 25 July to 22 August, bikers can ride the two routes (32 and 64 km) individually, record their time and send it in. Simply register online and request the starter pack including GPS data. The award ceremony will take place virtually on 22 August. www.saarschleifen.bike
Saarland cuisine
The Romans were already building on the slopes of the Upper Moselle Wine on. Grape varieties that are still cultivated by a few traditional wineries in Perl today. A particularly shell limestone soil gives these Elbling wines their own character.
This is what Saarland cuisine is known for: Potato dishes and pot roast. The latter is practically a pickled pork neck steak that is grilled on a swivelling grid.
"Dog's arse" - also a speciality that the Romans once brought to Saarland. These are the fruits of the wild medlar trees (similar to rose hips), which are still boiled down into jelly or distilled into schnapps today.
If it can be a little more refined: The Saarland also serves seven Star chefs Haute cuisine.
New national mountain bike coach
In November 2020, the Saarland Cycling Federation appointed a full-time state coach for mountain biking at the Hermann Neuberger Sports School in Saarbrücken for the first time: Benjamin Schwan. Born in Saarland, he previously worked as a sports scientist in Cologne and will be responsible for coordinating the clubs and promoting junior and squad biking in the future. www.srb-saar.de
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