The Saar river, with its length of 246 kilometers, is an important river in both France and Germany. The German state of Saarland, where the river flows through a large part, takes its name from the river. In this region, a lot of iron, coal and steel is mined and the industry has been using the flow of the Saar for centuries. One of the most famous spots along the river is the Saarschleife. From the Baumwipfelpfad in Mettlach-Orscholz, you have a perfect view of this unique bend in the river.
Read this article in DutchView from the Baumwipfelpfad in Saarland
In 2016, next to the Saarschleife in the Naturpark Saar-Hunsrück, the Baumwipfelpfad Saarschleife was constructed. When you walk along this approximately 1250-meter-long treetop path, you are 23 meters above the ground on your way to the 42-meter-high observation tower. From this spot, you have an amazing view of the famous, iconic bend in this well-known river.
Aussichtspunkt Cloef
If you suffer from a fear of heights or don’t have time to walk the Baumwipfelpfad and climb the observation tower, you can also view the Saarschleife from the Aussichtspunkt Cloef. This viewpoint is located much lower than the observation tower but still quite high on the hill and offers a beautiful view of the Saarschleife. If you want to photograph the Saarschleife at sunrise, Cloef is the place to be, as the treetop path only opens at 9:30 a.m.
Kayaking on the Saar
If you were up early at the Baumwipfelpfad to view the Saarschleife from above, you can later in the day get on the water to see the famous river bend from the Saar itself. From the water, you get a good view of how high the observation tower stands on the hill, about 100 meters above water level. Kayaking on the Saar is a calm and relaxing activity through a beautiful stretch of nature.
Parking at the Saarschleife
You can easily park (paid) at two different parking lots near the Saarschleife. The conference and visitor center Cloef-Atrium (which also has a restaurant) is located almost between Parkplatz 1 and Parkplatz 2 and both parking lots are about the same distance from the entrance to the treetop path. Parkplatz 2 is slightly closer to Aussichtspunkt Cloef, from where you walk through the woods. Tickets cost €13.00 and can be purchased on site or in advance online.
Accommodation near the Saarschleife
If you want to stay longer near the Saarschleife, these are nice accommodations that are perfect bases for exploring the region: Buchnas Landhotel Saarschleife, Saarschleifenlodge and Gästehaus Schloss Saareck.
More to see in the area
Curious about other treetop paths in Germany? Be sure to check out the beautiful Baumpwipfelpfad Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest. Looking for a nice city in Saarland? Spend an afternoon in Saarbrücken. If you want to learn more about the steel industry in this area, plan a visit to the Völklinger Hütte (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
