Leisure tips - Victor's Residenz-Hotel Saarlouis

The different exhibits in the 500 m² interactive museum present the history of the newspaper. There is a lot to discover, from the historical origins, to newspaper production and its technical apparatus, to the spread of this print medium.

Three themes take the visitor through the rooms of the former outhouse of the historic Wadgassen Abbey. The first section presents the history of the newspaper from its beginnings to the Spiegel affair in 1962. Particularly interesting here are the original prints from when the mass medium began. The second area deals with the technical components of newspaper production, including impressive exhibits such as large format newspaper presses. In the third section of the museum, it is all about the newspaper today. There are various "hands-on" stations, where visitors are invited to join in and give it a try. A fantastic treat for print media fans of all ages: the regular workshops, where you can try writing with pen and ink, for example, or making your own paper.

With the Saarland Card, you get free admission to the museum.

Experience this multi-faceted city for yourself. With its history and love of art and culture, Luxembourg has become a symbol for a colourful and tolerant Europe. The city is also a mecca for fashion aficionados, with countless boutiques and large shopping centres. And its Schoberfouer funfair constitutes one of the biggest festivals in the region.

Equally noteworthy is Luxembourg's architecture, which bears witness to an eventful history. The city at the heart of Europe has been occupied countless times down the ages, and its former fortifications reflect these international influences. It's a cosmopolitanism that survives to this day, as can be seen from Luxembourg's many festivals, events and concerts, not to mention its eclectic culinary scene. Various guided tours are on offer to give you an insight into this fascinating place.

Nestled in the very heart of the Lorraine region, the charming city of Metz, with its impressive Centre Pompidou, is a magnet for art lovers. But not only the sister institution of the Paris-based contemporary art museum attracts visitors. Metz is also home to the Cour d'Or Museum with its extensive architectural collection, as well as numerous parks and gardens and gorgeous historical churches. Those who prefer their art on stage won't want to miss the Opéra-Théâtre, France's oldest still-functioning opera house.

Shopaholics will find plenty to keep them busy on rue Serpenoise and rue des Clercs as well as in the Imperial quarter and the Amphitheatre quarter by the railway station. The old Outre-Seille quarter is home to arts and crafts and antiques businesses.

If you have an interest in the history of Saarland, you should definitely visit the SaarPolygon. As a symbol for the bygone era of coal-mining in the Saar region, the monument represents the classic relation between coal, steel and energy. The extraordinary construct is accessible and offers a wonderful view of the surrounding landscape!

Stretching from Sarreguemines to Trier, the Saar bike route passes directly in front of the hotel. Hop on!

The 70-mile Saar bike route has no steep climbs and runs through a delightful landscape of woods, meadows and vineyards. The famous Saarschleife river bend and the picturesque town of Saarburg are just some of the highlights of the route. Also reachable by bike is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Völklinger Hütte, a historic ironworks monument, which is just a 30-minute ride from the hotel.

This horseshoe bend in the River Saar is the Saarland's most iconic attraction. The best places to take in the spectacular landscape are the Cloef atrium and the recently opened Saarschleife treetop walkway with its 42-metre high viewing tower, which offers a magnificent view of the river that is characteristic for the region.

When visiting the Saarland, VIPs and other dignitaries – famous examples include Jacques Chirac, Germany's current chancellor Angela Merkel and Gerhard Schröder – will often go out of their way to see the famous Saarschleife, which begins in the Besseringen district of the city of Merzig and ends just over four miles away in the municipality of Mettlach. The best vantage point is perhaps the Cloef atrium at Orscholz on the bend of the horseshoe. Above it runs the recently-opened, three-quarter-mile treetop walk, which starts at the atrium and ends at a 42-metre high viewing tower. Along its length there are several interesting stops and information points. The path is fully accessible and has a very gentle upward incline (6%).

Saarlouis – the secret capital of the Saarland – a magical place with its picturesque old town, historic buildings and lovely shops.

Immerse yourself in the eventful history of the town of Sun King Louis XIV and gaze in wonder at the historic buildings from the French and Prussian age of fortification on a sightseeing tour. The walk takes you past the Lacroix statue, the Schleusenbrücke sluice bridge and Saar-Altarm oxbow, the Contregarde-Vauban ("Vauban Island") with the Marshal Ney monument and the large market with the town hall and its Gobelinsaal tapestry hall.

Duration: 2 hours

Meeting point: Tourist Information Saarlouis

With the Saarland Card you can take part in the guided tour free of charge.

Steeped in French charm, and boasting a picturesque old quarter, the city of Saarlouis is the secret capital of Saarland.

The old town, with its numerous bars, cafés and restaurants, is just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. Anyone exploring Saarlouis for themselves will immediately sense its irrepressible joie de vivre. Originally built as a fortress city on the orders of Louis XIV of France, it still has a few barracks in the centre, which today are in use as a museum and shopping mall.

Approximately 15 minutes from here, you can find the so-called Devil's Castle („Teufelsburg"). A great and adventurous day trip destination, the castle ruin is freely accessible. A small museum displays findings from archaeological excavations and offers informational material about the ancient castle, shrouded in legend!

This magnificent ironworks monument is one of Germany's 41 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the gigantic machinery of the blower shed up to the heights of the charging platform, Germany's industrial heritage is brought to life here.

Founded in 1873, the Völklingen Ironworks once employed thousands of workers. Today it's a vibrant cultural site that stages frequent exhibitions and events. A multimedia show takes visitors through the plant's history, while the commanding heights of the ironworks offer spectacular views of the city of Völklingen and the modern Saarstahl steelworks. In the summer, the site reverberates with a very different kind of energy as the award-winning Electro Festival takes up residence here.

Big brands, small prices! This shopper's paradise is a great place for bargain hunters and rich pickings for fashion aficionados.

With over 130 brands in more than 120 shops, the Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet form one of Germany's largest outlet centres. Designer labels, premium accessories and luxury beauty products are available at bargain prices all year round. No wonder that the Style Outlets attracts visitors from all over Germany and beyond.

By the way: another bonus the Saarland Card offers is the exclusive Fashion Outlet VIP Day Pass with an extra 10% discount on outlet prices of 90 participating premium brand names. You can pick up your VIP Day Pass at the Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet Tourist Center. All you have to do is present your Saarland Card