Leisure tips - Victor's Residenz-Hotel Schloss Berg

As the name implies, the Amüseum stands for amusement. It's one of a kind, a bit weird and definitely fun – inside and out! With interesting exhibits about traditional trades in the Saarburg region and a picturesque inner-city waterfall, the small museum has become quite an attraction.

Unique views high above one of Germany's loveliest river loops. The Saarschleife treetop walk near Mettlach promises an exceptional adventure. 1,250 metres long in total, the wooden path meanders up towards the observation tower, bit by bit. Reaching heights of up to 23 metres, past beeches, Douglas firs and oaks. The highest point of the observation tower is a remarkable 42 metres above the ground. When they get there, visitors are treated to a breathtaking view into the Saar Loop valley.

Experience the miracle of nature from a totally new perspective, as you embark on a tour of discovery through the remarkable "forest" biotope. The path through the treetops is lined with numerous learning and activity stations, where all ages can find out about the forest domain and its inhabitants. The treetop walk and the observation tower are designed to be family-friendly and accessible – a maximum gradient of 6% makes it also suitable for wheelchair users, those who find walking difficult and families with pushchairs.
Incidentally, perhaps you would also fancy a short walk before or after exploring the treetop walk? Because extending around the Saarschleife is one of the most beautiful premium hiking areas in the Saarland.

Our tip for fine wine connoisseurs: in neighbouring Remich, you can experience a mysterious place that is full of tradition – the Caves St. Martin, with their impressive vaulted cellar, fine wines and exquisite Crémant.

Eugène Koch, Jean Faber, Eugène Knepper, J.P. Hartmann, Pierre Wurth, Jean Beissel and Mathias Ley founded the Caves St. Martin in 1919. The underground passages, carved into the huge limestone massif over a total length of almost one kilometre, were completed in 1921. For professionals, there is to this day still no better place for wine-making and bottle fermentation. Visitors can see this for themselves on a guided tour as they risk a glimpse into the impressive vaulted cellars.

History you can touch. The medieval castle is located just beyond the Lorraine border, and offers plenty of fun for all ages.

The Château de Malbrouck, originally called Meinsberg, has existed since the beginning of the 15th century. It was listed as a national monument in 1930 because of its status as a "Site Moselle Passion". Guided tours offer fascinating insights into the architecture and life of the Middle Ages. The castle also has a first-class art and cultural programme and holds exceptional exhibitions.

Enjoy the world of water with all your senses. DAS BAD in Merzig provides an atmosphere of well-being under different themes. Water World I is all about sport and adventure. A giant slide, bubble loungers, jet stream channel and sports pool are just some of the attractions of this leisure area for the whole family.

The theme of health is at the heart of Water World II. Total relaxation in healing waters is promised as you bathe in officially certified Bietzen spa spring water. Also found here are the Salounge relaxation and meditation area, a Feng Shui barefoot path, a Kneipp hydrotherapy pool and a whirlpool. The trump card of the extensive premium sauna facility is the two-storey relaxation house with a panoramic view over the idyllic Saar meadows, five different saunas and a steam bath with a starlit sky. 1,800 m² in total, you are invited to relax in a large sauna garden, a cosy indoor area with inglenook and a sauna bistro with conservatory.

With the Saarland Card, you get free admission to Water Worlds I+II for the day.

See, listen, touch, taste, smell – the "sensory garden" really lives up to its name. The extensive garden area is divided into eleven different garden "rooms" – with themes such as water, seasons, colours or meditation.

Stroll through the shingle garden or embark on a journey of discovery in the fragrance garden. Come to grips with nature in the truest sense of the word in the touch garden, or let your imagination take you to other worlds in the sound garden. A barefoot path, guided garden tours and a special programme for children round off a remarkable selection. Hobby gardeners and nature-lovers are invited to browse through a shop of home-grown plants. And if, after your "exhilarating sensory experience" you want to keep enjoying your surroundings, you can relax in the cosy garden bistro over coffee and cake.
The sensory garden also holds seasonal events, such as "Rose days" in June and the May event, "The lights of May".

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

This is the place for horse lovers. The Saarland's exemplary stud farm is idyllically located near the small village of Perl, and has become a haven of peace for man and beast.

Conditions at the Peterhof stud are perfect for keeping and training horses. The impressive complex has been developed with the greatest care, and exudes an almost Mediterranean flair, especially in the summer months. Every year, the stud farm hosts an international 4-star dressage gala, a tournament at international elite level that is held annually in front of some 9,000 visitors. The members of the German world championship team are also regular guests. Our tip: visitors are offered guided tours of the spacious stables during the tournament, an opportunity that no horse lover should miss.

The only 27-hole golf course in the region, spread over 107 hectares.

The area at the heart of the border triangle is divided into three 9-hole courses, appropriately named Germany, France and Luxembourg. There is also a compact 6-hole course on the site that is perfect for beginners. An attractive restaurant completes the offer perfectly.

low season: 01/01 - 04/04 & 04/11 - 31/12: 9 Loch: 38€ / 18 Loch: 53€

high season: 05/04 - 03/11: 9 Loch: 49€ / 18 Loch: 83€

The exclusive 18-hole golf course is idyllically located on a plateau in the municipality of Wallerfangen, 340 meters above the Saargau ridge between the rivers Saar and Moselle. The green offers a great view of the surrounding area, and gorgeous old trees make for an exceptionally beautiful backdrop. In terms of gameplay, the course can be quite challenging, so it is particularly suitable for more experienced players. If you would like to improve your handicap, you should take advantage of the fully equipped driving range with 16 covered tees, practice bunkers plus putting, pitching and chipping greens.

By the way: our hotel guests receive discounted rates on this golf course.

Mon-Fri: 18-hole green fee 50 €
Sat/Sun/Holidays: 18-hole green fee 60 €

With the Saarland Card (included for two nights or more) you get a 50% discount on the green fee

Exclusive 18-hole golf course, 12 kilometres away in Luxembourg.

For those who want to improve their handicap, the fully-equipped driving range with 18 covered tees, two practice bunkers and two putting greens is the perfect place. Three experienced golf instructors are available for individuals as well as for group and business courses. The courses are the perfect way to strengthen the team spirit, especially for business customers.

By the way: Our hotel guests receive discounted green fee rates on this golf course.
Mon-Fri: 9-hole green fee €40, 18-hole green fee €80
Sat/Sun/holidays: 9-hole green fee €45, 18-hole green fee €90

The Saarland is home to Europe's largest climbing and adventure park. Kletterhafen Merzig is right next to the Saar and thus the Saar Cycle Route – an ideal stopover for cyclists who like to climb.

The poles of the high ropes course are more than 22 metres high and will get the adrenalin flowing. With twelve different courses, the climbing facility offers fun and action for all the family – from the child-friendly course for younger children from the age of five, to the demanding course that includes jumping from a dizzying height. Night-time climbing events also take place regularly here. You can climb in the dark in the adventure park on several weekends during the year.

With the Saarland Card, you get 3.5 hours of free climbing.

At the heart of the Lorraine, Metz's impressive Centre Pompidou is a hotspot for art connoisseurs.

However, not only does the Centre Pompidou delight visitors as a museum of contemporary art: so too does the Museum Cour d'Or with its large archaeological collection, numerous parks and gardens and beautiful old churches. Those who prefer to see their art on a stage should head straight for the Theater-Oper – the oldest active opera house and theatre in France. In addition to the main shopping streets Rue Serpenoise and Rue des Clercs, the Kaiserviertel and the amphitheatre district near the SNCF train station are also ideal for shopping. And there are enchanting handicrafts and antiques to be found in the historic Outre-Seille quarter.

Experience this multifaceted city for yourself. With its history and love of art and culture, Luxembourg has become a symbol for a colourful and tolerant Europe. It is also a veritable shopping paradise with countless boutiques and large shopping centres, and its Schoberfouer fair is one of the biggest festivals in the region.

Luxembourg also has a remarkable architecture that clearly reveals traces of a turbulent history. The city at the heart of Europe has been occupied countless times over the ages, and the construction of its former fortress reflects these international influences. Luxembourg remains international to this day, as is evident from its many fairs, festivals and concerts and from its eclectic culinary scene. Various guided tours will give you an exclusive insight into the fascinating history of Luxembourg.

The Romans left their mark every here, in Germany's oldest city. Stroll from the Porta Nigra through its picturesque alleys and over to Trier Cathedral, and discover numerous masterpieces of Roman architecture along the way.

The Porta Nigra has been a part of Trier's rich UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. It also includes Trier Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. So how about a visit to this city, with its wealth of historical treasures? Stroll through the pedestrian zone, pass beautiful medieval buildings, and take a seat in one of the many restaurants and cafés.  There is so much to discover.  From ancient monuments to the Karl Marx House and the Rheinisches Landesmuseum, one of Germany's most important archaeological museums, history comes alive in this city.

The 24-stage Moselsteig was officially named Germany's most beautiful hiking trail in 2016. The first stage leads from Perl to Palzem, and offers fabulous panoramic views of the delightful Moselle valley.

The highlights of this long-distance hiking trail include not only the wonderful views, but the species-rich flora and fauna as well. One of the first stops is the German-French nature reserve on the Hammelsberg, with sun-drenched slopes and where countless colourful orchids bloom in May and June and thousands of butterflies perform an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. After a barefoot path, the Moselsteig leads through shady forests to the small village of Wochern, where lovingly restored houses and a babbling brook shape the landscape. Past a collapse sinkhole, you come to Sinz and later to Palzem.

Key figures

Start: Maimühle, 66706 Perl
Length: approx. 21.5 km
Duration: approx. 6½ hours

Fabulous views of the Moselle Valley and far into neighbouring France; jungle-like forests and picturesque meadows full of orchids: welcome to the "Panorama Path Perl", the premium hiking trail.

The highlight of this entertaining circular trail is the German-French nature reserve Hammelsberg with a Mediterranean ambience, which is situated above the wine-growing community of Perl in the border triangle of Germany-France-Luxembourg. A narrow path just a few minutes' drive from the Victor's Residenz-Hotel Schloss Berg will take you along the sunny lookout points with fabulous panoramic views. Follow this with a visit to one of the many renowned vintners for the perfect end to a perfect hike.

Starting points:
Car park at the Dreiländereck lookout point in Perl
Rabüscheck car park
Length: approx. 8.4 km

Ever wondered what rural life was like in Roman times? To get an idea of it, come and visit the Roman Villa in the Archaeological Park Perl-Borg. The excavation site is unique in Europe, and has been extensively reconstructed.

The Archaeological Park Roman Villa Borg has been a veritable tourist magnet for over 25 years. And it's no wonder: the complex imaginatively shows the many facets of Roman rural life. Everything has been faithfully and lavishly reconstructed, even the gardens. The Roman Villa is in one of the oldest settlement areas in the Saarland, and the site of the Villa Borg covers an area of around 7.5 hectares. The excavation work, which continues to this day, has uncovered both Roman and Celtic finds. Researchers have even uncovered the remains of wooden buildings. Coins and ceramics prove that the villa was inhabited until the beginning of the 5th century AD. It once lay on the Roman road from Trier to Metz.

The picturesque gem on the Saar, which nestles idyllically on steep vineyards and rugged rocks, is always worth a day trip.

Saarburg was founded in 964 with the construction of a castle high above the Saar. Even today, traces of the Middle Ages are still clearly evident. In the middle of the city, a 20-metre waterfall plunges into the valley between its timber-framed houses and Baroque buildings, driving the mill wheels of the former Hackenberg Mill – a unique attraction that can be admired from a small pedestrian bridge and various surrounding cafés. Other sights include the 19th-century Mabilon bell foundry and the salt fountain, which was already used as a salt spring by the ancient Celts and Romans.

The undisputed symbol of the Saarland. In addition to the venerable Cloef lookout point, the Saarschleife treetop path (which opened in July 2016) with its 42-metre-high observation tower, offers spectacular views of the characteristic course of the river.

The Saarschleife (Saar loop) begins in the Merzig suburb of Bessringen and ends in Mettlach. VIPs and politicians regularly visit the attraction when they travel to the Saarland. The most famous guests include Gerhard Schröder, Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The 1,250-metre-long treetop path, which opened in 2016, is located just above the lookout point near Orscholz. It leads from the Cloef atrium to the 42-metre-high observation tower, and offers several interesting stops with information boards along the way. The path is barrier-free and has a gentle incline of six percent.

The starting point is Schloss Berg, and the trail leads deep into the world of limestone with its fascinating karst formations.

The 6.3 kilometer long dream loop leads over gently sloping vineyards, past wide fields and orchards and to the sinkholes that give it its name. And after about two hours you can stop off in the cozy wine and beer garden of our barn.

Key figures

Start: Schloss Berg
Length: approx. 6,3 km

Enjoy fabulous views of the Saar Bow.

The trail starts at the Cloef-Atrium, and leads first into a light woodland towards the Cloef lookout point. Then comes a small valley, and this is followed by the walk down into the Steinbachtal nature reserve and the narrow Kerbtal valley. Arriving on the banks of the Saar opens up a whole new perspective of the landmark of the Saarland. The Cloef Path runs in loops up to the eponymous lookout point, which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Key figures

Start: Cloef-Atrium, 66693 Mettlach-Orscholz
Length: approx. 8.2 km
Duration: approx. 3 1/3 hours

We're happy to help and provide you with a "trusty steed": explore the border region on the nearby VeloRoute SaarLorLux on one of our free bikes.

The mostly easy-to-cycle route runs mainly along the river valleys of the Saar, Moselle and Sauer. The border triangle between Germany, France and Luxembourg, with its gently rising vineyards, is seen at its most beautiful. Idyllic river landscapes, the lakes of the Lorraine and the beautiful Sauer valley will set any nature-lover's pulse racing. And the cities of Saarbrücken, Metz, Luxembourg and Trier are well worth stopping off at on an eventful bike tour.

Key figures

Start: 66111 Saarbrücken
Length: approx. 473 km
Time: approx. 43 hours

Embark on a fascinating journey through time through the history of ceramics production at the Villeroy & Boch discovery centre. 260 years of ceramics and company history are brought to life in the former Benedictine Abbey in Mettlach – now the company headquarters of global player Villeroy & Boch.

Historic scenarios, selected exhibition pieces from Villeroy & Boch collections and modern tableware make the visit a memorable experience. Enjoy coffee and cake in the impressive historic dairy shop from 1892. Decorated with more than 15,000 hand-crafted tiles, this is a museum café with truly exceptional flair. Be inspired in the Keravision with its integrated Museum of Ceramics, where past styles merge into modern interior landscapes full of elaborate details. And finally, pay a visit to the Villeroy & Boch Outlet and rummage through the attractive tableware on offer.

Riesling for true connoisseurs. This is the motto of wine producer Peter Lauer, who can be found in the idyllic Moselle village of Ayl. He swears by a light, elegant wine with depth.

Peter Lauer's outstanding 2014 collection with fine Rieslings was named Collection of the Year by Gault&Millau. The particularly old plots at Ayler Kupp, Saarfeils and Schonfels embody a terroir of the very highest level. The passion for fine grapevines has been omnipresent in the house of Lauer since 1830, and is characterised by a holistic, close-to-nature style of wine production.

In 2010, the well-known TV host Günter Jauch and his wife Thea took over the renowned von Othegraven wine estate in Kanzem.

The von Othegraven wine estate is truly a traditional enterprise, consisting of an elegant manor house, a park and the Kanzemer Altenberg. The ensemble is even listed. The heart of this impressive winery is the steep slopes, which at up to 250 metres are among the longest in the world. Incidentally, the ancient Romans were the first to appreciate the excellent terroir of the Kanzemer Altenberg. They were already growing Celtic Treveri wines here around 2000 years ago.

The industrial monument is one of currently 39 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Germany. From the gigantic machines in the blower shed up to the charging platform, history really does come alive here.

Much has happened since the foundation of the first Völklingen steelworks in 1873. Formerly the centre of life for countless thousands of workers, today it is a lively cultural centre with exciting exhibitions. Visitors experience its story at speed in the multimedia introduction – which in itself is an experience. From an airy height there are impressive views over the city of Völklingen and the active Saarstahl steelworks. Incidentally, two festivals get the place rocking in summer: the award-winning Electro Magnetic and the Urban Art! Hip Hop Festival.

Big brands at low prices: there are bargains galore in this huge shopping haven for bargain-hunters and wannabes.

Over 130 brands in over 120 shops: Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet is one of the biggest fashion outlets in Germany. As well as designer fashions, exclusive accessories and luxurious beauty products are available all year round at reduced prices. So it stands to reason that The Style Outlets in Zweibrücken are always worth a visit for visitors from all over Germany and the neighbouring countries.