"Welcome to SAARLAND" Saarland by Leipzig

Saarland is the forth smallest state situated in the southwest. The state takes its name from the Saar River, a tributary of the Mosel. The southwest of the state is dominated by the Saar River which meanders charmingly through scenic countryside. It is also a famous vine growing area. The state capital Saarbrücken with its 185,000 inhabitants is an industrial hub. One fine Baroque building is the St. Ludwig Church built in 1762-75. The University of the Saarland in Saarbrücken, the colleges of art and music, and other higher education institutions and high schools are attended by many students from neighboring countries as well. Saarlois is the second largest city and derived its name from the river Saar and from the French King Louis XIV, who built a fortress here. Völklingen, situated between Saarbrücken and Saarlouis, was shaped by the ironworks founded here in 1873. This ironworks was shut down in 1986 and a part of it, Völklinger Hütte was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.