"Saarbrucken" a Saarbrücken Travel Page by antistar

Saarland 0 Norway 0

On November 8th, 1953, the short lived country of Saarland saw the first World Cup qualifying game played in its capital, Saarbrucken. The following year it would play its last, losing 3-1 to West Germany. Its brief status as a European country has now long been forgotten, as has its return to the German fold, now known as the kleine Wiedervereinigung (little reunification).

The Smallest State

Saarbrucken is now the capital of one of Germany's smallest, and often overlooked, states. It would be the smallest if it wasn't for the existence of the city states of Hamburg, Berlin and Bremen. With its lack of stature, and being famed only for its industrial heritage, the state and the capital are far under most tourist's radar.

But it's a nice enough city. It has its rough edges, but it has some pleasant streets to wander, and a few sights worth seeing, and the city is small enough to make them all easily accessible in a short day trip. I wouldn't recommend making a special trip just to see the city, but if you are in the region then it's worth a visit.

Trading Places

It also has an interesting history, having changed hands so many times, not only recently, but since Roman times when it formed part of their region of Belgica. France has repeatedly tried to stake a claim, and the French influences in the city are clear, but in the end the people feel German and voted German each time they were presented with an opportunity to join France or even be independent.