Saar Loop (Saarschleife)

The Saarschleife near Mettlach is the symbol of Saarland, Germany's smallest non-city state, and one of the most dramatic river views in the country. Here the Saar River doubles back on itself in a near-perfect hairpin bend through a deep, forested valley. The classic view is from the free Cloef lookout in the village of Orscholz, about 180 meters (590 feet) above the water, or from the observation tower of the treetop walk nearby. It is an easy side trip from Luxembourg, Trier or Saarbrücken.

How the loop formed

Between the villages of Besseringen and Mettlach, the straight-line distance is only about 2 km, yet the river takes almost 10 km to cover it. The Saar flows from soft sandstone into hard quartzite here and has cut ever deeper into the rock over geological time; exactly why it took this detour is still debated. On the wooded ridge inside the loop stand the ruins of Montclair Castle, first built around 1180–1190. The only village on the bend itself, Dreisbach, is reached by a small passenger ferry.

Things to do

• Cloef viewpoint: free, open at all times and less than a kilometer's walk from the Cloef-Atrium visitor center.
• Saarschleife Treetop Walk: opened in 2016, this 1,250-meter boardwalk leads through the forest canopy to a tower with views from 42 meters up. It is step-free, with a maximum gradient of 6 percent, so wheelchairs and strollers are fine.
• Hiking: trails such as the Cloef-Pfad loop descend to the river and the castle ruins.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, according to the operator of the treetop walk:

• May 1 to October 31: daily 9:30 am–6 pm, last entry 5 pm
• Winter hours from November are announced separately, so check before you go.
• Adults €13, reduced €12, children 4–14 €11, under 4 free, family ticket €31

Dogs are not allowed on the treetop walk (assistance dogs excepted), though you can take them to the Cloef lookout. The walk may close during storms or icy weather. Parking at the Cloef-Atrium is charged.

How to get there

Orscholz sits in the far northwest of Saarland, close to the borders with Luxembourg and France. By car it is roughly an hour from Saarbrücken, Trier or Luxembourg City. By public transportation, take a regional train along the Saar valley to Mettlach or Merzig and continue by bus to Orscholz. Regional trains and buses are covered by the Deutschlandticket.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially on an autumn morning, when mist fills the valley and the forests glow in red and gold. Allow one to two hours for the Cloef lookout and the treetop walk, longer if you hike down to the river.