Saarbrücken Palace

Saarbrücken Palace (Schloss Saarbrücken) rises above the Saar River in the old part of Saarbrücken, the capital of Saarland on the French border. The white Baroque facade is the city's best-known landmark, but the real surprise lies beneath the square in front of it: the excavated remains of a medieval castle with casemates that you can walk through. If you are looking for things to do in Saarbrücken that combine history, architecture and a touch of adventure, this is a strong first stop.

Why it matters

A first imperial fortress at this spot is mentioned around the year 999. Over the centuries it grew into a Renaissance palace of the Counts of Nassau-Saarbrücken, fortified with bastions. The Baroque palace you see today goes back to the architect Friedrich Joachim Stengel, who rebuilt it after 1741 for Prince Wilhelm Heinrich. The French Revolution left it damaged by fire in 1793, and for a while the ruin served as housing. A major renovation between 1981 and 1989 added a modern central pavilion, and today the palace houses the regional administration of the Saarbrücken district.

What to see

• Underground Castle: Excavations from 2003 to 2007 exposed parts of the medieval castle and its casemates, which you enter from the Historical Museum. The ground is uneven, so wear sturdy shoes.
• Historical Museum Saar: The exhibits trace regional history, with a focus on the years from 1870 to 1959. Texts are available in German, French and English, partly via QR codes.
• Red Tower: Included with your museum ticket.
• Palace square and garden: Free to enjoy, with views of the facade and the river.

Visiting and tickets (as of October 2026)

Allow one to two hours. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with late opening until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays; it is closed on Mondays and on December 24, 25, 31 and January 1. Admission is 7 euros for adults, 4 euros reduced, and free for visitors under 18 and on the first Wednesday of every month. A combination ticket at 8 euros also covers the Old Collection of the Saarlandmuseum, the Museum of Prehistory and Early History and the Palace Church. Children under 16 may enter the Underground Castle only with an adult. Pets are not allowed, except certified assistance dogs. The museum has announced plans to redesign the Underground Castle and the Red Tower, so check its website before you go.

How to get there

Saarbrücken lies on the Paris to Frankfurt high-speed rail corridor, so it is a convenient day trip or overnight stop by Deutsche Bahn train. The palace is in the old town on the left bank of the Saar and is an easy walk from the city center; check local bus and rail connections with the regional transit authority, saarVV. Parking rules and fees nearby change often, so follow the city's parking guidance signs.

Nearby

Right next door, at Schlossplatz 16, you can visit the Museum of Prehistory and Early History, the Old Collection of the Saarlandmuseum and the Palace Church. The riverside walk below the palace is a pleasant way to end your visit.