Home to the historic headquarters of Villeroy & Boch, Mettlach lies near the Saarschleife, a famous hairpin bend of the River Saar. The town gave its name to the Mettlach Tiles that adorn the floor of the Cologne Cathedral and the walls of New York’s Holland Tunnel.
Things to do in Mettlach
Occupying a historic abbey that has served as the headquarters of Villeroy & Boch since 1842 is the Discovery Centre, which showcases the impact this ceramic manufacturer has had on the world. Learn about the vision of Anna and Eugene Boch as you journey through the Museum of Ceramics, then admire the themed tableware decorations featuring Villeroy & Boch products.
For sweeping views across the Saarschleife, head to the Treetop Walk, which takes you to the spiral observation tower known as the Cloef. The Saarschleife is considered a symbol of Saarland and has been admired by everyone from King Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia to Adolf Hitler. In addition to the lookout, there are several nature trails and a children’s playground to explore.
Perched on a ridge overlooking the River Saar are the remains of Château de Montclair, which can be reached along a gentle uphill hike. Learn about its mysterious history during a guided tour, then feast on hearty German fare at the on-site restaurant. Alternatively, follow the Moselsteig Trail that leads to the 14th-century castle complex of Freudenburg, which rises atop a sandstone rock to the north of Mettlach.
Getting around Mettlach
Mettlach is around 40 minutes’ drive from both Trier and Saarbrücken. Saarbrücken Airport is an hour away and has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Mettlach railway station and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of exploring the surrounding region.