A glorious loop around the Saarland region on two wheels and in the best gravel style on (reasonably 😉) rideable single trails with as much gravel as possible. ✌️

This route is a mixture of traditional cycling routes such as the Saarland Cycle Path and a few mountain bike trails. Sometimes, you can cruise along comfortably on gravel paths and small roads before finding your way along narrow paths and single trails (which can sometimes include the odd obstacle in the form of roots, tree trunks or steeper sections).

In the end, it's pretty much the right mix of both in my eyes, and that's what makes a good route for gravel riding 🚲🌲💯 (Otherwise, you'd inevitably get to the point where you'd want either a mountain bike or a road bike)

👉 WHO IS THIS ROUTE SUITABLE FOR?
For all those who are interested in being outdoors on bikes and who are looking for a bit of adventure and sporting challenge.

HOW DEMANDING IS THE ROUTE?
There’s some significant altitude gain, so you should be reasonably fit. However, the climbs are never particularly long and the kilometres per day are planned so that you can take your time on the ascents. In addition, (almost) all the stages take you along mountain bike trails or hiking paths. Most of these are also passable with a gravel bike, but sometimes you have to dismount here and there and push for a short distance. If you’re on a (packed) gravel bike for the first time, this route may not be the best introduction, but otherwise it’s doable without major challenges. If it does get too strenuous or the weather is too bad, you can almost always switch to an easier route.

WHAT KIND OF BIKE DO YOU NEED?
A gravel bike is ideal but a mountain bike would also work. Somewhat thicker tyres are helpful, almost necessary. I found my 2.1 inch (50 mm) tyres super for this. Off-road gearing is also helpful on the steeper climbs.

WHERE CAN YOU STAY OVERNIGHT?
I spent half of my time in accommodation and half in campsites (or a trekking site). You can find more information about this in each stage description.

HOW CAN I GET SOMETHING TO EAT ON THE WAY?
The route is planned in such a way that it stays away from towns and cities as far as possible and leads through the countryside instead. However, you still pass a petrol station, a bakery or similar from time to time, where you can replenish your food stocks and water. At the same time, there are longer stretches where this isn’t possible, so always plan ahead.

👉 WHAT SIGHTS ARE THERE ALONG THE WAY?
‘10 places in Saarland that you absolutely have to see’... you won't find them on this route. Instead, there's plenty of countryside, deserted paths and tracks, small villages, relaxed views and many insights into Saarland beyond the hotspots. The focus of the route is on nature and cycling itself. But here and there are some notable sites including: the view from Vogelfelsen over the Saar Valley and its densely forested steep slopes; the stone sculptures of the art project ‘Stones on the Border’; the Celtic ring wall, one of the best-preserved Celtic monuments in Germany; rugged sandstone cliffs on the edge of a former quarry (now a nature reserve); and a kiosk that sells you the much-needed portion of chips for the next climb. 😏

Any questions about the route? Then drop them in the comments box!