St Wendel Travel Guide

Explore St Wendel, Germany with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to St Wendel

St Wendel is a picturesque town in the state of Saarland, Germany. It is located in the central part of the country and is a popular tourist destination for both German and international visitors. The town has a rich history dating back to the Roman era and offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions. Visitors can explore the town’s charming old quarter, hike or bike in the surrounding forests, and enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

List of Places to Visit in St Wendel

There are several places that visitors to St Wendel should not miss. Here are some of the top attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • St Wendel Church - A beautiful Catholic church in the center of town with ornate Baroque architecture.
  • Museum Wendalinum - A museum dedicated to the work of the artist Wendel.
  • St Wendel Castle - A well-preserved castle from the medieval period.

Natural Attractions of St Wendel: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bostalsee Lake - A large artificial lake with sandy beaches and water sports activities.
  • Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park - A vast nature park with hiking and biking trails, forests, and scenic views.
  • Wolfspark Werner Freund - A wolf sanctuary where visitors can see wolves up close and learn about their behavior.

Hiking/Biking Routes of St Wendel

St Wendel and its surrounding areas offer many hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the popular ones include:

  • The “Schluchtenpfad” trail - A 13-kilometer route that takes you through the stunning wilderness of the “Tiefenbach” and “Sambach” valleys.
  • The “Hochwaldalm” trail - This 23-kilometer route takes hikers through the lush forests and meadows of the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park.
  • The “Rundwanderung um das Freibad St. Wendel” - A shorter 4-kilometer route that takes you around the outdoor pool in St. Wendel and gives you stunning views of the town.

Best Things to Do in St Wendel: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, St Wendel also offers plenty of other exciting activities and tours. Here are some of the top options:

  • Saarland Draisine Tour - Rent a draisine (a pedal-powered rail vehicle) and explore the scenic countryside on the old railway tracks.
  • St Wendel Christmas Market - Visit during the holiday season to experience an authentic German Christmas market with festive lights, food, drink, and gifts.
  • St Wendel Guided Tour - Take a walking tour of the town with a local guide and learn about its history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for St Wendel

If you’re planning to spend a week in St Wendel, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time:

Day Activities
1 Arrive in St Wendel, check into your accommodation, and explore the town’s historic quarter.
2 Hike or bike in the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park.
3 Take a draisine tour in the countryside.
4 Visit the Museum Wendalinum and St. Wendel Castle.
5 Explore the Wolfspark Werner Freund and enjoy a picnic in one of the nearby parks.
6 Relax at Bostalsee Lake and try out some water sports.
7 Take a day trip to nearby towns like Saarbrücken, Trier, or Luxembourg.

Food and Drink Scene of St Wendel

St Wendel has a great culinary scene that revolves around local products and traditional cuisine. Here are some dishes and beverages that you should try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Saarland Potatoes - Potatoes are a staple of German cuisine and are grown locally in Saarland. Try them boiled and served with butter or fried with bacon and onions.
  • Saarland Cheese - A soft, ripe cheese made from cow’s milk and matured for several weeks. It has a strong, pungent flavor and is often served with bread and wine.

Local Beverages

  • Saarland Wine - Saarland has a long tradition of wine production, especially of Riesling grapes. Sample some of the local white wines and enjoy the vineyard scenery.
  • St Wendeler Crafts Beer - A local brewery that produces a range of high-quality craft beers with innovative flavors.

Where to Stay in St Wendel: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodation options in St Wendel, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the top choices:

  • Angel’s - das Hotel am Golfpark - A modern, four-star hotel with a spa and golf course.
  • Hostel Wendelstein - A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of St Wendel.
  • Ferienwohnung Andreas Schneider - A comfortable guesthouse with a homey atmosphere.

What to Buy in St Wendel: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts to take home from St Wendel, here are some suggestions:

  • Pottery - Saarland is known for its high-quality pottery, which comes in various colors and designs.
  • Wine - Bring home a bottle of Saarland wine from one of the local vineyards.
  • Handicrafts - St Wendel has many small shops selling handicrafts such as wood carvings, textiles, and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of St Wendel

St Wendel has a vibrant cultural scene that includes many festivals and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Karneval - St Wendel celebrates Karneval or Carnival in the weeks leading up to Lent. This involves elaborate costumes, parades, and festivities.
  • Language - German is the official language in St Wendel, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Tipping - Tipping is not mandatory in Germany, but it is customary to round up the bill or leave a small tip (5-10%).

Best Time to Visit St Wendel

The best time to visit St Wendel depends on your interests and preferences. The summer months (June-August) are the warmest and most popular for outdoor activities. The winter months (December-February) are ideal for experiencing the Christmas market and winter sports. Spring and autumn are less crowded and offer mild weather for hiking and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of St Wendel

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting St Wendel:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Learn some basic German phrases and greetings.

Don’t:

  • Talk loudly or disturb the peace in public areas.
  • Leave a small tip or no tip at all in restaurants or cafes.
  • J-walk or ignore traffic signals.

Safety and Health

St Wendel is a safe destination for tourists, but it’s always important to take precautions. Here are some tips:

Safety in St Wendel

  • Keep your valuables safe and secure.
  • Avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas.
  • Follow traffic rules and signals.

Health in St Wendel

  • Saarland has a good healthcare system, including hospitals and pharmacies.
  • Make sure you have adequate travel insurance before your visit.

Getting to St Wendel: Transportation Options and Logistics

St Wendel is well-connected to nearby cities and towns. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near St Wendel

  • Saarbrücken Airport - The nearest airport, located about 40 kilometers from St Wendel.
  • Frankfurt Airport - A major international airport, located about 160 kilometers from St Wendel.

Bus Stations Near St Wendel

  • St Wendel Bus Station - A central bus terminal in the heart of town, with connections to major cities in the region.

Other Options

  • Car Rental - Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the town and its surrounding areas.
  • Trains - Trains are available from nearby cities and towns to St Wendel Train Station.

How to Get Around in St Wendel

St Wendel is a small town and can easily be explored on foot. However, if you want to venture further afield, here are some options:

  • Bus - Local bus services are available to nearby towns and cities.
  • Taxi - Taxis can be easily hailed in St Wendel or pre-booked.
  • Bike Rental - Renting a bike is a popular option for exploring the nearby forests and nature parks.

Where to Go Next from St Wendel: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

St Wendel is located in a picturesque region with many interesting nearby destinations. Here are some suggestions:

  • Saarbrücken - The capital city of Saarland, known for its baroque architecture, museums, and shops.
  • Trier - A historic city with Roman ruins, including the famous Porta Nigra gate.
  • Luxembourg - A small, but charming country with castles, fortifications, and lovely countryside scenery.

Conclusion

St Wendel is a hidden gem in Germany, with its natural beauty, culture, and history. It offers something for everyone, from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, St Wendel is well worth a visit.