Port information & tips for Mettlach
Mettlach is a charming jewel on the Saar river landscape and an absolute highlight of any river cruise on the Saar. The picturesque location in the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park harmoniously combines historical industrial architecture with a deep green, untouched natural backdrop. Visitors can discover the fascinating discovery world of Villeroy & Boch in the magnificent Old Abbey and also enjoy the breathtaking view of the famous Saarschleife from the nearby treetop walk. The ships dock centrally at the Mettlach ship landing stage in the immediate vicinity of the Abteigarten, meaning that the charming pedestrian zone and the most important cultural highlights can be easily reached in just a few minutes on foot thanks to the short distances.
Mettlach is a popular port of call for river cruises on the Saar and is easily accessible thanks to its central location in the border triangle of Germany, France, and Luxembourg. The river cruise ships dock directly on the banks of the Saar.
Car
Mettlach is excellently connected via the A8 motorway, which allows direct travel from the direction of Karlsruhe/Saarbrücken as well as from Luxembourg. Alternatively, travelers from the north can easily reach the port via the A1 to Trier and then via the B51. Public, paid parking spaces are available in the Mettlach district, and fees can be conveniently paid via an app (e.g., PayByPhone) or SMS. The app also displays available parking spaces and allows for flexible billing through start-stop functions. A well-known car park is located at the Erlebnisbrauerei Mettlach in Bahnhofstraße.
Train
Mettlach has its own railway station ("Mettlach Bahnhof") located at Bahnhofstraße 20. It is served by regional trains (RE1, RB71) and offers good connections to Trier Central Station and to Merzig (Saar). From the direction of Koblenz, travel is via Trier, while travelers from the south reach Mettlach via Mannheim and Saarbrücken. From the station, you can usually easily reach the river cruise ship berths on foot or with a short local transfer.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Luxembourg (LUX), approximately 32 kilometers away. Other convenient options are Saarbrücken Airport (SCN) and Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN), both located around 70 kilometers away. For onward travel from Luxembourg Airport (LUX) to Mettlach, a taxi or a rental car is recommended. When arriving via Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA), which is about 155 kilometers away, you can plan the onward journey by bus and train in about 2 hours and 45 minutes. For a relaxed start to your river cruise, especially after longer flights, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Mettlach or the surrounding area may be recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Accordingly, plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Mettlach is a popular port of call for river cruises on the Saar and is easily accessible thanks to its central location in the border triangle of Germany, France, and Luxembourg. The river cruise ships dock directly on the banks of the Saar.
Car
Mettlach is excellently connected via the A8 motorway, which allows direct travel from the direction of Karlsruhe/Saarbrücken as well as from Luxembourg. Alternatively, travelers from the north can easily reach the port via the A1 to Trier and then via the B51. Public, paid parking spaces are available in the Mettlach district, and fees can be conveniently paid via an app (e.g., PayByPhone) or SMS. The app also displays available parking spaces and allows for flexible billing through start-stop functions. A well-known car park is located at the Erlebnisbrauerei Mettlach in Bahnhofstraße.
Train
Mettlach has its own railway station ("Mettlach Bahnhof") located at Bahnhofstraße 20. It is served by regional trains (RE1, RB71) and offers good connections to Trier Central Station and to Merzig (Saar). From the direction of Koblenz, travel is via Trier, while travelers from the south reach Mettlach via Mannheim and Saarbrücken. From the station, you can usually easily reach the river cruise ship berths on foot or with a short local transfer.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Luxembourg (LUX), approximately 32 kilometers away. Other convenient options are Saarbrücken Airport (SCN) and Frankfurt-Hahn Airport (HHN), both located around 70 kilometers away. For onward travel from Luxembourg Airport (LUX) to Mettlach, a taxi or a rental car is recommended. When arriving via Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA), which is about 155 kilometers away, you can plan the onward journey by bus and train in about 2 hours and 45 minutes. For a relaxed start to your river cruise, especially after longer flights, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Mettlach or the surrounding area may be recommended.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Accordingly, plan sufficient time for the journey to the port and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The ship pier in Mettlach is in a prime location directly on the banks of the Saar, allowing you easy access to the city's activities.
On Foot
The city center as well as the famous discovery worlds of Villeroy & Boch can be reached in less than five minutes. The short distances invite you to explore the historic abbey and the surrounding outlet stores at your own leisure during a stroll.
Saar River Cruises
The local excursion boats depart right next to the berths of the river cruise ships. These offer you the opportunity to experience the famous Saarschleife from the water while enjoying the impressive river landscape.
Taxi and Bus
Taxis are available on call in Mettlach and will take you quickly to the Cloef viewpoint or other destinations in the region. In addition, the Saarschleife Shuttle provides a direct connection to the most beautiful panoramic views and hiking trails during the season.
Since the pier is located in the heart of the town, the limited time in Mettlach can be ideally used for a combination of first-class industrial culture and the impressive natural panoramas around the Saarschleife.
Villeroy & Boch Erlebniswelt & Alte Abtei
In the magnificent baroque abbey directly on the riverbank, guests can immerse themselves in the over 270-year history of the world-famous ceramic production and also enjoy a relaxing stroll through the adjacent abbey park with its historic Alter Turm.
Saarschleife & Baumwipfelpfad
This iconic natural wonder is an absolute must for every visitor thanks to the short distances and offers an unforgettable perspective on the striking river loop from the modern Baumwipfelpfad as well as the famous Cloef viewpoint.
Burg Montclair
The proud castle ruins tower on the wooded ridge high above the Saar and are perfect for a history-steeped shore excursion, which also allows for wonderful views of the passing ships thanks to the picturesque hiking trails.
Villeroy & Boch Discovery Center
The Villeroy & Boch Discovery Center, located in the magnificent Old Abbey, is situated in the immediate vicinity of the pier and offers a fascinating combination of world brand history and baroque elegance. A visit is an absolute highlight for culture enthusiasts and epicures alike, thanks to the diverse exhibitions and the world-famous Abbey Café with its hand-painted tiles. The extensive park grounds also invite you to take a relaxing stroll, while the adjacent outlet center offers ideal opportunities for high-quality shopping. It is best to plan your tour directly after arrival in the morning to fully enjoy the inspiring atmosphere and return to the ship stress-free in the early afternoon.
Thanks to the central location of the pier on Saaruferstraße, the way back to the ship in Mettlach is particularly straightforward and relaxed.
On Foot
From the Villeroy & Boch Discovery Center or the Abteipark, you can walk directly back to the waterfront promenade in just a few minutes. Thanks to the town's clear layout, the way is easy to find and guides you safely along the pedestrian zones right up to your ship's gangway.
Taxi and Regional Public Transport
Taxis are available at Mettlach station as well as at central locations near the outlet shops, bringing you to the pier comfortably and in no time at all. Additionally, the station is located only about 300 meters from the port, ensuring a short and direct route back to the ship even after regional excursions.
Saarschleifenbus and Excursion Shuttle
The Saarschleifenbus reliably takes you from the Cloef viewpoint in Orscholz back to the center of Mettlach. Thanks to regular connections and stops in the immediate vicinity of the riverbank, you will get back on board punctually and effortlessly, allowing you to relax and enjoy the return journey through the Saar Valley.
