Saar-Pedal

One Valley, One Day, No Cars

Saar-Pedal is one of the most unusual cycling events in Germany: On a Sunday in May, the roads between Konz (Rhineland-Palatinate) and Merzig (Saarland) are completely closed to motorised traffic for around 50 kilometres. For eight hours, the Saar Valley — one of Germany's most beautiful river landscapes — belongs to cyclists, skaters, and families.

30th Edition — An Anniversary

Saar-Pedal celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026. What began in 1997 as an experimental idea by several tourism associations is now a firm fixture in the Saarland-Rhineland-Palatinate event calendar — and a must-attend for many families in May.

The Route and the Action Stations

The route follows the Saar Cycle Path and the Saar river itself. Eleven action stations are set up along the 50 kilometres:

• Regional Culinary Delights: Grilled food, fish, pizza, ice cream, crêpes
• Live Music: regional bands and DJs
• Family Activities: Bouncy castles, face painting, workshops, cycling courses for children
• Bicycle Blessing at 12:00 PM in Konz — a lovely tradition to kick things off
• Breakdown Service at several stations (Schoden, Serrig, Mettlach, Merzig)
• Police, German Red Cross (DRK), and emergency services accompany the route

For Those Who Can't Do 50 km

Saar-Pedal is designed to be family-friendly. Those who don't want to or can't ride the full distance can get off at any time and take special trains between Trier and Saarbrücken back — bicycles travel for free. This also allows for a day trip like 'take the train to Konz, cycle down to Merzig'.

Konz, Saarburg, Mettlach, Merzig

The route passes through some of the most beautiful towns along the Saar: Konz at the Moselle-Saar confluence, Saarburg with its waterfall right in the town centre, Mettlach with the famous Saar Loop viewpoint (accessible from the Cloef viewing platform), and Merzig as the arrival point in the Saarland district of Merzig-Wadern.

Weekend Programme

On the evening before (Saturday, 16 May 2026), opening concerts with live bands will take place in Merzig and Konz — the prelude to the official cycling season.