Name: Saar-Pedal 2026
Start: 2026-05-17T00:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-05-17T00:00:00+00:00
Location: Saartal Konz–Merzig

Saar-Pedal

About Saar-Pedal

Once a year, the roads between Konz in Rhineland-Palatinate and Merzig in Saarland are closed to car traffic. For eight hours, the Saar Valley belongs to cyclists: 50 kilometres of route, eleven action stations with music and food, family entertainment — and in 2026, the 30th anniversary of this unique event.

Dates 17 May — 17 May 2026

Venue Merzig (10042)

Prices Free

Status Confirmed

Edition 2026

Saar-Pedal — edition 2026

The 30th Saar-Pedal takes place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 10 AM to 6 PM. 50 kilometres of car-free Saar Valley from Konz to Merzig with eleven action stations, live music, and a family programme. Opening concerts on the eve.

The anniversary year brings the proven route and an expanded programme. With opening concerts on the eve, Saar-Pedal becomes a whole weekend for cyclists and music fans.

Highlights Saar-Pedal 2026

30th Anniversary
50 km of car-free Saar Valley
11 action stations with food and music
Bicycle Blessing in Konz
Special trains with free bicycle transport
Opening concerts on Saturday evening

Programme Saar-Pedal 2026

Saturday, May 16, 2026 — Eve

Evening — Opening concerts in Merzig and Konz with live bands, official season opener

Sunday, May 17, 2026 — Saar-Pedal

10:00 AM — Roads closed to car traffic
10:00 AM — Saar-Pedal begins from Konz and Merzig
12:00 PM — Bicycle Blessing in Konz (traditional opening ritual)
10:00 AM–6:00 PM — Action stations along the route (11 locations): food, live music, family programme
Various stations — Breakdown service (Schoden, Serrig, Mettlach, Merzig)
6:00 PM — Route ends, roads reopened

Action Station Highlights

Grill stations with regional meat and fish
Crêpe, pizza, and ice cream stands
Bouncy castles and face painting stations for children
Cycling courses for children

Current info: mettlach.de

Prices Saar-Pedal 2026

Free admission. Food and drinks at the action stations at market prices.

Practical information

Practical information — Saar-Pedal

Getting There by Train

Recommended arrival: Take the train to Konz or Saarburg, then cycle to Merzig. Special trains between Trier and Saarbrücken transport bicycles free of charge.

Getting There by Car

Parking is available in all towns along the route, but: the Saar Valley roads are closed! Park-and-Ride is recommended.

Route Duration

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM — eight hours to cover the 50 km.

Admission

Free. Food and drinks available at the action stations.

What You'll Need

Roadworthy bicycle, helmet recommended, water bottle, sunscreen, light rain jacket. Breakdown service at several points.

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.