Saarlouis
Saarlouis | |
|---|---|
The Ludwigskirche (Saint Louis Church) | |
|
Flag Coat of arms | |
Location of Saarlouis
within Saarlouis district | |
Location of Saarlouis | |
Saarlouis Saarlouis | |
| Coordinates: 49°19′N 6°45′E / 49.317°N 6.750°E | |
| Country | Germany |
| State | Saarland |
| District | Saarlouis |
| Subdivisions | 8 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2017–27) | Peter Demmer (SPD) |
| Area | |
• Total | 43.3 km2 (16.7 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 181 m (594 ft) |
| Population (2024-12-31) | |
• Total | 37,667 |
| • Density | 870/km2 (2,250/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
| Postal codes | 66740 |
| Dialling codes | 06831 |
| Vehicle registration | SLS |
| Website | www.saarlouis.de |
Saarlouis (German: [zaːɐ̯ˈlʊɪ̯] ⓘ; French: Sarrelouis, [saʁlwi]; formerly Sarre-Libre and Saarlautern) is a town in the state of Saarland, in western Germany, located on the banks of the Saar river. With a population of over 37,000 (2024), it is the fifth-largest city of Saarland and serves as an important regional center. Saarlouis lies near the border with France and Luxembourg. The town functions as the administrative seat of the district of Saarlouis and is part of the cross-border SaarLorLux Euroregion.
Saarlouis was founded in 1680 by order of Louis XIV of France as a fortress town designed by the military engineer Vauban. The stronghold was intended to secure France’s new frontier after the Treaty of Nijmegen. The star-shaped fortifications gave the city its characteristic layout, parts of which remain visible today. Saarlouis became part of Prussia following the Treaty of Paris of 1815.
In the 20th century, Saarlouis shared the turbulent history of the Saar region, which changed hands multiple times due to its strategic and economic importance. Following the Treaty of Versailles, the town became part of the Territory of the Saar Basin administered by the League of Nations, before rejoining Germany in 1935 after a plebiscite. After World War II, Saarlouis was again included in the French-occupied Saar protectorate before the Saar Treaty of 1956 paved the way for its return to Germany in 1957.
Today, Saarlouis is a regional centre of commerce, culture, and industry. It is known for its French-inspired urban layout, historic fortifications, and cultural events such as the annual “Emmes” town festival. Its location close to France and Luxembourg makes it a key part of the SaarLorLux region.