If the European idea has a permanent home somewhere, it is probably in Saarland. Nestled in the border region between France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, Germany's small state is culturally diverse and cosmopolitan, and well worth a visit. Saarbrücken, for example, is a city surrounded by wooded hills and boasts numerous sights and an inviting old town, while neighboring Völklingen is the site of one of Germany's most important industrial monuments. Extensive natural areas, lakes and rivers, and scenic attractions such as the Saar Loop near Mettlach provide further good arguments for a visit to southwestern Germany.