Centred around an elaborate castle that has been compared to Versailles, Ludwigslust is a picturesque town in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It takes its name from Prince Ludwig, who built his hunting lodge here in the 18th century, shortly after the town’s Greek temple-inspired church was constructed.
Things to do in Ludwigslust
Dominating the town is Schloss Ludwigslust, a magnificent Baroque castle constructed as a hunting lodge in the 1770s. Often referred to as the “Little Versailles of Mecklenburg”, it stands in the middle of an English-style park beautifully landscaped with cascades, canals and fountains. Explore its period-furnished rooms, several of which feature papier-mâché wall decorations, with a highlight being the aptly named Golden Hall.
A short walk south takes you to the Stadtkirche Ludwigslust, a late-18th-century church that combines Neoclassical and Baroque styles. It is oriented towards the castle and is fronted by several stately columns that give it the appearance of a Greek temple. Inside the church is a monumental painting depicting the “Annunciation of the Shepherds”, which was created by Johann Dietrich Findorff using around 1,000 papier-mâché squares.
Just north of Ludwigslust is the Mahn- und Gedenkstätten Wöbbelin, a museum that explores the life of German poet Theodor Körner and the Wöbbelin concentration camp. It’s here that Theodor Körner was buried after being fatally wounded in the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon. In addition to busts and monuments celebrating his patriotism, the museum features memorials to the thousands who were held by the Nazis at Wöbbelin.
Getting around Ludwigslust
Ludwigslust is just over an hour’s drive from Hamburg and 1.5 hours from Hamburg Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Trains connect to Ludwigslust railway station and buses travel throughout the town.