With a nickname like “the City of Palaces”, it should come as no surprise that I adore Ludwigsburg, Germany.

Home to the largest palatial estate in the country, the largest piggy bank in the world, and plenty of beautiful Baroque architecture to admire, Ludwigsburg is an endearing destination that I’ve been lucky enough to visit three times. I mean… it’s regal, it’s elegant, and it’s so close to Stuttgart, I’m baffled as to why more (overseas) tourists don’t come here.

Granted, Ludwigsburg is a hit with the older domestic bus travel crowd… but its charms are still an untapped mystery among most international visitors.

Well that ends today. If you’re here, you’re an English speaker keen to dig into the best things to do in Ludwigsburg, and I am here to provide. From splendid palaces and picturesque gardens to (no joke) the largest festival of pumpkins in the entire world, this post will be recapping the top Ludwigsburg must-dos for first timers.

… I hope you fall in love with this city as much as I have!

1. Residenzschloss (Ludwigsburg Palace)

By far, the most popular and worthwhile attraction to visit in Ludwigsburg is the majestic Residenzschloss (AKA Ludwisgburg Palace), known by some as the Versailles of Swabia.

Dramatic title? Sure, but one look at the palace’s sweeping grounds, filled with beautifully landscaped gardens and opulent interiors, and you’ll see exactly why it earned that name. After all, this is the largest palatial estate in the entire country!

For a little context: the palace was originally commissioned by Duke Eberhard Ludwig of Württemberg in 1704 and completed in 1733. Initially intended as a hunting lodge, the project quickly grew into a grandiose palace complex, reflecting the duke’s desire to showcase his power and prestige (classic).

These days, one of the most striking features of Ludwigsburg Palace is its sheer size and the beauty of its gardens. The palace complex consists of 452 rooms, spread across 18 buildings, and is surrounded by extensive, beautifully landscaped gardens. There are four different museums located within the palace as well: the Ceramics Museum, the Fashion Museum, the Theater Museum and the Children’s Kingdom.

NOTE: You can only visit the castle interior with a guided tour. You can also purchase tickets to each museum, just one or two or bundle them all together for discounts. If you purchase more than one you will also have two days in which to use them. Check out all the ticket and pricing info here.

I’m gonna level with you – I adore Ludwigsburg, but the town itself is fairly small, which is why many of the best things to do in Ludwigsburg happen to be contained on the palace grounds, so allow me to go a bit more into detail with other attractions here.

2. Blühendes Barock (Blooming Baroque Gardens)

One of the main highlights of the Ludwigsburg Palace grounds is its Blühendes Barock, AKA Blooming Baroque Gardens, a splendid showcase of floral beauty and architectural prowess.

These gardens are huge, spanning over 30 hectares with many different sections to explore. The Baroque Garden for instance, located directly in front of the palace, is the most formal part of the grounds. It features symmetrical layouts, neatly trimmed hedges, and geometrically arranged flowerbeds.

Another enchanting section is the the Fairy-Tale Garden (Märchengarten). Created in the 1950s, this section is especially popular with children and families, bringing to life many beloved fairy tales through interactive displays and scenes.

There’s also the English Garden, which presents a more naturalistic and less formal landscape, as well as orangeries, greenhouses, and a fake romantic castle ruin!

You could easily spend hours wandering among these beautiful gardens, but check out this page for the opening hours and ticket prices throughout the year.

NOTE: These gardens are confusingly managed by a different entity than the palace itself, so your palace ticket might not cover your entry into the gardens during special events.

The best part about these gardens though? They go all out in every season, with amazing events throughout the year including…

3. Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival

Okay, now for the real reason that I love Ludwigsburg so much… it’s home to the most ridiculously magical celebration of pumpkins in the world! And the largest.

The first iteration of today’s Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival can be traced back to 1997, when it was initially held at the Juckerhof in Seegräben.

Three years later, they decided to expand and relocate, bringing the gourd-geous festivities to the grounds of the Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg… where it has been held ever since, each year with a fun new theme.

What happens at this festival exactly? Think giant pumpkins, giant pumpkin sculptures, every form of pumpkin food & drink you can imagine… plus, of course, the opportunity to buy gourds in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes. In case it wasn’t clear, this is the world’s most delightful celebration of pumpkins, and hands down the best thing to do in Ludwigsburg if you time your visit for it!

They even do rowing races IN giant pumpkins:

4. Schloss Favorite (Favorite Palace)

Another highlight of the Ludwigsburg Palace grounds is the exquisite Rococo gem known simply as “Favorite Palace”.

With a name like that, it has to be good.

Built between 1717 and 1723, it served as a retreat for Duke Eberhard Ludwig of Württemberg, complementing the grandiosity of the main palace with its more intimate setting. Schloss Favorite is a prime example of Baroque architecture, characterized by its elegant and harmonious design. Inside, you’ll find elaborate frescoes, fine woodwork, and ornate furnishings.

As a bonus, this mini-palace, especially even offers lovely views over the main palace from the French windows! You can visit it independently or join a guided tour, though check opening times on the main website as they’re not open every day.

5. Schloss Monrepos (Monrepos Palace)

A bit northwest of the city center, you’ll find the serene Monrepos Palace, which can be found in an idyllic lakeside location perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Built in the late 18th century, Monrepos Palace was designed as a hunting lodge and summer residence for the dukes of Württemberg. Its architectural style is a blend of Baroque and early Classicism, giving it an elegant appearance. The palace’s name, “Monrepos,” means “my rest” in French, perfectly capturing its tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.

The palace is privately owned now so it’s only open to the public on special occasions. However, the park is open all the time. Here, visitors can explore the historic grounds, go for a paddleboat ride, or enjoy a scenic picnic. This is one spot I still haven’t made it to in Ludwigsburg, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.

6. Theatermuseum im Residenzschloss (Theatre Museum at Ludwigsburg Palace)

Now, when it comes to attractions located inside the Residenzschloss, there are actually quite a few, in addition to touring the state rooms which can only be done via guided tour.

One of the most beautiful highlights of a visit is a stop in the Theatre Museum, which is one of Europe’s oldest royal palace theatres. This museum contains an extensive collection of stage sets, costumes, and theatrical props. It also features a variety of historical costumes worn by actors and performers, intricately designed and decorated, reflecting the style of different eras.

Entry to the theatre museum is included in your palace ticket, but if you happen to visit during the Ludwigsburg Palace Festival then you might even get to experience a performance within the historic theatre!

7. Barockgalerie Ludwigsburg (Ludwigsburg Baroque Galleries)

Another attraction at the Residenzschloss is its Barockgalerie, an airy gallery space dedicated to the rich artistic heritage of the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Baroque Gallery features works by prominent artists of the time, providing a comprehensive overview of the artistic trends and themes that dominated the Baroque period. Some of these artists include Peter Paul Rubens, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Anthony van Dyck, and Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

In addition to paintings, the Baroque Gallery at Ludwigsburg Palace includes a remarkable collection of sculptures and decorative arts. This gallery is run by the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart and opening hours don’t always match up with the rest of the palace, so check out this website to see when it’s open.

8. Modemuseum im Residenzschloss (Fashion Museum at Ludwigsburg Palace)

If you’re more into wearable art than the kind that hangs on walls, make sure you check out the Fashion Museum within Ludwigsburg Palace!

This museums features displays that show how men and women’s fashions have changed over the centuries, from 18th century Rococo style to today’s modern styles, with a collection spanning everything from gowns and frock coats to shoes, hats, handbags, fans and even lingerie.

While most of the pieces come from the 18th century there are also some big names included, like Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. You can also choose to only visit one or more museums separately from the palace and there’s a free audio guide which provides detailed info on the different pieces.

9. Keramikmuseum Ludwigsburg (Ludwigsburg Ceramics Museum)

And while it might not seem quite as exciting as fashion or theatre, the Ceramics Museum is also well worth visiting for those interested in the art, with more than 2,000 exquisite pieces of ceramic artwork on display, including porcelain, earthenware, and stoneware.

Though the collection features works from various parts of the world, one of the highlights of the museum is its collection of Ludwigsburg porcelain. Founded in 1758, the Ludwigsburg Porcelain Manufactory was one of the most renowned porcelain producers in Europe and today, this museum is where you can see some of its finest examples, showcasing the brand’s delicate craftsmanship, intricate designs, and high artistic quality.

10. Explore the Innenstadt (City Center)

Okay, I am officially done with things to do at Ludwigsburg’s Residenzschloss. I told you, that place is massive.

Now, let’s move onto other things to do in Ludwigsburg, starting with the charming Innenstadt (City Center).

Packed with historic buildings, boutiques, and cafes, a wander around the Baroque center of Ludwigsburg is a must for any visitor. Besides ogling the pretty pastel facades, one unexpected activity is shopping!

For such a charming old-vibe city, there’s a surprising number of modern boutiques in Ludwigsburg to peruse. A few unique ones include…

• Black Fox: Cool and colourful women’s fashion located at Wilhelmstraße 20
• Romantik Stübchen: An adorable gift shop with everything from home decor to stationery and precious children’s toys. It’s located at Holzmarkt 1 (just north of Marktplatz)
• Molkereiprodukte Haas: A fancy cheese and organic wine store with dairy products from Germany, Italy, France and Switzerland. It’s located at Ob. Marktstraße 3 (just south of Marktplatz!)

11. Marktplatz

One of the main highlights of a trip to the Ludwigsburg Innenstadt is a stop in Marktplatz, the city’s sprawling main square.

Lined with cafes and gelato shops, locals will often brag that this square feels like a slice of Italy… and honestly, on a bustling market day, it’s easy to see what they mean.

This is a very picturesque square, with a fountain and statue in the middle with two churches (one Protestant, one Catholic) gazing across the space at each other from opposite sides. Many of the buildings that now house shops and cafés also feature Mediterranean-style arcades so this is a prime spot for sitting down with a coffee to do some people watching. I should also mention that the Protestant church is a very pretty pink.

PS: On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays the centre of the square hosts a local market with stalls selling all sorts of delightful items from local farmers and artisans, so be sure to check it out if the timing works!

12. The World’s Largest Piggy Bank

I know this seems random, but it’s real. One of the most unique things to do in Ludwigsburg is simply say hello to the world’s largest piggy bank! Yes, as certified by Guinness World Records.

On my first visit to Ludwigsburg, I saw this thing within five minutes of exiting the train station and (somehow) I knew instantly this city would become one of my favourite hidden gems in Germany.

Built in 2015, this giant red piggy bank is the work of savings bank Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg, who were trying to raise awareness amongst young people as to the importance of saving money. The result is this 8.03 metre (26 ft 4.3 in) long and 5.58 metre (18 ft 3.7 in) tall ornament, which weighs 7 tonnes!

You can even go inside the ‘belly of the beast’ as there’s an exhibition inside all about money, and you exit it via a slide! Of course, just getting a photo is also a highlight.

13. Ludwigsburg Museum

If you want to learn more about the city of Ludwigsburg itself, there’s the Ludwigsburg Museum im MIK. The museum’s name, MIK, stands for “Museum Information Kultur,” reflecting its mission to educate visitors about the local history and culture.

One of the main attractions is the collection of artifacts that tell the story of Ludwigsburg from its founding in the early 18th century to the present day. These artifacts include everyday objects, historical documents, photographs, and artworks that provide a vivid picture of life in Ludwigsburg over the centuries.

The exhibits are thoughtfully arranged in chronological order, making it easy for visitors to follow the development of the town. The early sections highlight the town’s founding by Duke Eberhard Ludwig, who also built the grand Ludwigsburg Palace, with other informative displays all about the town’s growth and its significance as a center of Baroque culture.

There’s also a pretty inner courtyard with a 130-year-old blacksmith’s forge inside it, plus entry is free!

14. Barock-Weihnachtsmarkt Ludwigsburg (Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market)

Finally, if you time your visit for the holiday season, don’t miss the Ludwigsburg Baroque Christmas Market, one of my favourite Christmas markets in Germany.

This annual event transforms the city’s main square into a festive wonderland, with bauble-studded garlands hanging from green-shuttered windows, stacks of wooden chalets fringed with festive decor and of course, annoyingly happy revellers drawing long sips of Glühwein.

You can read my full guide to the Ludwigsburg Christmas Market for more info.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Ludwigsburg?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Ludwigsburg activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂