Ludwigslust between Palace Park, Art and Nature

Palace Park, Water and Expansive Walks

The Baroque palace park was laid out from 1731 to 1735 and covers around 120 ha. Meadows and bodies of water shape the landscape, along with old and rare trees and ornamental shrubs. The park’s spacious grounds make it a destination in their own right for walks; visitors coming to Ludwigslust for its gardens will find a variety of natural features within the park, rather than focusing only on the palace.

The water system is also part of the site’s history: a 28 km canal supplies water to the park’s fountains and the cascades in front of the palace. The canal was built from 1756 to 1760, after the park was laid out. The cascades themselves were built later, from 1780 to 1785, in sandstone, based on designs by Bohemian sculptor Rudolf Kaplunger. From the cascades, a sightline runs past the palace to the town church. This makes it possible to explore the park’s design, the history of its construction and its alignment with the town as connected themes.

Palace, Town Church and Traditional Crafts

The museum in Ludwigslust Palace features rooms with 18th-century art. Another remarkable work of art can be found in the town church: the approximately 350 m² altarpiece “The Annunciation to the Shepherds” is considered the largest altarpiece in Europe. Together with the sightline from the cascades past the palace to the church, this reveals a cultural side of Ludwigslust that goes beyond the history of the former residence palace.

At Palais Bülow, visitors can learn more about the tradition of papier-mâché manufacturing and try their hand at making souvenirs. Those interested in the aristocratic domestic culture of Ludwigslust can also take a guided tour there; advance booking is required. This offers two different ways to explore: hands-on involvement in the craft or a guided tour focusing on domestic culture.

Discover Nature and Get Active

Natureum Ludwigslust is directly adjacent to the “Schlosspark Ludwigslust” FFH conservation area. It is the only natural history museum in West Mecklenburg and is run by a voluntary association. At numerous events for adults and children, visitors can learn more about local nature. Natureum thus complements the cultural and historical themes with a natural history perspective.

For your visit, it is important to note the seasonal opening arrangements: during the season from April to October, Natureum aims to provide volunteer-run opening hours from 10 am to 3 pm on weekends and public holidays. If you are planning a visit for a specific date, it is recommended that you contact the museum in advance. This helps you plan your museum visit as part of your stay, rather than relying solely on the hours listed.

For an active day trip, the Raseneisenstein-Dörfer-Tour (Bog Ironstone Villages Tour) is an option for experienced cyclists. The tour combines cultural and nature experiences and leads, for example, from Ludwigslust or Redefin through the heart of the Griese Gegend bog ironstone cultural landscape. It is designed as a day trip, making it different from a walk in the palace park both in terms of transport and the level of cycling experience required.

A Craft Brewing Tradition in Ludwigslust

Ludwigslust Brewery can also be of interest to visitors curious about regional production. It makes craft-brewed specialities and offers tours of the brewery and beer tastings by appointment. Booking in advance is part of the offer: if you would like to arrange a tour or tasting, you should book ahead.

Discover More Places

More local pages to help plan your trip: Zarrentin District, Boizenburg/Elbe, Ludwigslust-Land District, Crivitz District, Parchimer Umland District, Sternberger Seenlandschaft District, Parchim and Grabow District.

For the wider travel overview: Ludwigslust-Parchim.