Ludwigsburg is a city in southwest Germany, just north of Stuttgart.
A mild Saturday this past November provided a perfect opportunity to take the 20-30 minute drive from Stuttgart to visit the locally recommended town of Ludwigsburg, which serendipitously included a memorable experience at the annual Pumpkin Festival, definitely a highly recommended experience for families!
Like many, we began our exploration of the area at the Favorite Palace.
Ludwigsburg, Germany | An Easygoing Fall Day, Photo Credit: Georgia Sanders
Although the 18th century structure (once the summer residence of Duke Eberhard Ludwig) was closed for interior visits, we could see the charm and the draw even from the outside. Sporting a brightly colored exterior with unique detailing, the building’s neoclassical interiors could be peeped at through the windows! And this “Favorite Palace” provided a beckoning gateway into acres of parkland! This is where the king’s hunting parties would search out deer and other game.
Ludwigsburg, Germany | An Easygoing Fall Day, Photo Credit: Georgia Sanders
Today’s visit was shared with families, couples and others enjoying being outside, breathing in the fresh air and imbibing on the vast green spaces and walking trails.
But the Ludwigsburg Palace and Pumpkin Exhibition were calling!
Ludwigsburg, Germany | An Easygoing Fall Day, Photo Credit: Georgia Sanders
The walking distance to the Ludwigsburg Residential Palace was about 15 minutes. This palace is impressive and is said to be one of the largest Baroque buildings in Europe. Its landscaped gardens, a favorite for visitors and local families alike, are known as Blooming Baroque.
Ludwigsburg, Germany | An Easygoing Fall Day, Photo Credit: Georgia Sanders
The gardens were so lovely, we took our time, enjoying the fountains, flowers and creatively designed pathways as we strolled.
Ludwigsburg, Germany | An Easygoing Fall Day, Photo Credit: Georgia Sanders
What we didn’t know was that our fall visit was going to correspond with a huge pumpkin festival!
Largest Pumpkin Exhibition in the World
Ludwigsburg, Germany | An Easygoing Fall Day, Photo Credit: Georgia Sanders
This was the most pumpkins I’ve ever seen all in one place. They were rustically beautiful and the colors embodied the fall season perfectly!
Ludwigsburg, Germany | An Easygoing Fall Day, Photo Credit: Georgia Sanders
It was a great family festival with pumpkin carving, statues made out of pumpkins reminding me of the floats of the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena made out of flowers – AND – special dishes like pumpkin soup, pumpkin pasta and delicious roasted and flavored pumpkin seeds to snack on!
Ludwigsburg, Germany | An Easygoing Fall Day, Photo Credit: Georgia Sanders
All-in-all a great day and highly recommended to the traveller or sojourner looking for an authentic local experience in Germany!
Ludwigsburg, Germany | An Easygoing Fall Day, Photo Credit: Georgia Sanders
Next on the calendar? The Christmas Markets of Europe!
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