Stuttgart to Ludwigsburg Palace and Maulbronn: Day trip

Originally planned as a hunting lodge for Duke Ludwig, when Ludwigsburg became his primary residence a few years later, he planned a more regal expansion. The resulting palace is the richest in the region, filled with opulent furnishings spanning the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical eras. Hundreds of pieces of authentic period art and furniture, intricate stucco, and detailed frescoes showcase the lavish lifestyle of Europe’s elite. However, the tour of the castle shows more than fancy furnishings - visitors get an intimate look into the lives of the castle’s inhabitants, from the servants’ windowless dining room, to Duke Ludwig’s secret passage to his mistress’ bedroom. Another highlight is the palace theatre, which still has its original machinations. The palace also houses some eclectic museums, ranging from porcelain to fashion of the 18th to 20th centuries.

There’s nothing quite like a place where centuries-old traditions organically weave together with modern life and Maulbronn demonstrates this perfectly. Every corner of the monastery complex conveys how people lived there centuries ago. The tranquil surroundings add to the feeling that the complex has remained untouched since it was built. The monastery is open to everyone and there is a school attached whose alumni include Friedrich Holderlin and Hermann Hesse. The school is still in use today so don’t be surprised to hear the sounds of students playing soccer on the backyard or music drifting from the halls, all of which adds to the unique ambience. The extraordinary mix of architecture in this world-famous landmark is brilliantly highlighted in the monastery church with its Gothic roof and Romanesque arcades. As in medieval times, this fabulous building in a wonderful setting with its excellent visitor facilities rewards every traveler who drops by.