Ludwigsfelde sits in the green and prosperous zone just south of Berlin. It is not just one town. The name actually refers to a collection of hamlets united under the municipal reforms in 2003. Exploring the individual zones is a good use of an afternoon, especially if you are looking for a quick break from Berlin.
Ludwigsfelde is bordered on one side by the Nuthe-Nieplitz Nature Reserve. This ensures that its streams, small lakes and bosky forests remain untouched. You can hike from one locale to the other and be comforted to know that this lovely corner of Germany will stay this way forever.
However, this doesn’t mean the area is a living museum. It is actually a booming economic zone!
High tech manufacturing and engineering firms are here, generating enough growth that the town was actually Germany’s most prosperous area for four straight years in 1997 – 2001. This has allowed the town to invest in festivals, statuary and crisp public spaces.
One of the more interesting spaces is the Crystal Spa. It’s massive and gorgeously done up inside to look like you’ve tripped and fallen onto the Mediterranean coast. You can do a basic soak or go for more advance spa and beauty treatments. Just remember it’s a naturalist zone, so leave your swimwear at home!
You should also try and attend some of the Ludwigsfelde town festival events. Some are very traditional, like the Easter bonfires held in the fields of some of the hamlet areas. More modern event center around the various sports festivals — nearly 1 in 4 of the locals plays on some kind of team. The local event calendar is quite full, so just check ahead before you arrive for musicians, games or feast days.
There is also no need to come alone. Bring the whole family! Ludwigsfelde won a Family-Friendly award from the national government in 2005, and continues to focus on activities for all ages throughout the town.
