Ludwigslust

Ludwigslust is a town in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, 40 km south of Schwerin. It was the capital of the former district of Ludwigslust, and is part of the district Ludwigslust-Parchim since September 2011.

History
Ludwigslust is a relatively young town. In 1724 Prince Ludwig, the son of Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, decided to build a hunting lodge near a small hamlet called Klenow. Later, when he took over the reign, he stayed most time at this residence and called it Ludwigslust ("Ludwig's joy"). In 1765 Ludwigslust became the capital of the duchy instead of Schwerin. The town was enlarged by a residential palace (the Schloss). This situation lasted until 1837, when Grand Duke Paul Friedrich returned the capital status to Schwerin.

The Wöbbelin concentration camp&mdash;sometimes referred to as Ludwigslust concentration camp &mdash;was established by the SS near the city of Ludwigslust in 1945. At the end of World War II, as the Line of contact between Soviet and other Allied forces formed, Ludwigslust was captured by British troops initially and then soon handed over to American troops. After several months the US troops departed and allowed Soviet troops to enter per the Yalta agreement designating the occupation of Mecklenburg to be administered by the Soviets.

Sights

 * Schloss Ludwigslust, a Baroque residential palace built in 1772-1776, after plans by Johann Joachim Busch. It is known as the "Little Versailles in Mecklenburg". The palace is located in the middle of the Schlosspark, a vast park (120 ha.), laid in English style, with canals, fountains and artificial cascades.
 * The Stadtkirche (Municipal Church), built in 1765-1770 in Neoclassical style with Baroque influences. Its classical design, with a portico resting on six Doric columns, gives the church the appearance of a Greek temple.

Transport

 * Ludwigslust railway station is served by ICE, EC, IC and RE services.

Twin towns — sister cities
Ludwigslust is twinned with:
 * 🇩🇪 Ahrensburg, Germany
 * 🇺🇸 Muscatine, United States