This industrial city on the Rhine River is home to BASF, the world's largest chemical plant. Its modern architecture and science museums reflect its focus on innovation.
Ludwigshafen sits on the west bank of the Rhine River in southwestern Germany. You can admire Joan Miró's 55-meter-wide mosaic at the Wilhelm-Hack-Museum, watch films under the stars at the Festival of German Film, or take guided tours through BASF's chemical manufacturing facilities. The city's location in the Rhine-Neckar region means you'll find wine tastings at local venues throughout the year, while the riverside Rhein-Galerie mall gives you direct views across the water to Mannheim.
Modern Art at Wilhelm-Hack-Museum
A 55-meter-wide mosaic by Joan Miró marks the entrance to the Wilhelm-Hack-Museum, Ludwigshafen's main art institution. Inside, you'll discover over 9,000 artworks, including pieces by Mondrian, Kandinsky, Lichtenstein, and Warhol. The museum changes its temporary exhibitions several times per year, with a focus on contemporary art and experimental installations.
Exploring the Rhine at Parkinsel
Walk along the paths of Parkinsel, a river island south of the city center, under mature ash, oak, and maple trees. Each June, this peaceful spot transforms into an open-air cinema during the Festival of German Film, drawing 115,000 visitors who watch movies by the water's edge.
Industrial Innovation at BASF
At the BASF Visitor Centre, interactive displays explain chemical manufacturing processes and show how the company's products appear in everyday items. Since the 1860s, BASF has grown to become Ludwigshafen's largest employer, with 35,000 workers at this location alone.
Green Spaces and Parks
Walk through Ebertpark's rose garden with over 2,000 plants, or explore its sensory garden designed for touch and smell experiences. The park's fountains date back to its 1925 opening. At Maudacher Bruch wetlands, follow marked trails through forest and marsh areas. In the 30-hectare Wildpark Rheingönheim, you can see European wildlife species like deer, wild boars, and lynx in their natural habitat.
Cultural Events Throughout the Year
The city's event calendar starts with the Hanami Festival celebrating Japanese culture in spring. Summer brings the International Street Theater Festival with performances in city squares. The Theater im Pfalzbau runs year-round with drama, opera, and dance productions that attract audiences from across the Rhine-Neckar region.
Rhine-Side Development
Walk along the riverside promenades of Ludwigshafen's newest neighborhoods to reach the Rhein-Galerie. This waterfront mall contains 130 stores and restaurants, all with views across the Rhine. The development has created a new social center along the riverbank, connecting the city center with the water.
