Ludwigsburg Christmas Market
I really liked this one! Ludwigsburg is a Baroque-era town just north of Stuttgart where the Palace to rival Versailles was built in the 1700s. It looks decidedly different from the rest of the German towns we’ve seen with its pinks and yellows and golds, and the Christmas Market is unique too. Glittering angels spread their wings as a canopy of twinkling gold lights over the pine-covered chalets of gifts to buy, and the smell of candied almonds and bread is intoxicating.
I knew going into it that there were some unique foods to look for and try at this market which made it all the more fun, and it’s so great to go with a friend who wants to try it all and share with you too!
Stockbrot is a long stick of perfectly chewy bread that is roasted over a fire and you can pick from different sweet or savory varieties. My friend and I shared one with bacon and cheese and it was absolutely delicious. My kids would love them to play with as swords first, I’m sure.
Knödel was the other food I had to try. It’s kind of like a large dumpling of potato or soft bread that actually really common in Germany. The potato ones are often filled with shredded pork and are truly delicious. Ludwigsburg has some varieties special to their Christmas market. Germknödel is filled with plum jam and was topped with poppyseeds. There was also Hirschknödel that was filled with cherries. Dampfnudel was what I wanted to try — it’s a big doughy bread that is covered in a vanilla sauce and topped with cinnamon and sugar. It was delicious, of course, and had just the right amount of sweetness — something Europeans and probably the rest of the world does a lot better than the US where everything seems to be overly sweet.
It was fun to see this market’s unique foods printed on the market mugs so I won’t forget, and I loved the silly children mugs for kinderpunsch too.
After wandering through the 100 or so chalets, my friend and I walked about 5 minutes over to the palace to take a tour of the Duchess’ side. It was fascinating to learn the history and see the rooms and the baroque Catholic Church inside. The palace has been maintained but not fully restored so there are many painting that are blackened with age. I especially loved the theater that is exactly how it was when it was first used (except for modern electricity now) with the original sets and mechanics, and the hall of ancestors that was lined with the paintings of German royalty going back 400 years. Such a fascinating existence!
I have lived in Germany for six months now and still feel pretty uncomfortable getting out and exploring, but I am doing it and choosing to be brave. It really isn’t hard. It’s just all new. I know I really love exploring, and I also want to feel confident living here and knowing the history and culture better. I think I am looking to feel a deeper connection to this place which is something that will just take time. We are making memories and a life here that we love. It’s something I am really proud of.
