account 
Pipelines, containers, cranes, smoking chimneys, industrial pumps and factories - these are the things commonly associated with the industrial town of Ludwigshafen. Many people don’t realise that the city has much more to offer. Be surprised by the hidden charms of this worker’s city and experience an unexpected variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.
The gauge tower was built in 1900 at the gate of the southern chamber lock and has become a landmark of the Parkinsel area. Not to be confused with a chronometer, the tower has only 10 digits on its dial. Just like in old times, the river’s current water level is displayed above it. Although the sandstone tower is still intact and functional, it is currently only used as a monument.
With its colourful ceramic tiled Miró wall, the Wilhelm Hack Museum is just as impressive from the outside as it is on the inside. The collections range from the Middle Ages to modern times, and include works by Malewitsch, Kadinsky and Andy Warhol. The “Gondorfer Fund”, deriving from an excavation of tombs which were discovered on the River Moselle shortly before the start of the Second World War, is also a key feature of the exhibition.
The Ernst Bloch Centre was founded in 1997 in honour of German philosopher and son of the city of Ludwigshafen, Ernst Bloch. The centre includes the Ernst Bloch Archive, the public library and the permanent exhibition, "Ernst Bloch – Life and Work", which are open to researchers and other philosophy fans. Scientific conferences, seminars and lectures are held regularly at the centre, which also hosts the Ernst Bloch Prize.
Over the years, the once industrial port area of Rheinufer has developed into an idyllic place for leisure and relaxation. Today, there are many green spaces where visitors can stroll or sit on the banks of Germany's largest river. There’s also a large playground for children, as well as a streetball facility and a beach volleyball court where people can gather to play.
Friedenspark is a 9-hectare park in the centre of Ludwigshafen. On the site of an former factory with smoking chimneys, you’ll now find a chestnut-tree lined alley and various leisure facilities for young and old people alike. These include the “Kinderparadies Friedenspark” – a spacious playground with a playhouse – and various skateboarding ramps. Several large stone sculptures were built in 1985, each one telling the story of a district or urban area of the city.
Rathaus-Center shopping centre
Right next to the B&B Hotel Ludwigshafen is the Rhein-Galerie, a 30,000 m² shopping centre. The modern complex was opened in 2010 and welcomes around 22,000 visitors each day. The 130 shops offer products from various different industries. From clothing, accessories and jewellery to a supermarket and a variety of restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
