How were tobacco and asparagus grown in the past? What steps were required before the products could be sold? The Tobacco, Asparagus, and Local History Museum in Pleidelsheim provides the answers.

The museum is located on the former farmstead of the Warttinger family and features numerous exhibits tracing the history of tobacco and asparagus cultivation in Pleidelsheim. Historical tools, machinery, and household items vividly illustrate how closely agriculture and everyday life were intertwined in the past.

The exhibits on tobacco cultivation—from sowing the seeds to processing the tobacco leaves—are particularly impressive. Asparagus cultivation, which has long shaped Pleidelsheim, is also presented in detail. The exhibition is complemented by numerous exhibits on local history and the village’s traditional crafts.

Museum im Schlössle Freiberg

Located in the historic moated castle in Freiberg am Neckar, the Museum im Schlössle invites visitors on a journey through the town’s history. The permanent exhibition spans from the earliest traces of settlement through the Romans and the Alemanni to modern urban development.

In addition to historical documents and archaeological finds, the museum also explores the daily life of past generations. Topics such as agriculture, crafts, household life, and food storage are brought to life through numerous original artifacts.

A special focus is placed on rotating special exhibitions and hands-on activities that convey history in a modern and engaging way. In this way, the museum combines historical memory with current topics and invites visitors of all ages to explore.

Here’s how to apply for use

Interested user groups can contact gebaeudeservice[at]landkreis-ludwigsburg.de by email starting immediately. They will then receive an application form, which must be completed in full and returned to the building services department.

Based on the application, the county will draw up the usage agreement. Once the agreement has been signed and the agreed-upon deposit has been received, the transponder will be handed over to the designated person.

Access may be terminated immediately in case of problems

A prerequisite for the trial opening is the proper use of the facility. Damage to property, littering, trash, or other violations of the usage agreement must be avoided. In the event of further significant damage or littering, the county reserves the right to immediately terminate the opening and close the tartan track to recreational athletes again.

Extensive damage from vandalism in the past

The field had previously been closed due to repeated damage, littering, and vandalism. Among other things, trash and barbecue debris were left behind, dogs were brought onto the sports fields, and surfaces, nets, and fences were damaged. Buildings and facilities were also willfully damaged. The tartan track had previously been renovated at a cost of approximately 20,000 euros.

According to Lena Kerstan, a social worker for the City of Ludwigsburg at the Riedle, people living there often have priorities other than their own health. “I think it’s good that these individuals are being supported. Protection from the heat is important now and will continue to be important in the future,” said Kerstan.

Daniel, a resident of the shelter, welcomed the initiative. “Sun protection is often underestimated. People need to be reminded to drink plenty of fluids and to seek shade.” He also liked the heat warning signs at bus stops.

A Variety of Heat Protection Initiatives

The campaign is one of a variety of initiatives and projects organized by the Health Department this summer, targeting different groups. Together with Fuchshof Elementary School, the team launched the “Clever in Sun and Shade” project by German Cancer Aid. The project for clubs began with a training session organized by the Public Health Department for coaches and parents of the hockey club. Information for interested residents was provided during the City of Ludwigsburg’s Heat Action Day, through the issuance of heat warning levels, the designation of “Cool Spots,” and an outdoor pool event in Hoheneck.

Building Bridges Between Nature Conservation and Agriculture for Ten Years

The Ludwigsburg District Landscape Conservation Association (Landschaftserhaltungsverband Landkreis Ludwigsburg e. V.) was founded in 2015, and its office began operations in 2016. Headquartered in the Ludwigsburg District Administration Office, the association brings together agriculture, nature conservation, and local governments, all of which have equal representation on the board. District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier serves as chairman.

The LEV also provides technical and organizational advice to farmers, municipalities, associations, and government agencies, and works closely with universities, nature conservation organizations, and state authorities. In addition, the association participates in nationwide technical initiatives, such as those focused on mowing techniques that preserve biodiversity.

“Nature conservation can only succeed in collaboration with local residents. The ‘Regional Window’ demonstrates how farmers, municipalities, and nature conservation organizations in the district are working together to make an important contribution to the preservation of our cultural landscape and its biodiversity,” says Andreas Fallert, executive director of the Landscape Conservation Association of the Ludwigsburg District e. V.

Information and Seeds to Take Home

Informational materials are available to take home, providing details about the LEV’s diverse activities. Annual reports are also available for review. In addition, visitors can pick up free packets of locally sourced seeds to create wild bee habitats in their own gardens.

If you have any questions about the projects presented or about opportunities to donate to a project, the LEV office will be happy to assist you by appointment.

Ludwigsburg District Landscape Conservation Association (LEV), Email: info[at]lev-ludwigsburg.de

Successful Development Since 2017

Particularly significant achievements under Hepperle’s leadership to date have included the comprehensive transition from the FLACH and RUND collection systems to the paper bin, the yellow bin for lightweight packaging, and the blue bin or blue glass box for glass. His tenure also included the challenging search for a suitable landfill site.

“I particularly appreciate the collaboration with the many dedicated employees and the members of the Supervisory Board, as well as the diversity of the work,” said Tilman Hepperle about his work at AVL.

AVL—A Reliable Partner for the County

Since its founding on July 1, 1989, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ludwigsburg district, AVL has been a key service provider for waste management and the circular economy in the region. With approximately 180 employees, the company ensures reliable and sustainable waste disposal in the district. Year after year, around seven million waste bins are emptied, approximately 330,000 customers are served at the nine recycling centers, and around 13,000 metric tons of recyclables are collected.

Collaboration and a Focus on the Future

The contract extension underscores the Supervisory Board’s confidence in the successful work of recent years and in AVL’s strategic direction. Looking ahead to the coming years, Tilman Hepperle believes the company is well prepared: “I am optimistic about the future. The waste management sector is currently undergoing significant changes—against the backdrop of geopolitical developments, issues such as resource conservation and recycling are becoming increasingly important. In this regard, I am pleased to continue helping shape waste and circular economy management in the Ludwigsburg district in a reliable, sustainable, and forward-looking manner.”

What symptoms does Campylobacter cause?

A Campylobacter infection may initially begin with headaches, body aches, fever, and general malaise. Typical symptoms usually appear two to five days after infection. These include diarrhea—which may be bloody—abdominal pain and cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

“In most cases, the illness resolves on its own within a week, and antibiotic treatment is not necessary,” Hitzler reassures. In very rare cases, however, complications can occur. These include, for example, reactive joint inflammation and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological disorder that can be accompanied by symptoms of paralysis.

Pay Special Attention to Hygiene in the Summer

Campylobacter infections occur particularly frequently during the summer months. Poor hygiene during transport—such as a break in the cold chain—or during the preparation of the foods mentioned can facilitate the transmission of the bacteria. For example, bacteria can spread from raw poultry to other foods via hands, cutting boards, knives, or countertops.

Such cross-contamination is particularly problematic with foods that are not subsequently heated, such as salads or other ready-to-eat dishes.

Preventing Infections

To prevent Campylobacter infections, a few simple hygiene rules should be followed:

• Keep perishable foods sufficiently chilled while shopping and transporting them home, and avoid breaking the cold chain whenever possible.
• Always cook poultry thoroughly.
• Store and prepare raw meat separately from other foods, especially ready-to-eat foods.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat.
• Thoroughly clean cutting boards, knives, countertops, and other kitchen utensils after contact with raw meat.
• Boil raw milk before consuming it, unless it has already been treated accordingly by the manufacturer.
• Do not rinse poultry before preparing it, as bacteria can spread through splashes in the kitchen.

At-Risk Groups

Infants, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems should be especially careful when handling raw animal-based foods. Pregnant women are also advised to avoid raw foods of animal origin.

“Simple hygiene measures can significantly reduce the risk of a Campylobacter infection,” Hitzler summarizes. “Above all, consistently separating raw and ready-to-eat foods, as well as thorough handwashing, help prevent infections.”

As part of the project, the “thin asphalt layers using the cold-mix method” construction technique is being applied. In this process, the existing surface course is generally left intact. Only the road markings will be milled off first. Subsequently, a bitumen surface treatment approximately two centimeters thick will be applied and coated with grit to improve traction.

Detour via Sersheim

A detour via Sersheim will be set up for traffic. Road users should expect longer travel times. The detour is expected to remain in place for about one week.

Bus service is also affected by the detour. Due to the longer route, buses will have slightly longer travel times. Bus stops are not affected.

District Covers Costs

The cost of the rehabilitation project amounts to approximately 180,000 euros and will be covered in full by the district.

The project has significance beyond the specific rehabilitation of the K 1682: If the cost-effective and rapid construction method used proves successful, it could also be applied to less-trafficked sections of road in the future. This would allow for cost-effective rehabilitation of these sections without requiring a complete replacement of the road surface.

The District Office asks all road users and residents for their understanding regarding the disruptions and restrictions associated with the construction project.

Two construction phases over two weekends

Work will begin with preliminary activities on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.During the first construction phase, the lane heading toward the Neckar (downhill) will be completely closed from Thursday, August 27, at 8:00 p.m., through Monday, August 31. During this phase, the damaged asphalt layers will be milled off to a depth of ten centimeters, and a new binder and surface course totaling 13 centimeters in thickness, made of harder asphalt types, will then be installed. The section is scheduled to reopen to traffic the following Monday, August 31.

During the second phase of construction, from Thursday, September 3, at 8:00 p.m., through Monday, September 7, the Ludwigsburg-bound (uphill) lane will be repaired. Here, only the 4-centimeter-thick asphalt surface course will be replaced, and the lane markings will be repainted. Preparatory work to set up traffic safety measures will also begin as early as Wednesday with daytime construction zones.

Fewer ruts and a smoother ride

Due to the very high volume of traffic, deep ruts—up to eight centimeters deep—have formed, particularly on the two lanes heading toward the Neckar River. These will be eliminated by milling away the compacted asphalt layers and installing harder asphalt mixtures. This should significantly reduce the formation of new ruts in the future.

Traffic Management During Construction

During the first phase of construction, despite the full closure of the lanes heading toward the Neckar, traffic will be routed past the construction site in a single lane on the opposite side of the road. A speed limit of 30 km/h applies in the construction zone. Drivers heading toward Stuttgart are asked to detour as far as possible via the L 1140 to Ludwigsburg and then via the B 27.

During the second construction phase, traffic heading toward the Neckar will continue as usual. Vehicles bound for Ludwigsburg will be rerouted via the Aldingen bypass, the L 1144, and the K 1692 to Ludwigsburg. The detours are signposted. Bus service will continue to operate throughout the entire construction period. On the second weekend, buses will use the road through the town of Neckargröningen.

State Invests Approximately 500,000 Euros

The cost of the project amounts to approximately 500,000 euros and will be covered entirely by the state.

The District Office asks all road users and residents for their understanding regarding the unavoidable traffic disruptions and restrictions during the construction work.

In particular, during the night of Thursday, August 27, through Friday, August 28, milling work may cause noise disturbances. The nighttime work is necessary to ensure that the renovation is completed over the weekend and the road can be reopened to traffic as scheduled.

A nature-based vacation activity for families and groups

The loop trail is about two kilometers long and takes one and a half to two hours to complete. It starts at the hiking parking lot in Brandholz. Traveling by public transit or bicycle is recommended. The trail is particularly suitable for families with children ages four and up, as well as for preschool groups.

The forest adventure trail will be open for about seven weeks starting August 7, 2026. Participation is free, and registration is not required. Visitors can navigate the loop trail using the map found in the flyer and on-site.

Be Well-Prepared for the Forest

To ensure a safe and enjoyable forest experience, sturdy footwear is recommended. Visitors should also remember to use tick repellent. To ensure that as many families as possible can enjoy this activity, the Ludwigsburg District Office asks that you do not damage the stations and do not leave any trash in the forest.

If you take a souvenir photo along the way, you can share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #WuselErlebnispfad and tag the Ludwigsburg District Office.

The multi-day visit focused on personal exchanges with local partners, gaining insights into economic and environmental projects, and further developing our long-standing cooperation.

Exchange at TRUMPF Hungary

One item on the agenda took the delegation to the Southeast Europe headquarters of TRUMPF Hungary Kft. in Gödöllő. Managing Director Tamás Major welcomed the guests and introduced the facility, which opened in 2023 and is responsible for sales and service in Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey, among other countries.

During a tour of the modern showroom with a demonstration production area, the delegation gained insights into innovative manufacturing technologies. In addition, the company provided information about its development as well as current political and economic challenges in the region. The exchange offered an opportunity to discuss the importance of international economic relations and the role of globally active companies.

Joint Commitment to Nature Conservation

Another highlight of the trip was a visit to the “House of Life” in the Tápió Nature Reserve. The area, which covers approximately 780 square kilometers, is located about 70 kilometers east of Budapest in the partner region of Pest County and is known for its diverse landscape, its rich variety of flora and fauna, and as an internationally significant bird breeding ground.

The delegation was welcomed by Lászlóné Wenhardt, chairwoman of the Tápió Foundation. The foundation was established in 1997 and comprises the association of the 19 Tápió municipalities, Pest County, Ludwigsburg District, and the Hungarian Society for Ornithology and Nature Conservation (MME) as a partner organization of the Nature Conservation Union of Germany.


Together, the partners are committed to preserving the ecologically valuable Tápió region. A visible sign of this successful collaboration is the international youth nature conservation camp, which takes place annually, alternating between Pest County and Ludwigsburg District, and will continue in the future.

Constructive Discussions on Future Cooperation

District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier used the visit to engage in an in-depth exchange with his counterpart, the President of Pest County, István Szabó, as well as his deputy, Vice President Ádám Karácsony.

The discussions focused on the further development of the partnership and new opportunities for cooperation. For example, Pest County, together with the Pest Chamber of Crafts, participates in the late-autumn market in Ludwigsburg County. In addition, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continuing proven projects, such as the youth nature conservation camp, and to launching further joint initiatives.