Host Nation Update, April 1, 2025
Bomb disposal at the television tower leads to safety zone around Ruhbank station
The Waldau in Degerloch is a popular recreational destination for joggers, cyclists and walkers. Numerous footballers also go hunting for goals on the sports fields. On Sunday, April 6, however, the area around the Ruhbank bus stop will be closed off from 8 a.m. to defuse an unexploded bomb.
The aerial bomb from the Second World War, which is located in a wooded area, was discovered by the Baden-Württemberg Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (KMBD) during exploratory work. The KMBD is part of the regional council.
On Sunday morning, a fire worker from the KMBD is to recover and defuse the explosive device. For safety reasons, an area around the discovery site must be evacuated before he begins his work. The Stuttgart television tower is located in the middle of this zone, which extends as far as Königsträßle in Degerloch. If everything goes according to plan, the landmark of the state capital could be open to visitors again around 2 p.m.
Also affected are a refugee shelter, the Waldau sports park with numerous sports facilities and associated restaurants, as well as the Waldau sports hall with its world of movement and the Stuttgart Ice World.
Some soccer matches, both youth and active, will be canceled due to the defusing. For example, it might just be enough for the district league kickers of ABV Stuttgart, who welcome Spvgg Cannstatt at 3 p.m. For other teams with earlier kick-off times, however, it will probably be too tight.
The journey to Waldau will also be made more difficult: Mittlere Filderstraße, Kirchheimer Straße and Jahnstraße, which run through the security zone, will be closed during the defusing operation. Traffic will be diverted locally. The U7, U8 and U15 light rail lines and bus route 70 will also be temporarily suspended in this area. However, they will continue to run until the security area has been completely evacuated and the defusing team can actually get to work. (SN, March 31, 2025)
Europa-Park invests 10 million euros in security
Europa-Park in Rust in southern Baden has invested around 10 million euros in a new fire station and security center.
“This is a huge advantage in that we can respond more quickly,” said Managing Partner Ann-Kathrin Mack. The “very high level of safety” for guests at Germany’s largest theme park is thus further guaranteed.
Park boss Roland Mack said that almost 1,000 cameras have been installed on the 130-hectare site with rides, restaurants and hotels in order to be able to react quickly to emergencies and technical problems.
“The park is fully monitored,” added the park founder.
The focus is particularly on roller coasters and other rides. There are also several hundred fire alarms, Mack said. Almost two years ago, a fire at the amusement park in the Ortenau district triggered a large-scale operation by the fire department and rescuers. In June 2023, parts of the Alpenexpress Enzian and the Tiroler Wildwasserbahn were severely damaged by a fire that broke out in a technical room of the indoor attraction “Yomi Magic World of Diamonds” and caused millions in damage. The park then rebuilt the attractions.
“As far as I know, we are the only theme park in Germany that has its own plant fire department,” said Roland Mack. This is due to the size of the park. There is also a lack of an efficient professional fire department nearby. More than 60 full-time firefighters are employed. The fire station and control center were previously located elsewhere in the park. Europa-Park is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. Founded in 1975, the park has over six million visitors a year. (SN, March 31, 2025)
Weather in Baden-Württemberg – Up to 23 degrees and sunshine on Friday
Spring will be at its best again over the next few days: The country will be warm and sunny. However, Tuesday will be cloudy and rainy in some places for the time being. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), temperatures will rise to 18 degrees on Wednesday.
The day will start with high fog, but will then be mostly clear and dry. It will be windy. Caution is advised in the mountains: Gale-force gusts are expected on the Hornisgrinde.
On Thursday, bring your sunglasses. Only a few cumulus clouds should be visible in the sky. Highs will rise to up to 21 degrees. Friday will be similarly sunny and spring-like warm. Temperatures between 15 and 23 degrees are predicted by the DWD. (BB KSZ, April 1, 2025)
Hay fever in Baden-Württemberg – Birch pollen plague expected
Those who suffer from allergies, can only look forward to the spring-like weather expected this weekend to a limited extent. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), the plague of birch pollen is to be expected.
Thanks to the DWD data, forecasts are now much more accurate than before. The German Pollen Foundation’s very rough forecast has been replaced by a calculation model that enables forecasts to be made at the level of individual municipalities.
Birch pollen levels are only expected to be higher in the Rhine Graben, explains Stefan Gilge, Head of the Air Hygiene Department at the DWD. In Karlsruhe and Mannheim, among other places, the highest level of exposure is to be expected. The DWD expects an average of at least 300 birch pollen per cubic meter of air per day.
A high level of pollen is expected here on Friday, although “only” with at least 50 pollen per cubic meter of air. On Saturday, this heavily polluted area will extend to the entire Stuttgart region. Those affected “will actually feel something and have symptoms.” (BB KSZ, April 1, 2025)