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Laupheim: A Historical and Geographical Exploration

Exploring the heritage, governance, and community of this significant German town.

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Overview

Location

Laupheim is a major district town situated in southern Germany, within the state of Baden-Württemberg. It lies approximately 20 km north of Biberach and 20 km south of Ulm, positioned strategically in the Upper Swabia region.

Administrative Status

As of January 1, 2016, Laupheim holds the status of a major district town (Große Kreisstadt). It serves as an administrative center and is the second-largest city within the Biberach district.

Demographics

With a population of 22,946 as of December 31, 2023, Laupheim has evolved from a rural settlement into a significant urban area, characterized by a mix of industries and businesses.

Geography

Location and Terrain

Laupheim is situated in the Upper Swabia region, approximately 20 km north of Biberach and 20 km south of Ulm, along the Bundesstraße 30. The original settlement was near the Rottum river, which still flows through the city. Since 1950, Laupheim has expanded significantly onto the surrounding slopes.

Elevation

The city's elevation varies, ranging from approximately 509 meters (1,670 ft) in the valley bottom to 539 meters (1,768 ft) in the suburban areas. The highest elevation within its administrative area is in Bihlafingen, reaching 580 meters (1,903 ft).

Administrative Divisions

Beyond the main city, Laupheim's administrative area includes the formerly autonomous villages of Baustetten (pop. 2,121), Obersulmetingen (pop. 1,389), Untersulmetingen (pop. 2,082), and Bihlafingen (pop. 853).

History

Early Settlement and Medieval Period

Archaeological evidence indicates settlement dating back 15,000 years. Celtic and later Alamanni tribes inhabited the area. Laupheim was first mentioned in 778 as "Louphaim" and gained city rights in 1869. Its location on trade routes facilitated its development into a significant settlement and market town.

  • 778: First documented mention as "Louphaim".
  • 853: Elevated to town status with a court for the Rammachgau.
  • 926: Destroyed by Hungarians; castle mentioned around 1100.
  • 1331: Passed to the Austrian House of Habsburg.
  • 1430: Granted market town status and high justice rights.
  • 1525: Castle destroyed during the German Peasants' War and rebuilt.
  • 1582: Became the permanent residence of the Herren von Welden.
  • 1766-1769: Kleinlaupheim Castle rebuilt in Baroque style.
  • 1806: Annexed by the Kingdom of Württemberg.
  • 1869: Granted city charter by King Karl I.

Rulers and Governance

Laupheim was ruled by various noble families, including the Truchsessen von Waldburg and the Herren von Welden. The division into Gro\u00dflaupheim and Kleinlaupheim occurred in 1621 due to inheritance laws, creating two distinct territories ruled by branches of the Welden dynasty.

War and Resilience

The town suffered during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) from marauding troops and a severe plague outbreak in 1635, which significantly reduced its population. Despite these challenges, Laupheim rebuilt and modernized, particularly after World War II.

Jewish Community

In the 18th century, Laupheim became home to the largest Jewish community in the Kingdom of Württemberg. A dedicated Jewish quarter, synagogue, and school were established. Tragically, the community faced persecution during the Nazi era, culminating in deportations and murders during the Holocaust.

Governance

Leadership

The current Lord Mayor (Oberbürgermeister) is Ingo Bergmann (SPD), serving from 2022-2030. The city council comprises 27 members, elected for five-year terms.

YearsName
1825-1838Christian Paul Koch
1838–1850Johann Gottfried Brigel
1850–1872Franz Seraph Müller
1872–1880Konrad Hepperle
1880–1882Heinrich Hepperle
1883–1924Johannes Schick
1924–1934Franz Konrad
1934–1945Ludwig Marxer
1945–1946Adolf Sheffold
1946Josef Hyneck
1946–1949Karl Wiest
1949–1963Alfons Hagel
1963–1966Vacant
1966–2002Otmar Schick
2002–2010Monika Sitter
2010–2017Rainer Kapellen
2017–2021Gerold Rechle
2022–presentIngo Bergmann

City Council

The city council consists of 27 members. The results of the May 26, 2019 local elections are detailed below, reflecting the distribution of seats among various political parties.

PartyPercentageSeats
CDU27.9%8
FW (Free Voters)37.4%10
SPD7.9%2
Open List26.8%7

Note: Gains/Losses data omitted for brevity.

Economy & Infrastructure

Key Industries

Laupheim hosts a diverse range of industries, including packaging machinery (Uhlmann Pac-Systeme), pharmaceutical products (Rentschler Holding), snow grooming vehicles (Kässbohrer), aerospace components (Diehl Aerospace), brewing (Kronenbrauerei), automotive tuning (Hamann Motorsport), cheese production (JERMI), mechanical engineering (Lindenmaier, Kekeisen), aerosol manufacturing (Colep), and wig production (Bergmann).

Military Presence

Laupheim Air Base is a significant employer, hosting Helicopter Wing 64 of the German Air Force, equipped with CH-53 and H145M helicopters. The base plays a crucial role in national and international missions.

Transportation Network

The city is connected via the Bundesstraße 30. The Württemberg Southern Railway passes nearby, with Laupheim-West station serving passengers. A branch line connects to the city station, offering services towards Ulm and Langenau. Extensive bus routes link Laupheim to surrounding areas.

Education

Primary & Secondary Schools

Laupheim serves as an educational hub for the region, featuring several primary schools (Grundschulen) within the city and its districts. Combined primary and secondary schools (Grund-, Haupt-, Werkrealschulen) are also present, offering diverse educational pathways.

  • Primary Schools: Anna-von-Freyberg-Grundschule, Grundschule Bronner Berg, Grundschule Bihlafingen, Grundschule Untersulmetingen.
  • Primary & Secondary: Ivo-Schaible-Grund- und Hauptschule (Baustetten), Bischof-Ulrich Grund-, Haupt- und Werkrealschule (Obersulmetingen).
  • Secondary Schools: Friedrich-Uhlmann-Schule (Hauptschule), Friedrich-Adler-Realschule (Realschule), Carl-Laemmle-Gymnasium (Gymnasium).
  • Vocational: Kilian-von-Steiner-Schule (Berufsschule).
  • Special Needs & Teacher Training: Wieland-Förderschule, Staatliches Seminar für Didaktik und Lehrerbildung.

Military

Laupheim Air Base

Established in 1964, Laupheim Air Base was historically home to Medium Transport Helicopter Regiment 25. Since 2013, it hosts Helicopter Wing 64 of the German Air Force, operating CH-53 and H145M helicopters. The base is the largest single employer in Laupheim, with approximately 1,350 military and civilian personnel.

The wing has participated in numerous international missions, including operations in Iraq, the Balkans (IFOR, KFOR, SFOR), Afghanistan (ISAF), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (EUFOR RD Congo).

Attractions

Gro\u00dflaupheim Castle

The oldest part of the castle complex dates to the mid-16th century, with later Baroque additions from the 17th and 18th centuries. It houses the Museum of the History of Christians and Jews.

Explore Museum

Kleinlaupheim Castle

Built between 1766 and 1769 in Baroque style by Johann Georg Specht, this castle now houses the local police station and the "Die Wache Galerie" art gallery.

Castle Park

Designed in the English Style by Kilian von Steiner, this park features diverse trees and lakes. Recognized as a "Garden Monument," efforts are underway to restore its former splendor.

Planetarium & Observatory

The Laupheim Planetarium and Public Observatory attracts around 40,000 visitors annually, offering high-quality astronomical education managed largely by volunteers.

Festivals

Laupheim hosts notable annual events, including the historical Kinder- und Heimatfest in late June and the Brunnenfest (fountain party) during the summer holidays, featuring street festivities, local cuisine, and musical performances.

Parish Church

The Parish Church of St Peter and Paul, constructed between 1623 and 1661 in Baroque style with Mannerist influences, features interior works by Dominikus Hermenegild Herberger and Johann Georg Bergmüller.

Sport

Local Clubs

Laupheim supports a variety of sports clubs catering to diverse interests, including football (FV Olympia Laupheim), handball (Rot-Weiss Laupheim), karate, chess (Schachclub Laupheim 1962), shooting (Schützenverein Laupheim 1864), sailing, taekwondo, ballroom dancing, diving, and tennis.

Notable Athletes

The town has connections to notable athletes such as Olympic fencer Sepp Uhlmann and the renowned high jumper Gretel Bergmann. Professional footballer Philip Türpitz also hails from Laupheim.

People

Notable Figures

Laupheim has been the birthplace or home of numerous notable individuals across various fields, including film producer Carl Laemmle (founder of Universal Studios), artist Ivo Schaible, politician Franz Pfender, and entrepreneur Hugo Mann.

  • Arts & Culture: Carl Laemmle, Friedrich Adler, Ivo Schaible, Franz Laub, Gertrud Zelinsky, Maja Weber.
  • Politics: Franz Pfender, Franz Baum, Thomas Dörflinger, Ivo Gönner, Anja Reinalter.
  • Business & Industry: Kilian von Steiner, Hugo Mann.
  • Science: Hermann Gaub.
  • Sports: Sepp Uhlmann, Gretel Bergmann, Philip Türpitz.
  • Other: Wilhelm Biener, Ludwig von Welden, Moritz Henle.

Honorary Citizens

The city has honored several individuals for their contributions, including film pioneer Carl Laemmle, educator Anton Schmid, local historian Georg Schenk, artist Ivo Schaible, former Mayor Otmar Schick, and Ernst Schäll for his work preserving Jewish heritage.

Notes & Citations

References

The information presented here is derived from various sources, including official statistics and historical records. Specific citations are embedded within the text for verification.

Media

Local Publications

Local news is primarily covered by the Schwäbische Zeitung, which includes a regional supplement for Laupheim. Additionally, the free weekly newspaper Wochenblatt serves the community.

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References

References

  1.  Oberbürgermeisterwahl Laupheim 2022, Staatsanzeiger.
  2.  (in German) J.G. Brigel, Statistisch-Geschichtliche Beschreibung..., p. 92f.
  3.  (in German) J.G. Brigel, Statistisch-Geschichtliche Beschreibung..., p. 9
A full list of references for this article are available at the Laupheim Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI based on available data and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, the information may not be entirely complete or up-to-date.

This is not official guidance. Always consult official sources and local authorities for the most current and accurate information regarding Laupheim.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.