Karlstein Residents’ Two-Year Battle with Foul Odor Linked to Industrial Company

Residents of Karlstein, Bavaria, have endured a persistent and unpleasant foul odor for over two years, described as a mixture of burning plastic, rubber, sulfur, and manure. The intensity of the smell fluctuates with the wind direction, severely affecting daily life, with some citizens reporting breathing difficulties. According to the local fire department, they responded to 15 to 20 complaints but were unable to measure any hazardous substances.

A breakthrough came after an unannounced inspection by the Aschaffenburg district office, which identified a company in Karlstein’s industrial park as the likely source. Although the exact processes causing the emissions remain under investigation, local authorities, including Mayor Peter Kreß, are urging continued documentation of the odors to aid efforts alongside the state environmental agency and emissions protection authority.

Resident Erkan Gülsen described the smell as so overwhelming that he covers his nose with a scarf. Despite extensive investigation, the precise cause and nature of the emissions are still being examined to devise a resolution. The discovery marks an important step toward addressing the quality of life concerns faced by Karlstein’s residents over this prolonged environmental nuisance.