Kaiserslautern American
Page 18 by MilitaryinGermany.com Something about IdarOberstein feels almost mythical. During the journey there, shadows and light dance through trees while two-lane roads wind through valleys and forests. When you arrive in the large town along the banks of the Nahe River, the mythic theme continues. Why? Because Idar-Oberstein made its name in much the same way as something from a Tolkien story: by mining precious minerals and sparkling stones. And though the mining industry has long since stopped, IdarOberstein still manages to be shiny and profound all at the same time, and often in the same place. A gem of a day trip Idar-Oberstein is beautiful in many “standard” German ways, but it also is utterly rare in many other ways. As a bonus, the town is just the right size for seeing most everything you need to see in a day. Here are ideas for where to begin. 1. For people who love shiny things: Idar-Oberstein has two gemstone museums that are excellent for adults and
October 2, 2020
Can’t-miss German day trips A-Z: Idar-Oberstein
Photo by Nancy_Zonneveld / Shutterstock.com
children. Even if shiny stones aren’t ordinarily your thing, give these a try. They will convert you. The German Mineral Museum offers precious stones from all over the world, while the Edelstein Museum offers gorgeous exhibits in a beautiful building that hosts one of the oldest museums in the Rhineland-Palatinate.
2. A church in the rocks. The Felsenkirche was carved into the side of a cliff more than 500 years ago. Even though access is temporarily restricted because of construction (a little upkeep every century or so doesn’t hurt), it’s still worth marveling at. 3. Not all who wander are lost. Idar-Oberstein is a treat for
outdoor wanderers. Historic buildings abound, as do shopping and eating opportunities. Climb the hills. Check out the Schloss Oberstein, or pick out something precious (a stone or a ring, depending on your preference) as a gift or for yourself. Dig it: the Steinkaulenberg Mines
To really appreciate the uniqueness of Idar-Oberstein, you have to see the Steinkaulenberg mines. This is the only gemstone mine of its kind in Europe that’s open to visitors. You’ll descend into a beautifully lighted, sparkling underground world, and it is a gorgeous experience. There are plenty of opportunities for hands-on experiences, too. At the Weiherschleife workshop, located on-site, children can dig for precious stones, watch rock grinders work, or explore a beautiful outdoor area. Due to the popularity of the Steinkaulenberg mines, reservations are highly recommended. Getting there By car, Idar-Oberstein is 20 minutes from Baumholder, slightly less than an hour from Kaiserslautern, about 1 hour, 15 minutes from Wiesbaden, and three hours from Stuttgart. Check the Deutsche Bahn website for train information. For U.S. government employees, including service members, remember to always follow command regulations, which may be different than host nation policies, when it comes to travel.
COMMUNITY EVENTS Photo by Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com
»» Flea Market at Armstrong’s Club:
Whether you are new to the area and looking to fill your home with some treasures or you need to make some room after all the online shopping the past few months, you won’t want to miss out on the Flea Market Oct. 24 in the Armstrong’s Club parking lot from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. If you are looking to sell your goods, tables are $20 each and can be reserved through WebTrac. For more information go to Kaiserslautern.armymwr.com or contact Armstrong’s Club, Vogelweh Housing, Bldg. 1036, 541-9114/9115; 0611-143-541-9114/9115. »» Sew Can You: Learn to sew at the Baumholder Arts & Crafts Center with classes that are easy and fun the second Saturday of the month from 1-3 p.m.! Create eco-friendly reusable household items that can be made with your favorite fabric and personal touch. Everything you need can be purchased at the Arts & Crafts Center. Cost is $10 and advance registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, contact the Arts & Crafts Center, Smith Bks., Bldg. 8104, 531-2895, 0611-143-531-2895. »» Modified triathlon: Sports & Fitness and Aquatics is hosting a modified
triathlon Oct. 17 at the Aquatic Center. The event will start with a 5k virtual run, posting run distance and time. Run must have been started and completed between 5-9 a.m. from your fitness trackers on the Facebook event page before 9:30. The 16km bike portion and the 500 meters event will be held at the Aquatic Center in heats. Cost is $20 for ages 18+. For more information and registration, please contact the Aquatic Center, Wetzel Kaserne, Bldg. 8897, 531-2904/2901, 0611-1435312904/2901. »» Rolling Hills open golf tournament:
Before the golf season slows down for the winter season, enjoy a beautiful weekend of golf with the Rolling Hills Open Golf Tournament, Oct. 17-18 with a free practice round available on Oct. 16, all day. The tournament will tee off at 9 a.m. on both days and costs $35 for members. Nonmembers pay additional green fees. For more information, contact Rolling Hills Golf Course, Wetzel Kaserne, Bldg. 8888, 531-7299, 0678-367299. »» Rocky Horror Shadow Show: “I would like, if you may, to take you on a strange journey.” For three days
only, let KMC Onstage take you on the strangest journey of the year! As always costumes are HIGHLY encouraged and prop bags will also be provided. Doors to the pre-show open at 10 p.m., with the pre-show kicking off at 11 p.m. and the main show starting at midnight, both Oct. 23 and 24 as well as Halloween weekend, Oct. 30 & 31 at the KMC Onstage Theater on Kleber Kaserne, Bldg. 3232. If you purchase a Disaster! ticket, receive $5 off your Rocky Horror ticket! Tickets can be purchased at KMC Onstage Theater on Kleber Kaserne or any Java Café. For more information contact KMC Onstage, Kleber Kaserne, BLDG 3232, 483-6626; 0631-411-6626. »» Family and MWR Fall Bazaar:
Celebrate the change in season at the Fall Bazaar! Shop from vendors that represent countries and fares from all over Europe with a wide selection of home décor, wineries, sweet and savory delights, jewelry and clothes just to name a few! Oct. 9-11 at the Kleber Fitness Center, shopping will be open Fri & Sat from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sun from 10 a.m.5 p.m. Social distancing and capacity rules will be in place, face coverings
mandatory. All prices in U.S. dollars, with dollars, euros, and credit cards accepted. For more information go to Kaiserslautern.armymwr.com. »» Family and MWR Community Expo Halloween Edition: Whether you are
new to the area or you have called this area of Germany home for a while, the Family and MWR Expo is a great place to speak with representatives from the community. Learn about Family and MWR services and programs as well as meet new friends, all while becoming more acquainted with your local area and what it has to offer. Join us Oct. 16 on Vogelweh at the Kazabra Club Bldg. 2057 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. for the much loved Halloween Edition Expo where costumes are encouraged! Learn more about the area you call home. For more information go to Kaiserslautern.armymwr.com. »» Online job fair: USAG RheinlandPfalz ACS is inviting job seekers that are transitioning service members, military spouses, DOD civilian spouses and family members looking for a job to register for this online event that will allow you to video chat with local and CONUS-based employers Oct. 6 from 12-3 p.m. A list
of employers and job openings will be available on the USAG RheinlandPfalz ACS Facebook page as well as at the ACS and SFL-TAP Centers. Get a step ahead by providing a copy of your resume to ACS or SFL-TAP before noon on Oct. 2 or email it to usarmy/ rheinland-pfalz.id-europe.mbx.sfltap-baumholder@mail.mil. Advance RSVP is required to prove DOD eligibility status. RSVP by emailing 040414usarmy.rheinland-pfalz.ideurope.mbx.sfl-tap-baumholder@ mail.mil. For more information, call ACS at 541-9000, 0611-143-5419000. »» Contagious Comedy - An Evening of One Act Comedies (and one Greek tragedy!): Get lost in the humor and
laughter of the hysterical one act PG rated comedies, with this beloved KMC Onstage show performing at the KMC Onstage Studio on Daenner Kaserne, Bldg. 3109, Sep. 25-27 and Oct. 2-4. Fri and Sat shows have the curtain going up at 7 p.m., Sun at 3 p.m. Tickets can be bought at the door the day of the show, adults for $8 and student/seniors for $5. For more information, contact KMC Onstage Theater, Kleber Kaserne, Bldg. 3232, 483-6626; 0631-411-6626.
