the Bavarian news, SPRING 2024

Dear Readers,

We are very proud to present you with this new edition of The Bavarian News in a new and practical magazine format. The Bavarian News will be published every quarter, with content focusing on helping you better navigate life in your new home-away-from-home in U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria. Whether you are living on or off post, we will have tips and information on the communities surrounding the garrison, including events and festivals, cultural traditions, travel suggestions, and more. In this issue we spotlight Bavaria ABC with need-to-know words for life in Bavaria. What better time to focus on getting in shape than during spring. We've got you covered on how to get yourself into your best shape for summer and getting your car and garden ready for the next season. There are also some ideas for must-see places in Bavaria, that you're sure to remember long after your tour in Germany is over. Are you ready to start exploring? We'll be by your side with a new issue for every season.

Sincerely,

USAG Bavaria

Prepare your vehicle for warmer weather

by Thomas Warner contributing writer

Spring is here, which of course means spring cleaning. But spring cleaning is not, and should not be, limited to your home.

When winter came around, you prepared your car for the colder weather. Now that the warmer weather is right around the corner, it’s time again to get your car ready for the change. For example, your

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winter tires, those used specifically for driving in snow and mud, should be replaced. Spring and summer time require tires that are made of harder rubber. Many vehicle owners have two sets of tires, and they either hire someone to change them out or do it themselves.

But changing tires is not as simple of a task as it may seem and should be just one of many facets to think about when preparing your vehicles for the transition from winter weather to the spring and summer seasons.

Auto skills centers offer tools, hydraulic lifts and expertise from qualified employees to help make the experience a positive one.

With regard to tires, it is responsible thinking for vehicle owners to at least broach the subject of tread wear. Most people with knowledge of auto repair and maintenance are in agreement that braking is the main saboteur of tire tread.

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Vehicle owners should conduct a full inspection of lighting, including turn signals, brake lights, high and low beam bulbs, and head and tail lights. These inspections are easy for individuals to do themselves and should be completed at least four to five times a year.

Air conditioning got more use last summer than was normal for this region, and the somewhat light winter we’ve had this year could be an indication of more high temperatures in coming months. To prepare for this, the entire air conditioning and heating mechanism should be checked for deficiencies. If needed, vehicles can receive air conditioning recharges with new Freon or other chemical mixtures added. Also, auto coolant or antifreeze will drain from a vehicle faster if the air conditioner is running more, so all of the various fluids should be checked and topped off or refilled at this time of year.

If a vehicle’s tires have low tread, there could be criminal charges brought when that person is involved, at fault or not, in a collision or event that is injurious to another person.

With the safety of military members always at the forefront of ownership and operation of personal owned vehicles, German police and U.S. military vehicular patrol units make it their business to routinely check that tires, rims and other areas of the vehicle meet the proper specifications.

U.S. drivers in Germany should be aware that cars, trucks and vans here are accustomed to being driven at high speeds and most are manufactured to handle it. Domestic vehicles from the U.S., however, are often not manufactured with these European variables in mind, and they in turn take a beating from drivers who push them past their usual limits.

In short, know your car and know its limits. Each season’s turn is an opportunity to do a complete checkup and perform routine maintenance as well as to make any changes to your vehicle that will enhance its performance. The best drivers will often prove to be the smartest drivers, and smart drivers take the time to make sure their car is up-to-date and well maintained.

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Events

May 29 - June 2 .............

Fränkisches Bierfest

Nürnberg

Franconian Beer Festival in the wonderful ambience of Nuremberg's castle moat

May 30 .............................

Pfingstritt (Pentecost ride)

Bad Kötzing Innenstadt

May 31- June 1 ..............

Jahninselfest (Jahn island festival)

Regensburg

Open-air (fans of slightly harder music away from mainstream and commerce enjoy this DIY festival)

June 2

Luftboottreffen (inflatable boat meet)

Amberg Volksfestplatz

Also a music festival.

June 7-9 ...........................

Rock im Park

Nürnberg

Nürnberg rocks again in the park around Volksfestplatz, Zeppelinfeld and Dutzendteich

June 13-30 ......................

St. Katharina Open Air

Music Festival

Nürnberg

Every year, the St. Katharina Open Air takes place in the ruins of St. Catherine's Church in the heart of the old town. Numerous national and international artists from the music and theater scene perform here.

June 16 .............................

Oldtimertreffen (Classic car meet)

Neumarkt

June 21-23 .......................

44. Bavarian Nordgautag Culture Festival

Grafenwöhr

Four days full of Bavarian culture, encounters and impressions

June 22-23 ......................

Altstadtfest (Old city festival)

Amberg

June 29-30 ......................

Bürgerfest (Citizen festival)

Weiden in der Oberpfalz

July 5-7 .............................

Bürgerfest (Citizen festival)

Bayreuth

July 7 .................................

DATEV Challenge Roth

Roth

DATEV Challenge Roth, the world's largest long-distance triathlon event, will be held in Roth again in 2024. The sporting spectacle with around 3,400 individual starters and 650 relay teams from over 60 nations has been a permanent fixture in the city's event calendar for over 30 years.

July 21 - August 3 .........

Classic Open Air Music Festival

Nürnberg

July 23 - August 8 ........

Summer festival

Amberg

July 26 - 28 .....................

Bardentreffen (Meeting of bards) Nürnberg

Music Festival

July 27 ..............................

Summer Nights festival

Bayreuth

August 2-4 ......................

Deutsch-Amerikanisches

Volksfest (German-American festival)

Grafenwöhr

Upper Palatinate meets America — A temporary home - Music, Art, Literature, Theater, ...

August 2-4 ......................

Sommer in der Stadt (Summer in the city)

Amberg

August 2-18 ...................

Drachenstich Town Play

Furth im Wald

Spearing the Dragon - 1431 in August a bloody chapter of the world history was written. A giant army of knights assembled to crusade against the rebelling Bohemians.

August 4 ..........................

Stars im Luitpoldhain Nürnberg

Night of Jazz and Friends

Photo by Andreas Wolochow/Shutterstock.com

Photo by topseller/Shutterstock.com

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Spring is here - Let’s

by Katie F. Boltuch Contributing Writer

Tell me if this sounds familiar: “My bathing suit is telling me, ‘Get off the couch and get yourself in that gym.’ But my sweatpants are like, ‘Come on in, there’s plenty of room!’”

The winter months can be some of the most difficult to find motivation. We naturally want to hibernate, stay warm, drink Gluhwein, enjoy the crackling of the fire, and use every excuse in the book to stay on the couch. Be honest, which one of these sounded like you this winter: “It’s too cold,” “It’s dark and rainy,” “But these sweatpants are so comfy!” “But I have so much catching up to do on Netflix,” or “It’s so warm under these blankets”?

Waking up every morning to darkness can be a bit depressing and definitely ruin any chance to make good on those New Year’s resolutions. Don’t worry, you are not alone. A 2014 study by the University of Scranton suggests only 8 percent of people actually achieve their New Year’s goals.

Luckily, daylight saving time is here, which means the sun will set later and temperatures are on the rise. Spring is a season for new beginnings, and that’s not just for blooming flowers. You can have a new beginning too! If you’re still struggling and those sweatpants still feel “oh so good,” the following tips can get you back on track and keep you motivated.

Be realistic.

Let’s be serious, no one is expecting you to get up on Monday morning and run 10 miles or lift heavy weights. You shouldn’t expect that either. One of the biggest reasons people trade in sweating at the gym to sweating in front of the fireplace is because they go too hard too soon. If you haven’t been doing anything at all, make it a priority to simply get yourself moving. Once you’re off the couch, you can move on to the next tip.

Set specific goals.

We’ve all heard the statement “failure to plan is planning to fail.” But have you ever heard “begin with the end in mind”? Now is the time to decide what kind of results you want. Do you want to lose weight, or are you simply interested in getting more active? Do you want to get out of the house a few times a week, or do you want to try a new activity such as yoga or spinning? Knowing what you want to get out of your efforts for a lifestyle change can make a world of difference. It’s not enough to just say “I want to lose weight.” Setting specific, realistic goals will motivate you and create a path to success. For example, “I want to exercise 3 days a week for 30 minutes” is a specific and realistic goal.

Knowledge is power.

There’s a reason for the small print on TV and in magazines telling you to consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet or excursive routine. Knowledge is power, and that definitely applies to changing your lifestyle. Moving more and eating less junk food is a great start, but how do you know you’re actually on the right path? If you’re planning to start walking, do your research. You may need to replace those sneakers that have been sitting in your closet. How often should you exercise if you want to lose weight? What should you eat to feel better and have energy? If you’re planning to cut out certain foods from your diet, such as red meat, or want to try a new diet, vegetarian, vegan, etc., learn what you need to be aware of and what kind of effects it will have on your body.

get moving

Schedule, time manage and plan.

A 2015 Harvard Business study revealed that people who make goals are 10 times more successful than those without goals. The study recommended that setting smaller milestones with organization can make everything less overwhelming. Whether you want to use a calendar as a guide or a notebook to keep track of your progress, use these tools to stay on track.

As long as you’re making goals, let’s talk about your plan to reach these goals. Many people feel like they need a personal trainer to get results. While personal trainers prove effective, they can be costly and are not always the kind of motivation we’re looking for. If you’d rather not go that route or that’s not what your goals entail, there are plenty of other ways to plan for success. If your goal is to get outside more, schedule time to walk the dog or go for a walk with your spouse or children. If you want to try a new class at the gym, figure out where it fits into your schedule.

What if you look at your schedule and feel like you don’t have a moment to spare? Get creative! Use the last 15 minutes of your lunch break to take a quick walk, park the car far away from the door at the office or take the stairs instead of the escalator.

Bring your friends.

Recruit some of your friends to get active with you. A 2013 study from ExerciseFriends. com showed that finding a partner to hold you accountable for your activity raises success rates to over 95 percent. Do yourself a favor, grab a friend and get started. Even if neither of you are ready to go running or lift weights, you can go for a walk, ride a bike or learn a new sport.

Have fun!

Changes in lifestyle and habit can be daunting, especially if you dread anything or everything that has to do with exercise or the gym. If you’re buying new shoes, get ones you love. Make a killer playlist to listen to while you’re doing whatever activity you choose. Buy a fun printed T-shirt — my favorite: “Shh, don’t tell anybody but I’m training to be Batman” — to make you smile. When you’re having fun, you’re more likely to stick to your gals.

Make good choices.

Food is your friend. That’s right, I said it. As much as we might love to scarf down pizza every night, set a goal to try something new. Start small. Pick one night a week when you’re not only going to eat a healthy meal but also make something new so you actually see what ingredients go into your food. Too often people assume that if they want to change their lifestyle they must restrict their favorite foods. This is absolutely not true. Much like making a plan, educating yourself about food is just as important.

My husband and I say to each other, “Abs are made in the kitchen.” While neither of us have six-pack abs, we repeat this mantra to each other when we know we’re making poor food choices. Although we don’t restrict our diets — everything in moderation is ok and I don’t want to live in a world without nachos — this little saying helps us choose a healthier option for a snack or meal because we know we’ll feel better. When you eat healthier, you feel healthier.

Give yourself a chance and stay positive.

You may be familiar with the 21-day rule, which is that it takes a minimum of 21 days to form a new habit, but it turns out it could take a bit longer. A 2014 study published by the European Journal of Social Psychology examined the habits of 96 people over a 12-week period. Results show it can take about two months before a new behavior becomes automatic. What this means is that you have to be patient and forgiving. If you do go to the gym, remember why you’re there: for you, your health and your well-being. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Remember, you are going to have days where you just don’t want to do anything. You are going to have setbacks. If you miss out one day, make sure you get back into it the next. Above all, stay positive! Don’t get discouraged because you can’t do it all, all the time, all at once. Life happens. Be flexible and be proud you are doing something to improve your health!

Preparing your garden for Spring

By The Find-It Guide

While driving around lately, you may have noticed the German road crews giving anything and everything a crew cut. They have all sorts of cool connectors that go on their work vehicles that trim, cut and shave off just about any type of vegetation in its path. There are even trimmers that rotate around the road markers like magic while the maintenance truck cruises next to it. You should take this as a sign it is time to get your own bushes, grass and garden areas ready for spring.

Generally, when it comes to bushes and hedges, you should not be afraid of cutting off too much (better to cut off too much than too little). In a lush growing area like Germany, where moisture is aplenty, if you are not aggressively cutting back, you can quickly get overrun. Weeding and clearing dead leaves is also a must.

Here are five tips to help you get your garden in shape.

1.

Get rid of the dead perennial leaves. Clearing away the foliage that is still there, promotes growth to flowers and grass. If any perennials have pushed their way up out of the ground due to the recent frost, push them back in so they will prosper.

2.

Pull those weeds. Probably the least favorite job to do for everyone, weed pulling can get rid of those nasty critters that choke out the development of all the beautiful plants you actually want to grow. Pulling them now will make the work easier because the ground is soft from the winter.

3.

Prune shrubs that flower. Now is the time to prune shrubs that bloom late in the summer. Shrubs have flowers that bloom from wood, so if you prune them now, you will not risk cutting off the buds.

4.

Don’t forget to fertilize. Now that the ground is fully thawed (we hope!), spread fertilizers around shrubs, trees and perennials. Be careful when using weedkillers later in the season as the EU has laws regulating what can be used. If you PCSed over with products purchased in the U.S., be sure to see if they are approved for use in Germany.

5.

Look for broken limbs and branches. Winter storms can result in trees and bushes that have broken or splintered due to high winds, snow, ice, rain and anything else the German winters can throw at you. Cut off just before the broken area to help the vegetation regrow. If your evergreens suffered any dead ends from winter, cut off the tips. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Photo by

Tatevosian Yana/Shutterstock.com

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Bavaria ABC:

Need-to-know words for life in Bavaria

By The Find-It Guide

You’ve been meaning to add new words to your German vocabulary, want to get to know key parts of Bavarian culture or you’re simply looking to learn some fun facts about Bavaria?Look no further, we will provide you with all kinds of general and niche knowledge on this special German state, and it’s even organized alphabetically.

Altstadt – This is a term for Old Town, a historical downtown that many older German cities have. These are often full of gorgeous, historical buildings from different eras but you’ll commonly find timber-frame structures in German Old Towns. Some of Bavaria’s Old Towns are even part of UNESCO World Heritage, like Bamberg’s Altstadt, or have been used as locations for Hollywood movies, like the one in Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

Brezel – Pretzels (German singular: Brezel, plural: Brezeln / Brezen) have long conquered international markets, so chances are you had one or two in your life before you went to Germany for the first time. But, as Germans will reassure you, pretzels in Germany are much better than pretzels abroad. The most common type of pretzel you’ll find at every bakery is a lye pretzel (Laugenbrezel), the salty, hearty kind. Another popular type (traditionally eaten plain or with butter a day after New Year’s for example) is a sweet pretzel made from yeast dough, called Hefebrezel.

Christkindlesmarkt Nürnberg – This is what Nuremberg’s huge Christmas Market is called, the literal translation would be Christ Child’s Market. It’s one of Germany’s biggest Christmas Markets, with 180 booths welcoming over 2 Million visitors every year. Even if you’ve seen a couple of German Christmas Markets, this one is still an outstanding experience.

Dirndl – A Dirndl is a traditional catholic costume for women, created in 19th century Bavaria and Austria. Nowadays, it’s widely seen as a traditional costume for Alpine regions, which brings me to an important point: Not all German women ever wear a Dirndl, but very few do so on a day-today basis. Since the 1990s it’s become popular to wear modern versions of it to Bavarian and Southern German folk festivals, the original Dirndl however were much heavier in fabric, more high-necked and often floor-length. The bow on the Dirndl’s apron can symbolize the wearer’s relationship status: A bow tied on her right side can symbolize that she’s taken or married, a bow tied on her left side can mean that she’s single.

Erlangen – Erlangen is Bavaria’s smallest major city but widely known for its traditional annual beer festival Erlangener Bergkirchweih (called Berg – mountain, for short), which takes place in Summer. Erlangen is also worth a visit for its beautiful baroque Schlossgarten (castle garden).

Obazda

Fränkisch – Fränkisch means Franconian and it’s a regional Bavarian dialect which, in my opinion, sounds like a mixture of a Hessian and proper Bavarian dialect. Something you’ll hear in both Franconian and Bavarian dialects is the word fei (pronounced rhyming to ‘rye’), which can mean “really, indeed, too (certainly)”, and “by the way” depending on context.

Gerupfter – Gerupfter (literal meaning, probably referring to its texture: the one that’s plucked), more commonly known as Obazda, is a traditional Bavarian cheese delicacy. The main ingredients are soft aged cheese (usually Camembert or Romadur), butter, a small amount of beer, paprika powder, salt, pepper, and optionally onions or cream cheese. It’s typically eaten as a spread on pretzels and you’ll find it at lots of Bavarian Beer gardens.

Isar

– The Isar is a river that flows through parts of Austria and Bavaria. Anything bigger than a raft isn’t allowed to frequent this river, but it has still become quite the tourist attraction. There’s a 25km raft channel from Wolfratshausen to Munich, frequented by large rafts that are furnished with tables to have a snack at. Another hotspot along the Isar is the so-called Eisbachwelle (Eisbach wave) near Prinzregentenstraße, where professional surfers can ride some waves without having to leave the city.

Jodeln – Yodeling is a form of singing without words, often produced by repeat ing meaningless syllables and rapidly changing between lower and higher pitches. It is an old, mostly rural singing tradition local to the German and French Alpine regions, the Bavarian, Harz and Thuringian Forest as well as some Austrian regions. The most com mon yodeling melodies can be traced back to the 18th, 19th and 20th century. Nowadays, yodeling is mostly present in folk music (see Volksmusik).

Kirchweih –parish fair, a folk festival originating from Medieval times when citizens came together to celebrate the consecration of a church in town. Historically, many German regions began to celebrate a more general and not church specific Kirchweih once a year to avoid the numerous church festivals that would’ve otherwise taken place all over the year. These days, there are manifold regional varieties within Germany and their names vary — these are the most common ones you might hear: Kirmes, Kerwe, Kerwa, Kärwa, Kirb, Kerb.

HLeimat –Heimat can be translated to homeland, a place that you feel deeply connected to and call your home even when you’ve moved. Bavarians seem to have an especially strong rootedness in their state and culture, often seeing themselves as “Bavarian, not German,” something other German states would perhaps describe as being overly proud of one’s home state.

ederhosen –equivalent of a Dirndl, a traditional German garment for men. Although leather breeches were widely used as a sort of work uniform in many countries and differ ent German regions, Bavarian King Ludwig the II and the Bavarian noble family Wittelsbach took liking to the idea of regionally varied, tra ditional costumes during the Romantic period. Leather breeches became more popular over time and reached their height as the most popular boys’ and men’s garment in Germany and Austria during the years following the sec ond World War, replaced only later by jeans. Lederhosen are scarcely worn on an everyday basis these days, but you’ll see them at lots of Bavarian folk festivals.

Isar river in Munich.

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Mass

– Mass is short for Masskrug, a handled glass vessel used to drink beer out of. You’ll find these at every Southern German Beer garden and folk festival, but Bavaria’s Oktoberfest is especially overflowing with them. The modern Mass holds a little over a liter of beer and often bears the brewery’s logo. If you’ve never drunk from a Mass before, you might be surprised by its weight: An empty glass weighs 2.9lb (1.3kg) and a full one weighs about 5.3lb, so get ready for sore arms! The world record in Masskrugstemmen (Steinholding) is about 45 minutes.

Nürnberger Opernball –Nuremberg’s annual opera ball is famous for attracting lovers of classical music as well as lots of celebrities, models, and entrepreneurs. With tickets starting at 169€ per person, this is a rather pricy event but still fun to watch on TV. In the past, Nuremberg has also hosted a parallel open-air event with free admission where you could get traditional Bavarian food and have some fun away from the extravagant crowds.

Oktoberfest (Wiesn) –Oktoberfest, also known as Wiesn (a regional word for meadow), takes place in Munich annually and is the world’s biggest folk festival. The first Oktoberfest was hosted in 1810 and it’s only become more popular since then, attracting more than six million visitors each year. Because Oktoberfest is so immensely popular, planning ahead is key if you want to attend — we recommend starting to plan a year ahead!

Prinzregententorte – This tongue twister translates to ‘prince regent’s tarte’ and it’s about as fancy as it sounds. The tarte was cre ated to honor 19th century Bavarian Prince Regent Luitpold and is traditionally made out of eight very thin sponge cake bases, symbolizing the eight Bavarian administrative districts that existed until 1946. They’re covered with a delicious layer of dark chocolate. Prinzregententorte is said to be to Munich, what the infamous Sachertorte is to Vienna.

SQuartel / Quartl – You’ve already encountered the Mass, this is part two of Bavarian words for alcohol measurements. A Quartel, sometimes spelled without the e, is usually a quarter of a liter of beer, but it can also be used to refer to a quarter liter of wine.

Residenz Würzburg – The residence in Würzburg is just one of the many Bavarian castles that are part of UNESCO World Heritage, although UNESCO apparently justified its inclusion by saying that it’s the most coherent and extraordinary of all baroque castles. The 18th century residence is known for its stunning ceiling fresco by Venetian painter Tiepolo and its many magnificently decorated halls. Should you ever visit Würzburg, this sight has to be on your list!

chäuferla – Schäuferla (or sometimes Schäufele) is a southern German traditional food. Its preparation can vary but in Bavaria’s Franconia region this dish is made from a pig’s shoulder meat into which the cook will carve a crisscross pattern. The meat is then seasoned with salt, pepper, and caraway and pot-roasted for two to three hours with root vegetables, onions and a bit of dark beer. When it’s done, the meat should be very soft and easily slide off the bone.

Tegernsee – Tegernsee is a popular vacation spot in southern Bavaria, a crystal-clear lake encircled by the Alps. There’s lots of things to do near Tegernsee if you’re into sports: Hiking, moutain biking, swimming, sailing, fishing, and much more. If you’re looking for a more relaxed stay you can go on a scenic walk or enjoy a delicious Tegernseer beer.

Unterfranken – Unterfranken is the region of Lower Franconia, located in Northern Bavaria. It is mostly known for its good beer and wine which originates in the vineyards located along the sunny riverside. Locals thus sometimes call it Weinfranken (Wine Franconia) or Mainfranken after the river Main (pronounced like mine). Lower Franconia is also home to many beautiful and historic cities worth a visit, such as Aschaffenburg, Miltenberg, or Würzburg.

Weisswurstfrühstück –Weisswurstfrühstück is one of those really long German words for something amazing: A traditional Bavarian breakfast including Weisswürste (‘white’ veal sausages), pretzels, sweet mustard and beer. Although the name literally says that it’s a breakfast, it’s more common to have this as a small lunch or snack, for example at a Beer Garden. It does, however, seem to work wonders after a night with too many Mass beer.

Xaver – In Germany, the male first name Xaver is particularly popular in Bavaria and is still used quite frequently there. A well-known German bearer of the name was Xaver ‘Mister Ice Hockey’ Unsinn (* Nov. 29, 1929, in Füssen, Bavaria; † Jan. 4, 2012, in the same place). As an ice hockey player, he won several German championships and also took part in two Winter Olympics as an active player. His greatest success as a player was the runner-up title in the 1953 World Championships. Later, he was national coach of the German national ice hockey team for several years and won the Olympic bronze medal at the 1976 Winter Games in Innsbruck. Unsinn was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany for his services to ice hockey.

Volksmusik – This is something many Germans associate with Bavaria: Folk music. Although folk music lovers tend to distance themselves from the cheesier Schlager music, it’s still what most people attribute to this genre. Volksmusik, but especially Schlager (literally: hit, meaning: a type of catchy pop music, usually about love or relationships) are frequently played at folk festivals like Oktoberfest. Many Germans will claim to dislike but still passionately dance to when it does get played.

Y– Why is Bayern spelled with a Y? — When King Otto of Greece was proclaimed, Ludwig I, King of Bavaria, had the spelling changed. He issued the order on October 20, 1825, taking into account the Greek ypsilon; this abolished the previous spelling of Baiern.

Zugereiste(r) –

This word is Bavarian for someone who isn’t local to Bavaria, the literal translation means ‘someone who’s travelled or moved here.’ Zugereiste is the female form, Zugereister is the male form.

Weisswurstfrühstück, photo by Alexander Raths/Shutterstock.com

Things to do around USAG Bavaria

by Cathrin Lüderitz

Contributing writer for MilitaryInGermany.com

Germany’s biggest state boasts beautiful sceneries, quaint towns, delicious food and fantastic outdoor activities year-round. Below, you will find a list of attractions from museums and golf courses to hikes, castles and castle ruins separated by region but they are all in a comfortable driving distance from each other so don’t shy away from adventuring beyond your Landkreis-border.

Near Grafenwöhr:

Grafenwoehr is in Bavaria’s Upper Palatinate region. This small town has a long military history and still hosts a nice military community today. You’ll find lots of tips on what to do in the Grafenwoehr region as well as some recommendations for downtime activities with kids in this article.

Culture and Military Museum

Did you know that GI Elvis Presley was stationed in Grafenwoehr and gave the only private concert known of in Europe at Micky Bar despite the stage ban? If you want to learn more about Grafenwoehr’s culture, history and what part the military played in it, the Kultur- und Militärmuseum Grafenwöhr (Culture and Military Museum) is the right place to start. Fun fact: the original piano Elvis played on is displayed at this museum as well! Their exhibits are divided into two parts, one for the culture and one for the military contents. On the second floor, you can take a look at their complex exhibit “Soldier’s life – fascination and fate.”

Call 09641- 85 01 to ask for guided tours of the museum (on the history of the Training Area) or guided city tours (history of Grafenwoehr) in English before your visit. Find out more about the admission https://museum-grafenwoehr.de/en/visitorsinformation/opening-hours-prices/

Water Tower

The town’s landmark can barely be overlooked –the water tower is 43.5m (142.7ft) tall and stands high above the surrounding flatlands. It was built in 1910 by architect Jürgen Sievers and features a romantic Swiss style. Information boards on

site will provide you with pictures of the tower throughout history, as well as more information on its different purposes in German and English.

Weekly Farmer’s Market

Grafenwoehr’s weekly farmer’s market takes place on market square (Marktplatz) every Thursday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Regional products like cheese and meat as well as fresh produce can be purchased here.

Volcano Adventure Park

Maybe you or your kid(s) are into volcanoes? Just a 15 minute car ride away from Grafenwoehr you’ll find the Vulkanerlebnis Parkstein (Volcano Experience Museum Parkstein), where you can take a look at their permanent exhibit to find out about the volcano in Parkstein and how it influenced local history.

You can take a look at the rock cellars for free from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, or get a ticket to the museum (adult tickets are 4.50€, children up to 6 years are free of admission, a family ticket is 11€). https:// www.vulkanerlebnis-parkstein.de/en/

Other Nature Parks

The museum is located inside the culturaland community center, where you can also gather extensive information on regional tourist attractions like the Nature Park Northern Upper Palatinate Forest and the Geopark Bavaria-Bohemia.

Near Vilseck:

Vilseck is a historic small town in the East of Bavaria only twenty minutes from Grafenwöhr. With only a bit more than 6,000 inhabitants and gorgeous ancient architecture, it’s a wonderful destination for a romantic day trip with plenty of things to do and see for the whole family.

Burg Dagestein

Dagestein Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 12th century with original wall paintings from the 14th century and newer additions from the 17th century. The viewing platform offers a lovely view of the old town. You can also book the castle as a venue for celebrations of all sorts. A virtual tour is also available for rainy days or global pandemics.

For more information in English, visit http://www.burg-dagestein. de/eng/index.php

Public Outdoor Pool

Städtisches Höhenschwimmbad features two large slides and multiple pools for different ages. Admission costs €4.50 per adult and €2.50 for anyone under 18; annual tickets available.

Hiking

Many hiking trails start in and around Vilseck, the longest ones range from 13 to 32km. These signposted paths will offer stunning views as they take you through forests, across rivers, wild meadows and past a quaint little village from time to time. The list gives detailed instructions regarding levels of difficulty and length as well as where to start, where to stop for lunch, what to look for and more.

History Museum

The Türmermuseum is the first of its kind in all of Germany and highlights the town’s history with a focus on ‘Türmer’, watchmen, people who had numerous tasks in keeping the town safe and entertained up until the 20th century, with educational plaques and historical artefacts.

It’s open Friday through Sunday and on holidays. Group tours can be booked for other dates as well. Visit their website for more information in German: http://www.tuermermuseum.de/ oeffnungszeiten.html

Near Hohenfels:

Hohenfels is a small town in the Upper Palatinate region, Bavaria. In the Hohenfels region you’ll find lots of natural reserves as well as a couple of lakes and uplands. This article has lots of tips on what to do in and around Hohenfels (spoiler alert: there’s lots of castles!) plus recommendations for downtime activities with kids.

Photo by EWY

Photo by RudiErnst/Shutterstock.com

You can get what is probably the best view over the region’s lush green landscape by hiking up to the Schöneberg Castle Ruins (92366 Hohenburg) located within the confines of the JMRC Hohenfels. It is a bit of a steep hike towards the ruins, so you should probably have some stamina, nevertheless a great adventure to bring your kid(s) on! You can find access to the tree-covered surrounding area of the ruins between Vormarkt and Haagweg streets, I’d recommend using an online map service or a map of the area for better orientation though.

Medieval Castle and Museum

For a vibrant look into medieval culture and more regional history, take a short drive of 20 minutes to enchanting Parsberg Museum and Castle (Burgstraße 24, 92331 Parsberg). The history of this castle complex reaches back to the 13th century but the castle itself is in immaculate condition. You can even book it for events or weddings! The lower part of the castle, built in the middle of the 17th century,

hosts a large museum nowadays. The exhibits will give you an insight into the development of the region as well as the everyday lives of people from pre-history to early modern times.

Open only Wed, Thur & Sun. Kids up to 10 years are free of admission, teenager/student/senior tickets are €1 and adult tickets are €2.50. You can get a free audio guide by downloading their app (works on IOS and Android, smartphones and tablets), just look up ‘Burgmuseum Parsberg Audioguide’ in your app store of choice. Visit their German website https://burg.parsberg.de/museum.

Ranch-Style Beer Garden

If you’re looking for a beergarden with character in the region, Fichten Ranch (Fichten 2, 92366 Hohenfels) is the spot for you. A popular

meeting point for bikers and classic car lovers, log cabin style FichtenRanch offers home-made cakes, coffee, and BBQ specialties. Parking is available in front of the building, it’s wheelchair accessible, kid friendly and has outside seating. There’s occasional live music and country music evenings as well! In case you’re taking the trip out here on your motorcycle, FichtenRanch has a repair shop for smaller repairs, cleaning options for your helmet and visor, and you can leave your bike in their shed for free overnight.

Please note that FichtenRanch is cash only! Visit their German website here http://www.fichtenranch-freiluftcafe.de/html/ hauptseite.html.

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Places to see in Bavaria

by Cathrin Lüderitz Contributing writer for MilitaryInGermany.com

When Americans think about Germany, they usually think of Bavaria first. This isn’t surprising since Bavaria is the origin of export hits like the Oktoberfest, traditional lederhosen, dirndl and good old German beer. But there’s a lot more to do in Germany’s biggest state than attending Munich’s Oktoberfest!

Bavaria not only scores with its rich culture (The wine fests! The beer fests! The food!) but also with its gorgeous scenery. This southern German state has all the stunning rivers, mountain ranges, lakes, and forests you could dream of, so you shouldn’t miss out on them during your stay.

Bamberg, home to 15 breweries and ‘Little Venice’ Bamberg, formerly an important base for American military stationed at Warner Barracks, is located in Upper Franconia by the river Regnitz and has lots to offer to visitors.

Its old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mainly because of its authentic medieval appearance. For a great view overlooking the town, take a trip to Altenburg castle, which was built on Bamberg’s highest hill before 1109 and nowadays hosts a restaurant.

“Little Venice,” a colony of fishermen’s houses from the 19th century along the riverbank, is considered unique to Bamberg. Another thing Bamberg is known for is its beer, especially its smoked beer (Rauchbier). You can try it at one of Bamberg’s breweries, for example at Schlenkerla, the historic smoke beer brewery.

Margravial Residence of stunning Bayreuth

Bayreuth, the biggest city in Upper Franconia, is sure to attract lovers of classical music – it hosts the infamous Bayreuth Festival Theater as well as numerous other music and theater festivals throughout the year. The Margravial Opera House is definitely a sight worth seeing, being the self-proclaimed “most beautiful preserved Baroque Theater in Europe” and part of

UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 2012.

The New Castle, built by the French architect St. Pierre in 1753, will stun you with its Rococo beauty. To take a closer look at the Old Palace with an inner cave, water games and a fabulous orangery, including a central sun temple, take a trip to the historical park Eremitage Museum on the outskirts of the city.

Bayreuth is also considered the global center of interest in composer Richard Wagner and his works, having operated the Richard Wagner Museum since its opening in 1976.

The

historical Romantic Road

In post-war times, Germany was desperate to find a way to rebuild its tourism industry and created the idea for the formal route called Romantic Road in 1950. According to the official website, the first visitors were friends and families of the American soldiers stationed in the large bases in Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg.

The Romantic road combines the historic cities of Wuerzburg and Augsburg with the three medieval walled towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbuehl and Noerdlingen, and then finishes off with the tourist highlights of Neuschwanstein Castle and the Alps. You can either take a bus tour along this beautiful route or explore parts of it on your own, in which case the official website gives you lots of information.

Starnberg’s Five-Lakes-Region

The Starnberg Five-Lakes-Region is located just 30mins south of Munich, which makes it the perfect spot to visit for some relaxing time away from the city. There’s lots of gorgeous lakes to hike around or even surf in. There are great walks and hikes in the region, as well as plenty of mountain biking opportunities. If you’re looking for a more relaxed activity, visit Possenhofen Castle (KarlTheodor-Straße 14, 82343 Pöcking), the once infamous Austrian Empress Elisabeth’s childhood home, which is now a private property. You can still get a look at the gorgeous building when you’re strolling through the neighborhood. Perhaps sporting less of a rich history but beautiful nonetheless is Ammerland Castle (Nördliche Seestraße 13, 82541 Münsing), located at the other side of Lake Starnberg. Honestly, if you want to enjoy a good look at some historically stunning buildings, just look up “castles near Starnberg” on Google Maps. The region is overflowing with them. You could even plan a fun day trip just looking at castles and stopping by cafés on your way!

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle is really one of those “can’t-miss places” in Bavaria. Fans of maximalist architecture and art will truly get their money’s worth here. Inspired by medieval art and operas, the castle features lots of dark wood, bright colors, intricate gold details, and swans, the king’s favorite animal.

The construction of this castle started in 1860 and was never finished due to King Ludwig II’s untimely death. Despite the king explicitly not wanting visitors at his castle during his lifetime, over 60 million people have visited it since it was first opened as a museum only 6 weeks after his death.

Nürnberg/ Nuremberg

Famous for culinary highlights like Nürnberger Lebkuchen (gingerbread), beautiful architecture and a fascinating history, Nürnberg is a popular day- or weekend-trip destination amongst people living in or visiting Bavaria.

Augsburg

This quaint city is famous for the Augsburger Puppenkiste, a kids’ tv show about wooden puppets. It’s also a fantastic spot to visit for culinary treasures, great architecture, and shopping.

Würzburg

Würzburg on the romantic road is surrounded by vineyards. It also has both a fortress and a residency including gorgeous gardens and is just a very lovely city overall.

Author’s Profile: Cathrin Lüderitz is studying to become an elementary school English teacher at the University of Würzburg. She is more in love with food and traveling than a student’s budget allows but that will never slow her down in her search for the world’s best avocado toast.

Germany’s National Parks: Bavarian Forest National Park

by MilitaryInGermany.com

Germany’s Bavarian Forest National Park is wild, rugged, and beautiful. Nestled against the Czech border, just a short drive north from Passau, the park is a safe haven for the endangered Eurasian lynx – and plenty of other wildlife, as well. The park also contains more than 200 kilometers of biking and hiking trails, as well as the Baumwipfelpfad (Treetop Walk), which offers one of the most entertaining walks in all of Europe.

A

walk like no other

For treetop walk aficionados, Germany is rightly celebrated. This is a country that loves putting walkways way up there in forests. The best one in the country – the famed Baumwipfelpfad, the ‘Green Roof of Europe‘ — might just be in the Bavarian Forest National Park.

A curving, tiered piece of stunning architecture, the Baumwipfelpfad (Treetop Walk) allows visitors to see the park from a whole new perspective. With a maximum gradient of 6 percent (and usually not even that steep), the walkway is accessible for all visitors.

At the top of the 44-meter-high structure, visitors will have excellent views of the mountains that line the border between Germany and Czechia. Along the way, you’ll gain an immense appreciation for the ancient firs and other trees that make up the forest.

Tickets are required. Entry is free for children under six years old. Adult tickets cost €12. Family passes are available. https://treetopwalks.com/bayerischer-wald/en/

Kleiner Arbersee

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Treetop walk

Wild times in the open air animal park

Once upon a time, Europe was packed with wild animals. That’s less true now. Though Germany contains plenty of deer and wild boar — as well as a small but growing population of reintroduced wolves in the east — it can be difficult to spot wild animals that are native to this part of the world.

Bavarian National Park’s Tierfreigelände open air animal park allows visitors to admire some of the magnificent wildlife that still exists in Europe. It contains the endangered Eurasian lynx, bears, birds, and more than three dozen animals. As a bonus, the park is large enough that it is rarely, if ever, crowded.

This is a must-see if you’re traveling with a family. The Tierfreigelande can be found in the Falkenstein National Park Center, near the Haus zur Wildnis.

An outdoor lover’s paradise

Bavarian Forest National Park contains a trail for everyone. Whether you like to hike, bike, stroll, or power walk, this is the place for you.

The park contains a variety of long, short, and loop trails. Each snakes through a pristine environment that remains largely untouched by human hands. Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, plants, animals, streams, and more. The park is beautiful during all four seasons, and is especially exquisite during autumn.

For those who love the water, a visit to the Großer Arbersee will do you right. This clean, magnificent lake is a remnant of the last ice age, and is the most visited lake in the park. During warmer months, visitors can rent water equipment to enhance their fun. Hiking near the lake is recommended year-round.

Photo by Peter

Photo by Oliver Hlavaty

Photo/Shutterstock.com

Großer Arbersee

Erasian Lynx

by Michelle Thum Contributing writer for MilitaryinGermany.com

Spring marks beginning of tick season

Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during the upcoming warmer months from March to September. Public Health Command Europe’s Entomology Department provides helpful tips and tricks for tick prevention.

“Ticks are pesky little critters and can carry several potentially serious diseases,” explained Lt. Col. Sheryl Pedersen, Chief of PHCE’s Entomology Department. “The most common disease ticks transmit is Lyme disease. A person with Lyme disease may develop fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash.”

The red and circular rash is commonly referred to as “bulls-eye” rash but only approximately 70-80 percent of infected persons develop the rash.

In most cases, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. However, if the disease is left untreated, it can worsen and cause a number of serious problems, to include facial paralysis and pain and numbness in the hands and feet.

There is currently no Lyme disease vaccine available for humans. However, there is an effective vaccine available for tick-borne encephalitis that you can receive on the economy by referral.

“Ticks are most common during spring and summer, when the temperature is higher, but they adjusted well to the weather,” said Pedersen. “Nowadays, ticks can be spotted year-round, especially when the ground temperatures are above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.”

Ticks move quickly across the body, but they prefer areas that are warm and moist. They are often found in the armpits, groin, inside the belly button, at the back of the knees or the scalp. Once the tick has found a place it likes, it will bite and burrow its head firmly into the skin.

Pedersen says ticks can be safely removed with tweezers.

“The first thing to do is to make sure you remove it properly,” she said. “All you need is a pair of clean, fine-tipped tweezers and simply pull at the mouthparts, or as close to the skin as possible, in a slow steady manner. Don’t pull too abruptly since you can cause the body to disconnect from its head which will remain in your skin and cause an infection.”

Following removal, you should apply alcohol or an antibiotic ointment.

Prevention is also important in protecting yourself and your family. Here are five tips to prevent tick bites:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when in wooded areas.

• Wear closed shoes — no bare feet or sandals.

• Use an insect repellent with DEET.

• Don’t walk through bushes or tall grass. Stay on marked trails, where possible.

• After being outdoors, check for ticks. Shower and change your clothes.

• Protecting yourself from ticks is important, but it is equally important not to forget about your furry family members.

Along with using tick prevention techniques, pet owners are encouraged to check their pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.

Maj. Jamie Case, veterinarian and officer in charge of the Wiesbaden Veterinary Treatment Facility, recommends that pets be treated for ticks year-round and encourages pet owners to talk with their local veterinary treatment facility to determine the best tick prevention strategies.

When checking your pet for ticks, don’t forget to check these five common places ticks hide on dogs:

1. Under the collar: Make sure to remove your dog’s collar from time to time and inspect for ticks.

2. Groin areas: Make sure to check in the groin area between the back legs and underneath the tail. These are popular spots for ticks to hide.

3. Inside of ears: All the little crevices inside of an ear make it a popular spot for ticks to hang out.

4. Between toes: Spots like between the toes are cozy and not something that’s easy to see — making it a perfect place for a tick to set up camp.

5. Near the eyelids: It can be tricky to tell, which is why around the eyes is one place ticks go unnoticed. If you’re not sure, it’s best to consult with your Veterinary Treatment Facility.

PHCE offers a free tick surveillance program, which identifies and tests ticks for the military and beneficiaries.

If you do find a tick on any member of your family, remove it and take the tick to your local medical treatment facility. For your furry friends, take the tick to a veterinary treatment facility. Be sure to have information on where you may have been bit and the date it was removed, so PHCE can capture the information.

For more information on tick-borne illnesses and how to protect yourself and your family, please talk with your primary care manager or your pet’s veterinarian.

Photo by Ocskay Mark/Shutterstock.com

Upcoming movies

Despicable Me 4

Gru, the world’s favorite supervillain-turnedAnti-Villain League-agent, returns for an exciting, bold new era of Minions mayhem, alongside his wife and fellow Anti-Villain Leagueagent Lucy, their three adopted girls —Margo, Edith and Agnes — and the newest member to the Gru family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. The family is forced to go on the run when they become targeted by escaped criminal Maxime Le Mal and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina.

Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Stephen Colbert, Sofía Vergara, Steve Coogan, Chris Renaud, Madison Polan Dana Gaier, Chloe Fineman, Will Ferrell Director: David Leitch

Rated PG

Kinds of Kindness

Kinds of Kindness, described as a “triptych fable,” consists of three distinct but loosely connected stories. The first segment, “The Death of R.M.F,” follows a man who seeks to take charge of his own destiny after breaking away from his powerful boss. The second, “R.M.F. is Flying,” depicts a man plagued by suspicions that his spouse, who has recently returned after being reported missing, is an imposter. The final segment, “R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich,” revolves around a woman’s quest to find an enigmatic cult leader who is believed to be a destined spiritual guide.

Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem DafoeDirector: Yorgos Lanthimos

Rated R

Deadpool & Wolverine

The Time Variance Authority, a bureaucratic organization that exists outside of time and space and monitors the timeline, pulls Wade Wilson / Deadpool from his quiet life and sets him on a mission with Wolverine that will change the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, Matthew Macfadyen Director: Shawn Levy

Rated R

Grafenwöhr Tower Theater

Bldg. 607, Tower Barracks 92655 Grafenwöhr

Vilseck Rose Barracks Theater

Südlager 354

92249 Vilseck

Katterbach AAFES Theater

91522 Ansbach

Hohenfels Movie Theater

Bldg. 3, 92366 Hohenfels

German cinemas showing movies in English language Amberg

Cineplex Amberg

Regensburger Str. 1

92224 Amberg

Tel.: 09621-8979677

https://www.cineplex.de/filmreihe/englische-originalversion/1231/amberg/ Nürnberg

Filmhaus Nürnberg

Königstraße 93

90402 Nürnberg

Tel.: 0911-231-58 23

https://www.kunstkulturquartier.de/filmhaus/programm/ cine-international/british-and-american-cinema

CINECITTA' Multiplexkino GmbH & Co. KG

Theater - Cafe - Bar - Restaurant Gewerbemuseumsplatz 3 90403 Nürnberg

Tel.: 0911 20 666 - 0

https://www.cinecitta.de/de/English-and-original-MovieProgramming-CINECITTA-Nuernberg-Manhattan-MetropolisMeisengeige-11894.html?seite_theater_id=382

Cineplex Nürnberg

Königstraße 11

90402 Nürnberg

Tel.: 0911 2360360

https://www.cineplex.de/filmreihe/englische-filme-in-ov/2538/ nuernberg/

Weiden in der Oberpfalz

NEUE WELT KINOCENTER

Fichtestraße 6

92637 Weiden i. d. Oberpfalz

Tel.: 0961-25544 or 0961-4016064

https://neue-welt-kino.de/aktionen-events/movies-in-englishlanguage

They will normally show movies in english language every second week (Monday or Tuesday).

Photo by Tatiana Popova/Shutterstock.com

Can’t-miss German day trips: ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER

by MilitaryinGermany.com

One of the classic (perhaps THE classic) German day trip destinations is Rothenburg ob der Tauber. You’ve probably seen pictures in guidebooks or on websites: Half-timbered buildings, cobblestone streets, impossible cuteness.

There’s a reason Rothenburg is so highly recommended: It has the power to transport even the most cynical traveler. Despite the tourists, it’s not a tourist trap. It’s just a beautiful, genuine, well-preserved medieval village that can be visited again and again without getting old. And though it shines in any season, Rothenburg can be downright magical around the holidays.

Rothenburg: Four Ideas

One mark of Rothenburg’s quality as a day-trip destination is that it seems particularly well built to withstand the COVID era. Visitors can have amazing experiences while rarely setting foot inside an enclosed space. Here are four ideas for things to do in Rothenburg.

1.

Be a tourist. In a town this lovely, there is no shame in gawking and/or snapping photos. In fact, one of the joys of Rothenburg comes from strolling the city and stopping every 50 steps or so to admire the scenery. Wander the streets. Admire the architecture. And share your images with the people you love.

2.

Walk the city walls. Rothenburg has brilliantly preserved city walls that are outdoors and provide excellent views. Climb the steep steps and mind your head when you’re up there.

3.

Enjoy the food. For a town that sees its fair share of visitors, Rothenburg’s gastronomic scene shows no sign of catering to the lowest common denominator. During ordinary times, you can find delicious hearty fare (think Jägrschnitzel and other warm, satisfying dishes) and delightful desserts.

4.

Get medieval. Generously billed as a “Medieval Crime and Justice Museum,” this Rothenburg staple is more aptly described as a “Medieval Torture Museum.” Either way, it offers an evocative look at crime and punishment in the middle ages. And it makes visitors grateful they weren’t alive during that time. Be sure to check opening information related to COVID mitigation measures. Photo

Photo by

Photo by canadastock/Shutterstock.com

Photo by Animaflora