Newbie Tips

Germany’s National Parks: Müritz National Park

Whether you’re from the coast or from somewhere inland, there’s something magical about water. Müritz National Park, which is located in the northeast German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, is definitely magical…. Read more

7 Tips for celebrating Valentine’s Day in Germany

story by Susan Melnyk Although Valentine’s Day has long been celebrated in one form or another, the essentials have evolved to be about the same in Germany as in the… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Saxon Switzerland National Park

It might surprise you to learn that Saxon Switzerland National Park is nowhere near Switzerland. In fact, the park is nestled just against Czechia. Don’t let that deter you from… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Berchtesgaden National Park

Set in a tiny nook in southeast Bavaria, nearly surrounded by Austria, Berchtesgaden just might be Germany’s most beautiful national park. The park summons so many superlatives: majestic, breathtaking, raw,… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Jasmund National Park

Jasmund National Park feels like Germany’s last frontier. Located on the island of Rügen (Germany’s largest), Jasmund (Germany’s smallest national park) is beautiful, tranquil, and historic. The park’s chalky white… Read more

Germany’s National Parks: Lower Oder Valley National Park

Lower Oder Valley National Park is a special place. Germany’s only wetland national park is filled with water, reclaimed land, incredible views, and unique wildlife. Nestled against the border of… Read more

Unbe-leaf-able: 4 places to see amazing autumn colors in Germany

Forests are an essential part of Germany. Naturally, autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons around. Gold, orange and red leaves are yours to see all over the country…. Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Oppenheim

Oppenheim is a place of wine and water, a small town on the banks of the Rhine where the circle of life is very much present. It is a place… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Pforzheim

Pforzheim embodies so much that is good about Germany. With more than 100,000 people, it’s large enough to offer something for every traveler, and small enough that navigating it doesn’t… Read more

What’s Up With Hahn Airport?

by Kat Nickola You know you’ve seen them. The Hahn Airport signs. They are everywhere; on the way north to Koln, on the way west to Trier, in dinky hamlets, on… Read more

Round, orange and good for the soul: German pumpkin fests

The American love affair with pumpkins is well documented. On the other side of the Atlantic, autumn is the season in which decorative gourds pop to life all across the… Read more

A Brief Guide to German Beers

There are 5000 different types of German beer which are made by more than 1300 breweries. So it might take you some time to sample them all!

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? 5 tips for improving your German at home

For Americans living in Germany, it can be all too easy to never learn German. If you speak English at work and English (or another non-German language) at home, you… Read more

German High School Primer #2 – Registration

by Kat Nickola As we walked into the school for the first time last summer, I was more nervous than my daughter. She had taken a year of German language… Read more

German High School Primer #1 – Types of Secondary Schools and Diplomas

by Kat Nickola This is our first year in Germany and our children are attending a local German high school. I thought I’d write about our experience as the year… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Worms

Worms makes an excellent destination for a day trip. It is packed with outstanding architecture, pedestrian zones and green space. It is steeped in history, too. As one of Germany’s… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Xtra Special Winter Outdoors Edition

Whether you love winter or simply endure it until spring arrives, one thing is true: getting outside and active is important for your health during the long, dark months. Fortunately,… Read more

Holiday Kaiserslautern: City lights, forest magic

If you find you’ll be spending the holidays a little closer to home than you might have liked, don’t worry! Holiday beauty can be found in plenty of places –… Read more

COVID digital certificates: apps and tips

November 12, 2021 It is increasingly important to have a COVID digital certificate on you at all times. Depending on where you live, you might need it to get into… Read more

German Stores

Shopping Beyond the Military Base

Get started on your shopping journey beyond the gate guards – discover info on popular grocery and hardware stores as well as drugstores in Germany.

How to Take Advantage of the Plentiful Bike Trails in the Kaiserslautern Area

Story and photos by Kat Nickola Take advantage of the bike trails while you are in Germany! There is no need to find a specific trail, or do a special… Read more

Blend in while Traveling Abroad

Cecelia Curtis shows us how to blend in while we travel to get a true European experience, stay safe and prevent cultural misunderstandings.

Easter traditions in Germany

Story by Nicole Karsch-Meibom, featured image by Anna Nahabed Easter is a happy time. After a long winter, finally nature is in full bloom. Children are waiting for the Easter bunny…. Read more

Making Your Home More Secure

Story and photos by Nadine Bower U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden community members are reminded that personal security can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. Staying safe is… Read more

German Easter Traditions

Story and photos by U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Easter time is associated with the beginning of spring and new life in Germany. Several Easter traditions have to do with banishing… Read more

Cultural Immersion: Life Off-Post

Story and photos by Paul Hughes, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart This is the first part of a three-part series that takes a look at what it’s like to live off-post, on-post… Read more

Virtual Explorer: 6 Excellent Sites in the UK

There’s a lot to love about the United Kingdom. If you like art and culture, the country’s got you covered. This is, after all, the land that brought us Shakespeare,… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Zweibrücken

Zweibrücken makes for an excellent day trip. Located a few kilometers from the French border, the city is rich with natural beauty, history and a very interesting mélange of sightseeing… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Your Hometown

If you talk to those who have traveled the world and checked off bucket list items like champions, you’ll often hear a common theme: they’ve never explored the places they… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Volksmarching

Volksmarching is an ideal activity for the COVID era. Founded as a non-competitive sport in Germany in the 1960’s, volksmarching (or “wandering,” as it is also called) is essentially a… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Ulm

As far as day trips go, Ulm packs a serious punch. It’s a large city, with plenty to do. Located on the banks of the Danube River, it offers history,… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Trier

Trier is a beautiful, history-rich city with origins that are shrouded in mystery. One legend holds that it was founded by an exiled Assyrian prince 1,300 years before the birth… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Schönau

Schönau almost seems like Shangri-la. Every twisting road that leads to the little village deep in the Pfalz forest leads you further and further into what feels like a forgotten… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Quarantine Edition

These are strange days, especially for Americans living in Europe. After all, one of the benefits of being here is that travel is so easy. So many world-famous cultures, countries,… Read more

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Niederhausen

A trip to Niederhausen is good for your body and your soul. This small wine village on the banks of the Nahe River is off the beaten path, and yet… Read more

Traditional German Costume - Tracht

Dress (like the Germans) to Impress

Time to don a Dirndl or Lederhosen and party like a German. Follow our guide to traditional dress and you won’t go too far wrong…

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Landau

Landau is a great destination any time of the year. The large town in the heart of the Pfalz wine region has parks, vineyards, hills, forests, a lovely pedestrian zone… Read more

Winter is Coming

Winter is Coming

Winter is Coming. Now you live in the country of efficiency, you might as well go native and start planning your winter preparations now.

Traditional German Costume - Tracht

Bavaria ABC: Need-To-Know Words for Life in Bavaria

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… Read more

Welcome to Ansbach!

Welcome to the rococo city Ansbach, an urban municipality in the Franconian region of Germany’s largest state, Bavaria, only 24 miles from picturesque Nürnberg (Nuremberg). A rich and well-documented history… Read more