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Germany is renowned for its high standard of living, efficient public transportation, and excellent healthcare. Indeed, Germany ranks above average in the Better Life Index in terms of quality of life and well-being. Yet, despite these high standards, shopping bills in major German cities are often significantly less than in other major European cities, so the cost of living in Germany is lower than in other major European cities such as Paris, London, Rome, Brussels, and Zurich.
The cost of living in Germany naturally depends on your lifestyle and the city or area you live in, but typically the Cost of Living for the immediate area is one of the lower ones in Germany.
Childcare availability in USAREUR varies from one installation to the next. Some communities have significant childcare waiting lists. Soldiers and DoD civilians who are on pinpoint orders to USAREUR may contact the Child and Youth Services (CYS) Parent Central Services (PCS ) at their gaining installation to request care, register, enroll and pay for all CYS programs. PCS can assist in accessing https://MilitaryChildCare.com to request childcare.
Parent Central Services (PCS) Contact:
Rose Barracks, B224
Local: +49 (0)9662 83 2760, 2658, or 2851 DSN: (314) 476-2760, 2658, or 2851
Email: usarmy.bavaria.imcom-fmwrc.list.cyss-info@army.mil
CYS Website: https://grafenwoehr.armymwr.com/programs/parentcentral1
CYS Webtrac: https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac103/wbwsc/Grafenwoehrcyms.wsc/wbsplash.h
The Grafenwoehr and Vilseck areas are known for their pollen in the spring and dust year-round. People with allergies should be prepared.
Germany has strict laws concerning the ownership of "fighting dogs". Bavaria prohibits the ownership of these dogs and imposes strict fines against violators. These rules apply to all Americans serving in Europe.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense. Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. The DSN area code to the United States is 312. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. The DSN area code to the USAREUR-AF is 314. When dialing a DSN number from a USAREUR-AF installation to another USAREUR-AF installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 314 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The US Army Europe operator can be reached at commercial 0611-143-592-1140 or “0”. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred. When required to place a professional long-distance call outside of USAREUR-AF, the USAG Bavaria Installation Operations Center can issue a control number, which is given to the operator to be connected.
USAG Bavaria, a single garrison with four locations, Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr), Rose Barracks (Vilseck), Hohenfels and Garmisch. In February 2017, in response to the growing rotational force and training troop presence, USAG Bavaria established the Camp Management Center in the Grafenwoehr Training Area, to manage Garrison resources in the Training Camps, deconflict infrastructure and facilities usage, and ensure the efficient operation and integration of Garrison support to deployment, sustainment, and redeployment operations.
USAG Bavaria command, control and operate the installations of Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr), Rose Barracks (Vilseck), Hohenfels and Garmisch to support and enable mission and readiness of stationed and rotational units while caring for people and providing the highest quality training environment for the European theater of operations. This includes: maintaining liaison with mission commanders, leaders, and host nation communities; conducting daily operations to provide installation support to mission commanders IAW the common levels of service; maintaining and improving installation services, infrastructure and environment; planning for and conducting contingency operations by providing deployment support; maintaining garrison operational and situational awareness; and providing force protection within the USAG Bavaria area of responsibility.
The area around Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr) and Rose Barracks (Vilseck) has long been recognized as well-suited for military training. Since 1947, the U.S. Army has used the area for training. Today The Grafenwoehr Training Area (GTA) is the largest NATO training area in Europe. For more information, go to the Garrison Bavaria homepage.
https://home.army.mil/bavaria/
In 2013, USAG Grafenwoehr was transformed to USAG Bavaria, a single garrison with four locations, which includes Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr), Rose Barracks (Vilseck), Hohenfels and Garmisch, along with Grafenwoehr Training Area Camps. In February 2017, in response to the growing rotational force and training troop presence, USAG Bavaria established the Camp Management Center to manage Garrison resources in the Training Camps, deconflict infrastructure and facilities usage, and ensure the efficient operation and integration of Garrison support to deployment, sustainment, and redeployment operations.
The Grafenwoehr Training Area (GTA) was created following the activation of the III Bavarian Army Corps in 1900 and in 1908, the training area was officially designated as Training Area Grafenwoehr. After WWII, U.S. Army Europe expanded the role and importance of the training area to meet the increased training needs, and it also increased the facilities to support the troops during training. A large buildup of Rose Barracks, Vilseck occurred in the mid 1980's with the construction of facilities to support a brigade size element which is now home to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and the 18th Military Police Brigade. 2001 brought the start of a buildup of Tower Barracks (Formerly East Camp) with new construction, realignment, and renovations to support a Brigade Combat Team (BCT), which was completed in FY12 and now houses the 7th Army Training Command, 41st Field Artillery Brigade and two 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (A) battalions and supports Regionally Aligned Forces.
As of SEP 2024:
Active Duty US Military: 16,240
Family Members: 16,650
Reserve Component: 314
Civilian Employee and Eligible Contractors: 9,419
Transient and Rotational Population: 6,872
The town of Grafenwoehr has a population of about 6,500 and Vilseck has about 6,000. Grafenwoehr is part of the county of Neustadt and der Waldnaab with a total population of about 95,000 and Vilseck's county Amberg-Sulzbach numbers a population of about 103,500. There are two close-by cities, Amberg and Weiden with a population of over 40,000 each.
U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria directly supports the 7th Army Training Command, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 15th Engineer Battalion, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Squadron 91st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Battalion 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Military Police Brigade, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, 1-4 Infantry Battalion, Rotational Units and many other tenant units, agencies and organizations. The total population of USAG Bavaria Service Members, Reserve Component, Civilian Employees and Contractors is 41,000 and their Family Members is approximately 16,000.
U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria consists of Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Hohenfels Military Community and Garmisch Military Community, which are located in beautiful Bavaria. This page has information for Tower and Rose Barracks (Grafenwoehr and Vilseck); Hohenfels and Garmisch have their own Military INSTALLATIONS page. Tower and Rose Barracks are located about 60 miles northeast of Nuernberg. Tower and Rose Barracks base operator is 011-49-9641-70-592-1140 or DSN 314-592-1140.
If you have questions or desire information on grave sites and memorials within Europe, visit the American Battle Monuments Commission. For general information on U.S. Army Europe visit the Headquarters U.S. Army Europe's website.
From Nuernberg Airport to Tower Barracks (Grafenwoehr)
GPS Address: Neue Amberger Strasse 109, 92655 Grafenwoehr
The Nuernberg Airport is located approximately one hour from Grafenwoehr. To get to Grafenwoehr from the airport, head in the direction of Autobahn A9 toward Berlin. Take exit "Pegnitz/Grafenwoehr" and follow signs to Grafenwoehr (approximately 30-35 KM). Once in the town of Grafenwoehr at the main intersection turn right and enter main gate #3 on your right.
From Frankfurt Airport to Grafenwoehr
The Frankfurt International Airport is approximately 3 hours from Grafenwoehr. To get to Grafenwoehr, take Autobahn A3 toward Nuernberg. At Nuernberg, go onto Autobahn A9 and follow the directions as above to get to Grafenwoehr from the Nuernberg Airport.
From Munich Airport to Grafenwoehr
The Munich Airport is approximately 2 hours from Grafenwoehr. To get to Grafenwoehr, leave the airport in the direction of Munich. Take the 2nd Autobahn exit in the direction of Nuernberg/Berlin. This will be Autobahn A9. In about 25 minutes, the autobahn divides. Follow Autobahn A93 in the direction of Regensburg. Stay on A93 beyond Regensburg to Weiden using the Weiden West exit. Go right on B 470 for 20 minutes and follow signs to Grafenwoehr.
By German Rail (Deutsche Bahn)
All three airports have railway stations with ticket counters and teller/ticket machines.
Frankfurt has two railway stations, one for long-distance trains (Fernbahnhof) and one for regional trains (Regionalbahnhof). Both train stations are located in Terminal 1. The "Skyline" is a maglev train that connects the two terminals and transportation is free. From Frankfurt, take the train to Nuernberg and then connect to Vilseck or Freihung. For more information about the Frankfurt airport, please visit the website.
The Munich airport has a "S-Bahn" Station, which is a suburban railway station that connects you with the main train station in Munich. From there you can take the train to Nuernberg and then connect to Vilseck or Freihung. The recommended ticket option is the "Bayern Ticket". For more information about the Munich airport, please visit the website.
The Nuernberg airport has an underground station (U-Bahn). Line U2 takes you to the main train station in Nuernberg. From there you can take the train directly to Vilseck or Freihung. The recommended ticket option is the "VGN All-Day Ticket". For more information about the Nuernberg airport, please visit the website.
Grafenwoehr does not have a train station. The closest train station is in the town of Freihung, which is only 10 minutes from Grafenwoehr. Vilseck has a train station with trains to and from Nuernberg. Once you've arrived at the Vilseck or Freihung train station, there are usually taxi cabs waiting outside the station that will take you to your destination. Please be aware that taxis in Germany are usually much more expensive than in the US.
Purchase tickets from ticket counter prior to boarding the train. If counter is not occupied you may purchase tickets at a teller/ticket machine. Tickets with a blank validation block have to be validated at one of the validation boxes located at every platform prior to boarding. Alternatively, tickets may be purchased online.
Driving by Car from Frankfurt
GPS Address: Wiesenhain 1, 92249 Vilseck
Take Autobahn A3. Follow signs to Wuerzburg. Past Wuerzburg, follow signs to Nuernberg Autobahn A6 towards Amberg. Take exit Amberg West and follow B 299 to Amberg. Stay on B 299, follow directions to Vilseck. In Vilseck follow signs to Rose Barracks.
From Munich Airport
Leave airport in the direction of Munich. Take the second exit towards Nuernberg/Berlin (Autobahn A9). Watch for signs to Autobahn A93 to Regensburg. Stay on A93, take exit "Schwandorf Nord" and follow signs to Amberg. In Amberg follow signs to Vilseck.
Additional Information
Incoming Soldiers and (if applicable) their family members arriving at the Ramstein AFB will be met by staff of the Replacement Center for initial in-processing. Pet owners are reminded to meet their pets at the designated pick up point. United Service Organizations lounge with staff to provide assistance is available to you.
You are required to take the free S-bus transportation to your new installation and report at the Central Processing Facility upon arrival.
There is a free shuttle bus service available between Tower Barracks and Rose Barracks. Please refer to the bus schedule in your Welcome Packet or pick up a bus schedule at your local Army Community Service (ACS) office.
INSTALLATION OPERATOR (EUROPE)
Primary: CIV 09641-70-592-1140
Secondary: DSN 314-592-1140
INSTALLATION OPERATOR (TOWER/ROSE BARRACKS)
Primary: CIV 09641-83-1110 (TOWER BARRACKS)
Secondary: CIV 09662-83-1110 (ROSE BARRACKS)