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USAG Bavaria, Garmisch

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Breitenauer Housing Area
Child Development Center
Commissary
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Cost of Living

Higher than the U.S. average, most products must be purchased using the Euro off the installation and supply of products may be limited on post where you use the U.S. dollar.

When shopping in Germany, a 19% Value Added Tax (VAT) or "Mehrwertsteuer" is a tax levied on all goods and services, except food items.  The tax is included in the marked price of the item.  Under the SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement), US ID cardholders may often have the VAT deducted.  On large ticket items, this can be substantial savings.  To do this, for items up to 2500 Euros, it is necessary to purchase a VAT form from the Tax Office (located in Artillery Kaserne, Bldg. 203).  

The form costs $10 each, so keep the cost of the form in mind before using for a purchase.  

For items over € 2500, a special form must be purchased for $100. This form can also be purchased from the VAT office.  This form require a cost estimate from the vendor for the merchandise/service prior to a form being issued. 

Merchants are under no obligation to accept the VAT form.  It is strictly voluntary so it is best to inquire before shopping.  The form is written in both German and English.  Instructions on the proper use are provide by the tax office.  Many utility companies will exempt qualified individuals from paying the tax on utilities.  Check with the Housing Office or the Tax Office for details.

Hours: Wednesday 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

            Thursday 12:00 p.m. - 6 p.m.

PHONE: DSN 314 521-3711 or CIV +49 89641-70-521-3711

Installation Details

Special and Critical Installation Information

Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most beautiful locations you will experience in your military/government career.  However, it does not come without challenges.  Garmisch is a small community; therefore, does not have a full range of services 100% of the time.  Although Command efforts have resulted in improved services and facilities, many services observe limited hours or are available only a few times per week, per month, or per quarter. 

Some areas to note that are addressed further in this guide are:

  • Lack of military medical or dental facilities
  • The relative high-cost of living in a resort area
  • For those residing on the local economy, housing can be difficult to come by.
  • No DoDDS High School -- Generally students in grades 9-12 attend Munich International School. Please be aware that attendance at the school is not guaranteed and is based on academic qualifications, available space, and degree of logistical support (a transportation agreement and quarter's allowance) of the sponsor. Be sure to reference the section on Education if you have children in this age group and/or contact your sponsor.

Rules for pets entering the European Union --For entry into all Member (EU) States (apart from Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom) from a third country, to include the United States, animals must be identified by a transponder (micro chip implanted in the animals shoulder or ear) and be accompanied by a document proving there is an effective vaccination protection against rabies. Without this, entrance into Germany can be delayed and additional costs incurred. For more information see the animal importation https://home.army.mil/bavaria/application/files/8015/6456/7374/Pet_Ownership_Responsibilities.pdf

Germany has a Dangerous Dog Ordinance (DDO) which places restrictions on certain breeds or mixtures of breeds.  Personnel moving to Germany needs to weigh these new requirements and owner responsibilities when making the decision to bring such dogs with them. Pet owners who violate import prohibitions will be punished, and their dogs could be confiscated under the new guidelines. The following dogs (Class 1) as of April 2001 are illegal in Bavaria; Pit Bull, Bandog, Tosa-Ina, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. This includes dogs mixed with any of the above breeds. The burden of proof of the breed is on the owner. The following dogs (Class 2) are assumed to be aggressive or dangerous until proven otherwise: Bullmastiff, Dog Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Mastin Espanol, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Dogue de Bordeaux, Mastiff and Mastino Napoletano. These dogs must be registered immediately upon arrival in Germany and temper tested. Contact your Transportation Office for more information.

Shopping - It is also important to note that shopping opportunities on post are limited. Both the Commissary and Exchange facility are classed as small stores and are further limited by available space. Couple this with our geographic location being approximately three hours from a larger installation, shopping can be challenging for many. Although on-hand selection can be limited, the managers of both facilities are eager to please their community customers by arranging for special orders and merchandise transfers from larger stores.

Despite these challenges, the overall quality of life in the Garmisch community leaves little to be desired.  In addition, the American community enjoys a thriving and productive relationship with our host nation nationals, particularly in the area of health care.

For further questions regarding relocation to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, please reach out to Army Community Service Satellite Center at CIV: 09641-70-521-3572 or DSN: 314-521-3572.

  • Pets: For entry into all Member (EU) States (apart from Ireland, Malta, Sweden and the United Kingdom) from a third country, to include the United States, animals must be identified by a clearly a transponder (micro chip implanted in the animal's shoulder or ear) and be accompanied by a document proving there is an effective vaccination protection against rabies.
  • Germany has a Dangerous Dog Ordinance (DDO) which places restrictions on certain breeds or mixtures of breeds. Personnel moving to Germany need to weigh these new requirements and owner responsibilities when making the decision to bring such dogs with them. You can find out more information by contacting your Transportation Office or Veterinary Clinic.
  • It is also important to note that shopping opportunities on post are limited. The Commissary and the Exchange facility are classed as small stores and are further limited by available space. Couple this with our geographic location being approximately 3 hours from a larger installation, shopping can be challenging for many; however the local economy offers many affordable shopping options.
  • In most cases, housing is readily available for incoming Military personnel eliminating the need for temporary or hotel accommodations. The Furniture Management Office and the ACS Lending Closet can assist with setting up your household with the exception of curtains, and bed and bath linens. It is suggested to bring these with you or mail them in advanced. Your sponsor can arrange for a Post Office box and will make the initial arrangements with the Housing Office with a copy of your orders.

Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions

The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). 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. 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. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. The operator can be reached at commercial (719) 567-1110. Please note that long distance charges may be incurred.

In-Depth Overview

Mission

The Garmisch-Partenkirchen Community provides logistic and community support to the George C. Marshall Center, the NATO School in Oberammergau, and the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. The George C. Marshall Center for Security Studies strives to create a more stable security environment by advancing democratic defense institutions and relationships, promoting active, peaceful engagement and enhancing enduring partnerships among the nations of America, Europe, and Eurasia. The NATO School in Oberammergau conducts courses, training and seminars in support of NATO's current and developing strategy and policy, including cooperation and dialogue with military and civilian personnel from Non-NATO nations. The Armed Forces Recreation Center Edelweiss Lodge and Resort provides a venue of rest, recreation and conference facilities for active duty Soldiers, Civilians, Retirees and their Families.

For additional information and resources, community members may reach out to Army Community Service Garmisch Satellite Center at CIV:09641-70-521-3572 or DSN: 314-521-3572

History

In May of 1945, the 10th Armored Division moved into Garmisch and shortly thereafter, the Garmisch Military Post and the Garmisch Recreation Area (now Edelweiss Lodge and Resort) were established. The military history of this area is very interesting and involved and needs far more detail than is allowed here to fully encompass it all.

Artillery Kaserne, now the Community Headquarters, was built from 1935-1936. The Kaserne was intended for the German 1st Mountain Division. The Mountain Infantry Regiment 99 and the Mountain Artillery Regiment 69 moved into the Kaserne; although with the start of WWII, the headquarters never moved and the use of the Kaserne changed. In 1944-45, it became a garrison hospital and after the war, it was utilized as an internee hospital, as a POW camp, and U.S. Soldier barracks.

In 1948, the part of the Kaserne used as a POW camp was returned to the German government. On 14 July 1975, the German HQ 1st Mountain Division and the Musikkorps 8 of the 1st Mountain Division relocated from nearby Sheridan Kaserne to the German part of the Artillery Kaseme. The German part was again named Krafft von Dellmensingen (KvD) Kaserne, the name it held in 1937.

In 1989, the Engineering Departments, Housing Division and the Command Group moved onto Artillery Kaserne. From 1990 - 1992, the HQ, 1st Mountain Division (German) also resided on the Kaserne but now the only remaining Edelweiss soldiers are those in the Musikkorps who frequently entertain the Soldiers and Civilians on the Kaserne with their regular practices.

The Garmisch community is comprised of three major entities: the George C. Marshall Center for Security Studies whose mission is to create a more stable security environment by advancing democratic defense institutions and relationships; promoting active, peaceful engagement; and enhancing enduring partnerships among the nations of America, Europe, and Eurasia; the NATO School in Oberammergau that conducts courses, training and seminars in support of NATO's current and developing strategy and policy, including cooperation and dialogue with military and civilian personnel from Non-NATO nations; and the Armed Forces Recreation Center, AFRC, Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, that provides a venue of rest, relaxation, and recreation for active duty Service Members, Civilians, and their Families while also supporting the entire military community with a state-of-the-art conference facility.

Garmisch is a small community; therefore does not enjoy a full range of services. Although command efforts have resulted in improved services and facilities, many services are available only a few times per week, per month, or per quarter. Despite that, the overall quality of life in the Garmisch community leaves little to be desired. Also, the American community enjoys a thriving and productive relationship with our host nation nationals, particularly in the area of health care. Visit us on Facebook, USAG Bavaria Garmisch Community or our https://home.army.mil/bavaria/index.php.

Population

The community has a population around 200 permanent party Active Duty and their Family members in its footprint. The civilian employees and their families add another 500 or so. The transient population resulting from the educational programs results in upwards of 10,000 annually and the ELR guests, approximately 250,000 annually.

Garmisch has a total of approximately 26,178 registered principal residents.

Location

The Garmisch community is located in the German town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a beautiful resort area nestled in the Bavarian Alps on the German/Austrian border, southwest of the city of Munich. The Garmisch Community provides support to the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, the NATO School in nearby Oberammergau, and the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (ELR), the Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC).

The Community Headquarters is located on the west side of Garmisch on Artillery Kaserne. This is where you will find all support services and the Exchange and Commissary. 

The housing area is adjacent to the Artillery Kaserne with the school and Child and Youth Service centers located at its entrance. The Marshall Center and the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort are across the street on Sheridan Kaserne. The NATO School is located in Oberammergau, approximately a 30-minute drive northwest.

The base operator for the Garmisch community is 011-49-8821-750-1110 or DSN 314-440-1110.

Directions

From the direction of Munich to the north:

Travel south on the A95/E533 direction of Garmisch-Partenkirchen for approximately 70 KM (42 miles). You will lose the Autobahn (highway) near the town of Eschenlohe. Continue straight along the B2/E533 from approximately 12 KM (7 miles).  Just after the town of Oberau, you will pass through a tunnel. Take the first exit to the right after leaving the tunnel, B23, direction Garmisch/Grainau. Continue on the B23 (Burgstrasse) through Garmisch (Promenadenstrasse) and head southwest out of town on Zugspitzstrasse, approximately 5 KM (3 miles). Make a right at the last traffic light before leaving town onto the street Maximilianstrasse. You will immediately cross the bridge and will be facing the gate for Artillery Kaserne.

From the direction of Innsbruck, Austria to the southeast:

From the A12/E533/E60 direction Garmisch, exit towards Garmisch, Seefeld, Zirl-Ost (Exit #87). Continue along B177/E533 past Zirl, Seefeld in Tirol, and Scharnitz, approximately 21 KM (12 mi). Just through the town of Scharnitz you will enter into Germany. Continue on the B2/E533 for approximately 24 KM (14 mi) past Mittenwald, Kruen, Klais, Gerold, and Kalthenbrunn. Continue on the B2 down the hill into Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Pass through the first traffic light, make a left at the second light (Rathhaus Platz) onto Bahnhofstrasse. Follow Bahnhofstrasse, past the Bahnhof (train station), under the bridge (train tressel), and continue straight on St. Martin Strasse, approximately 4 KM (2.4 mi). Follow St. Martin Strasse to the end where it will turn to the right onto Gernackerstrasse. At the light, turn left onto Zugspitzstrasse. At the next traffic light, make a right where you will immediately cross the bridge and will be facing the gate for Artillery Kaserne.

Base Transportation

Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation. However, public transportation is reliable in the community. Bus stops are easily accessible from the Artillery and Sheridan Kaserne gates.

Army Community Service (ACS) provides an Informational Bus Tour to new community members. ACS utilizes the public transportation to show you around the Garmisch-Partenkirchen community. The bus tour is offered on a monthly basis. Reach out to ACS to learn more at CIV +49 9641-70-521-3572 / DSN 314-521-3572. 

To learn more about the local public bus system in Garmisch, you may visit: https://www.gw-gap.de.

Disclaimer: The United States Army does not advertise or promote any non-governmental agencies/organizations. Resources provided are for informational purpose.

Contact Information

The base operator can be reached by dialing 011-49-8821-750-1110 or DSN 314-440-1110