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.
