Welcome to your quick resource guide, aka “cheat sheet” to Vilseck, Germany!
Need a local mechanic? New hair dresser? Yummy foods?
Oh wait… orthodontics for the kids right?
Don’t forget a pet groomer for your fur baby! 🐕
Table of Contents
Automobiles – POV Shipping – Rental Cars – Taxi & Shuttle Service – Cleaning Services – Towing & Junking – Car Mechanic – Insurance – Pet Services – Language & Culture – Travel – Data Telecommunications – Restaurants – Hotels/Temporary Lodging – Health & Beauty – Real Estate – Furniture – Entertainment – Kid’s Activities – Banking – Miscellaneous
Local Community in Vilseck Germany
Once you PCS to Germany, you have to completely rebuild your trusted local community.
The good news: We already vetted your list of options for you!
I understand how intimidating it can be to move to a new foreign country. Especially when you’re looking for a new “local spot” to take care of all your needs while living in Germany.
Kein Stress, “No Stress” as the Germans say.
I built this resource guide to provide you with a number of local businesses that will help you throughout your tour.
These are businesses that I literally use on a monthly basis.
In fact, we all do…
I’ve been living here since 2014, so over the years, I crowd sourced and cross referenced these recommendations in military spouse groups who have personally experienced them as well.
These are actual human beings that already have a personal investment in your well being while living in their country.
Each affiliate I recommend is hand selected.
I see them as “strategic partners”
Trusted by the community to provide you with a full range of products & services!
Can’t find the local resource you’re looking for in Vilseck? Then you’ll probably find it on the Grafenwoehr one!
*Did I miss a business that needs to be shared with the American community? I want to hear about it!
Popular Vilseck Attractions:
German – American Volksfest | Maypole Fest | Oktoberfest | Christmas Markets
Vilseck Germany First Look
First off, let’s get you familiar with the basics.
There is a misconception that Vilseck and Grafenwoehr are the same base. They’re not.
Although you’ll do all your in-processing at Grafenwoehr (Bldg 244), Vilseck is a completely different animal.
Vilseck = Rose Barracks
Temporary training units on Grafenwoehr = Camp Management Cell (such as Camp Aachen & Normandy)
Netzaberg = Small military community connected to Grafenwoehr
Grafenwoehr = Tower Barracks (~30mins away)
In between both bases = Tank Trail (this is one option to get from Vilseck to Grafenwoehr)
Although located on Graf, these are “The 5 Most Common On-Base Facilities” you’ll definitely visit:
Post Exchange (PX) – Commissary – Post Office – Army Lodging – Fitness Center
Vilseck Transportation:
🚆 – The closest train stations are in the city of Vilseck (5mins) and Weiden (35mins)
✈️ – The closest airports are Nuremberg (1hr), Munich (2hr 5mins), Prague (2hrs 20mins)
🚘 – Closest highway (autobahn) = A93
🚌 – On base shuttle
🏘 – Closest (big) city = Amberg
Are you new to Vilseck and need a sponsor? Here’s how you get one!
DODEA Schools at Vilseck & USAG Bavaria:
– Grafenwoehr Elementary (21st Century) School
– Netzaberg Elementary School
– Vilseck Elementary School
– Netzaberg Middle School (only MS for both Grafenwoehr & Vilseck)
– Vilseck High School (only one for both Graf and Vilseck)
– Child Development Center (CDC): child care for ages 6 weeks – 5yrs old (pre-school)
See a list of all DoDEA Europe Schools by district here
Learn how to PCS to Germany with kids. Oh.. and this is what it’s like to go to school on base in Germany!
Adult Education in Vilseck Germany
The Vilseck Army Education Center consists of a learning center, testing program, and four major colleges:
– Central Texas College
– University of Oklahoma
– Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
– University of Maryland Global Campus
Here’s your First Look 👀 at both Vilseck & Grafenwoehr
Vilseck Germany Cheat Sheet
Below is your official Vilseck Germany cheat sheet categorized by industry.
*Due to distance, many of the recommendations are convenient for both Grafenwoehr & Vilseck communities.
Make sure to tell them DTV sent you! 😉
*Keep in mind, most of these companies speak English and accept VAT forms.
PCS to Germany: Cheat Sheets
Grafenwoehr | Vilseck | Hohenfels | Garmisch + Edelweiss L&R | Stuttgart | Ansbach | KMC + Baumholder | Wiesbaden | Spangdahlem
*Stay tuned for additional cheat sheet information
Automobiles 🚗
Tax FREE Vehicles! Custom Builds! Pre Order from the States!
Just imagine… a gigantic red ribbon on top of your brand new BMW, ready to hit the autobahn for your first family vacation overseas!
The ONLY company I’d recommend turning this dream into a reality is Bavarian Motor Cars. I’ve been working with this company from the very beginning. Since 2014, they’ve sponsored all my events, they’ve put my friends in new cars, and they’ve become family for my wife and I.
This is what you can expect when you walk into a BMW dealership right outside of base.
Here’s the deal, if you just want to start fresh with a new car for your family, you have to check out all the special offers they provide:
– Tax Free, military discounted offers
– Pre ordered, custom builds guaranteed to be ready before you even arrive
– VIP delivery service (Free one night stay in a beautiful 4 star hotel, or get it delivered right to the base with that red ribbon 😉)
– Stateside trade ins, meaning they can trade in your old car while you’re still in the US
– Loaner car programs & much more!
If this is something you’re interested in, I highly recommend checking their inventory or contacting one of their representatives with your questions.
They speak English and they’re conveniently located right outside the main Vilseck gate, or you can find them in Grafenwoehr outside of Gate 3 (McDonalds gate) & Gate 6 (round about gate).
Tell them “DTV” sent you!
Spearheaded by two of England’s finest; brother’s David and James Sweeney are co-founders of Used Car Guys.
We’re two brothers with a history of car sales and customer service, working alongside the U.S. Military in Germany for over 23 years. We are from a large Irish family and grew up in Cambridge, England – check it out!
Family First, Community Always!
Used Car Guys was founded in January 2012 on the principles of providing great quality cars, superior customer service and being all-round good guys.
We want to be the car dealers that you would recommend to your boss, your buddies and your grandparents. We wanted to build the company our mum would be proud of and the company that you would recommend to your mum – And plenty of people have recommended them.
Get your FIRST LOOK 👀 of Used Car Guys here!
To speak to them directly, go to their contact page.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or message them directly on Whatsapp 0172 7129046.
*Keep in mind, Used Car Guys can deliver to ANY military base throughout Germany. Learn more here!
Let them know DTV sent ya!
POV Shipping 🚢
American Business Center
📧 info@american-business-center.com
📱 +49(0)6371 597 4719
📍 Ziegelhütte 2, 66877 Ramstein
🎥 First Look!
Shipoverseas 📧 francisco@shipoverseas.com 📱 (858) 547-0840 📍 9920 Pacific Heights Blvd Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92121 🎥 First Look! 🎟️ Get a $50 Military Discount when you put "DTV" in the "Additional Notes or Instructions" section of the Online Quote!
Rental Cars 🚗
US Flights24 (Airfare & Rental Cars)
📧 info@usflights24.com
📱 +49 9641 9258700
📍 Alte Amberger Str. 45 92655 Grafenwöhr, Germany
🎥 First Look
American Car Buyers
📧 p.chlopek@aol.co.uk
📱 +49 171 1847551
📍 Neue Amberger Str. 83, 92655 Grafenwöhr
Cleaning Services in Vilseck Germany 🧹
We Clean Your Carpet (Carpets & Rugs)
📧 contact@wirreinigendeinenteppich.de
📱 0176/22152403
🎥 First Look!
Total Cleaning (Household)
📱 +49 172 4060377
Grabovac Dienstleistungen - Ivac Grabovac (House & Garden maintenance, cleaning & landscaping, small repairs, painting, etc) 📧 g.din.pressath@gmail.com 📱 +49 15789222529
Taxi & Shuttle Service 🚕
Tina's Taxi Crew 📧 tinastaxicrew@yahoo.de 📱 +491741853101 TaxiBusse.de 📧 info@taxibusse.de 📱 +49 172 810 9195
Towing & Junking POVs 🛻
"Irish Joe Velburg" 📧 joevelburg@gmail.com 📱 +49 173 8240261
Car Mechanic 🛠️
KFZ Rupprecht 📧 info@kfzrupprecht.de 📱 096419290909 📍 Beim Flugpl. 14, 92655 Grafenwöhr 🎥 First Look!
Auto Christian Trummer 📧 info@auto-ct.de 📱 096627010110 📍 Oberweißenbach 2, 92249 Vilseck-Oberweißenbach
Insurance ⛑️
Mirascon Insurance Solutions
📱 +49 (9662) 42 26 22
📧 vilseck@mirascon.com
📍 Wiesenhain 1, 92249 Vilseck
🎥 First Look!
Pet Services 🐕
Luxury Pet Spa "Just Mine" 📧 luxurypetspavilseck@gmail.com 📱 +49 1512 8906262 📍 Amberger Str. 1, 92249 Vilseck 🎥 First Look! 🎟️ Mention "DTV" for 10% OFF your first visit
Feathers & Fur Express (Import Pet Shipping into Germany)
📧 Lindsey@ffexpresspets.com
📱 +1 470 938 5180
📍 5499 Jonesboro Rd, Morrow, GA 30260, United States
🎥 First Look!
🎟️ Military Discount!
Let them know "DTV" sent ya! 😉
Care 4 Cargo (Export Pet Shipping Out of Germany)
📧 info@care4cargo.com
📱 +49 69 8088 3729
📍 534, Cargo City Süd, 60549 Frankfurt am Main
🎥 First Look!
🎟️ Mention "DTV" in the notes section for a discount!
Nicole's Kleintierresidenz Tierheim (Dog Boarding) 📧 nitosoccer@gmx.de 📱 09661813446 📍 Steinling 27, 92265 Edelsfeld
Language & Culture 🇩🇪
Survival German with Nadja (Online Language Course) 🎥 First Look! 🎟️ Use coupon code "MilitaryDTV" for 10% OFF!
Travel 🧳
If you’re like me, your Euro plan is to make long lasting memories by visiting as many countries as possible with your family.
Well then, let me introduce you to EuroTrip Adventures.
This budget friendly travel company provides unique opportunities for you to see all of Europe!
Primarily through extended bus travel, but they also offer a handful of flights to top European destinations.
And they’re super convenient for military personnel with pick up locations in:
– Grafenwoehr, Kaiserslautern, Wiesbaden, and Stuttgart
Other locations include:
– Nuremberg, Munich, Ingolstadt, Mannheim, and Frankfurt
I’ve been on a ton of their trips, so naturally, I made an entire review blog of them here.
Get to planning with their upcoming destinations here, check out all their reviews, or contact them directly with your questions.
EuroTrip Adventures: +49 172 4557667
US Flights 24 (Military Airfare & Rental Cars) 📧 dtv@usflights24.com 📱 +49 1704705597 🎥 First Look! 🎟️ Mention "DTV" for €30 OFF your flight or rental car
Data Telecommunications 🛜
JDCOM Telekommunikation - Data/Phone/Internet (Partnered by Telekom) 📧 info@jdcom.de 📱 +49 9641 9316200 📍 Alte Amberger Str. 45, 92655 Grafenwöhr 🎥 First Look!
Restaurants 🍽️
Happy's Sports Bar 📧 happyssportsbargraf@gmail.com 📱 096419318900 📍 Kirchenstraße 34, 92655 Grafenwöhr 🎥 First Look! 🎟️ Mention "DTV" for 10% OFF your first meal!
Angus Steakhaus
📱 096627013956
📍 Kürmreuther Str. 57, 92249 Vilseck
Gasthof Hammer (German)
📧 info@gasthof-hammer.de
📧 zimmer@gasthof-hammer.de
📱 0966241210
📍 Vorstadt 1, 92249 Vilseck
Gasthaus Schenk - Günter und Eva Schenk (German Beer Garden)
📱 096431586
📍 Hauptstraße 19, 91275 Auerbach in der Oberpfalz
Kennedys Smoked BBQ
📱 092316476100
📍 Bayreuther Str. 13, 95615 Marktredwitz
Schinderhannes (German)
📱 096144423
📍 u. Hauptstraße 34, 92637 Weiden in der Oberpfalz
Simpl Restaurant | Pizzeria | Bar Auerbach
📧 info@das-simpl.de
📱 096431512
📍 Unterer Markt 27, 91275 Auerbach in der Oberpfalz
Zum Blechernen Reiter (German)
📧 zum-blechernen-reiter@t-online.de
📱 09665272
📍 Sigras 1, 92265 Edelsfeld
Zum Südlager (Burger Bar)
📧 epaipeti@gmail.com
📱 096627012014
📍 Kürmreuther Str. 2, 92249 Vilseck-Sorghof
Zur Post Bed and Breakfast + German Traditional Restaurant
📧 marko.spiess@t-online.de
📱 09665504
📍 Dorfpl. 1, 92281 Königstein
*For more food options, check out restaurants in Grafenwoehr, or the city of Amberg
Cucas Cabana (Mexican)
📱 096211763348
📍 Georgenstraße 50, 92224 Amberg
Das Eisenherz (Italian & Fancy Cocktails)
📱 +49 9621 6978990
📍 Spitalgraben 15, 92224 Amberg
Cocoon Restaurant (Fine Asian Cuisine)
📧 reservierung@cocoon-amberg.de
📱 096211761381
📍 Ob. Nabburger Str. 16, 92224 Amberg
Kilian Schoen Chocolates
📧 info@schoen-kilian.de
📱 096211782960
📍 Marktpl. 5, 92224 Amberg
Mike’s Curryhouse (German Currywurst)
📱 096214988507
📍 Regensburger Str. 8, 92224 Amberg
Das Notstain (Bar & Restaurant)
📧 info@dasnotstain.de
📱 096211759097
📍 Schiffgasse 5, 92224 Amberg
Schlauerer Bräu (German)
📧 kommzu@schlodererbraeu.de
📱 09621420707
📍 Rathausstraße 4, 92224 Amberg
Riva Pizzeria Amberg (Italian)
📱 096219171411
📍 Am Schanzl 9, 92224 Amberg
Weissglut Beef & Bar
📧 info@weissglut.de
📱 096211720440
📍 Regensburger Str. 1-3, 92224 Amberg
Winkler BräuWirt (German)
📧 info@winkler-bräuwirt.de
📱 09621913455
📍 u. Nabburger Str. 34, 92224 Amberg
Hotels/Temporary Lodging 🏨
Welcome to your fairytale, an all-season pass to Germany’s most premiere Armed Forces Recreation Center situated in the beautiful Bavarian alps of Garmisch-Partenkirchen!
Edelweiss Lodge & Resort is the perfect vacation get away for eligible service members of the U.S. Armed Forces, their families and other authorized users.
This is by far my favorite destination in Germany, and they have it all! Get your FIRST LOOK 👀 here.
Celebrate in true festival fashion with events like the Munich Oktoberfest, take advantage of the skiing or snowboarding in the winter season high above the Bavarian alps, or visit iconic historic castles that inspired Walt Disney.
This Resort gives you & your family an opportunity to play in Germany’s most scenic outdoor playground. Climb, bike, or glide your way through one of their alpine adventures.
The sky is truly the limit: “Ride the Alps” on your motorcycle, take horse drawn carriage rides through the city, or try a gondola ride to the “Zugspitze,” Germany’s mightiest mountain.
To get started, explore their spacious room options (including the cabins – Vacation Village and Campground), choose your dates and get ready for memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
📍 St. Martinstrasse 120, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany 82467
📱 From USA: (011-49) 8821-9440, From Europe: (49) 8821-9440
📧 vacation@edelweissresort.zendesk.com
♿️ Wheelchair accessible
🐕 Pet friendly
Health & Beauty 💆🏻♀️
Dr. Schmid & Dr. Ermer Zahnärzte (Dentists) 📧 info@zahnarzt-weiden.com 📱 0961 470 371 10 📍 Wörthstraße 9, 92637 Weiden in der Oberpfalz 🎥 First Look!
Witches Loft Tattoo & Piercing 📧 hells_kitchen21@yahoo.de 📱 +49 1512 3617965 📍 Alte Amberger Str. 14, 92655 Grafenwöhr 🎥 Your First Look!
Bettina Dötterl (Masseuse)
📧 bettina.doetterl@protonmail.com
📱 0171 7599901
📍 Hauptstr. 18, 92690 Pressath
🎥 First Look!
Fitragamuffin (Health & Online Fitness) 📧 jamie@fitragamuffin.com 🎥 Your First Look!
Verena Luber Hair & Makeup (Hairdresser for Women) 📧 luberverena@hotmail.de 📱 096627020520 📍 Heringnohe 6, 92249 Vilseck
Real Estate 🏠
I’ll be honest, there’s absolutely no way my wife and I would’ve bought a home in Germany if we didn’t have Peter and the ProConCepT team help us through the process.
Let me explain…
Owner, Peter Sowade (middle) has been in the real estate/finance consulting industry for 30+ years. In 2002, he started helping Americans find properties and get them financed through only a handful of banks that will actually take on American clients.
Peter and his team speak perfect English, and they understand all the military jargon that most locals raise an eyebrow to 🤔 (LES, LQA, BAH, OHA, etc).
Buying property in Germany is COMPLETELY different than buying in the US. Peter and his team made it so easy as a liaison between us and the banks, real estate agents, notary translation, and homeowners. The language barrier alone through paperwork and face to face meetings relieved so much stress for us!
In fact, their services help all parties involved. For example, the local banks love when American clients walk in the door with ProConCepT. It’s way easier for them to work with a local as the liaison, as opposed to me and my horrible “restaurant German language.”
If real estate even crosses your mind while living in Germany, you have to give Peter a call +49 (0)9621/6767-0, they’re by far the best consulting agency for Americans you’ll find!
Tell him “DTV” sent you!
ImmoMorton – Home Sweet Home Real Estates by Annette Morton
For many years, Annette Morton has been a trusted real estate agent for American military families all over the Grafenwoehr, Vilseck, and Amberg-Sulzbach communities.
She actually found us our first two rental properties in Weiden, so we personally trust her to take care of you and your family as well.
Annette focuses on the brokerage of any residential or commercial property (buying, selling, and renting).
But her services don’t stop there.
She’s committed to offering a full service experience – starting with a nonbinding, individual consultation, translation/interpretation needs, all the way through the conclusion of the contract and even beyond that!
The best way to see a list of what’s available is to stay connected to her active Facebook page!
You can also contact her directly with your specific questions, or put her on the look out for your “wish list” locations.
🗣️🇺🇸 English speaking
Furniture 🛋️
Vilseck (Rose Barracks) Furniture Store 📱 09662-411810 📍 2203 Rose Barracks, 92249 Vilseck Interliving FREY Wohnen & Küchenwelt 📧 info@freyerleben.de 📱 09614018280 📍 Georg-Stöckel-Straße 18, 92637 Weiden in der Oberpfalz POCO Furniture Store 📧 info@poco.de 📱 0961389510 📍 Dr Martin-Luther-Straße 37, 92637 Weiden in der Oberpfalz
Entertainment 🪩
Music Center Trockau (Nightclub) 📧 info@musiccentertrockau.de 📱 01711534261 📍 Bockshügel 1A, 91257 Pegnitz 🎥 First Look!
Kid’s Activities 🛝
MegaFun (Indoor Playground) 📧 megafun9@gmail.com 📱 09641926789 📍 Am Waldbad 3, 92655 Grafenwöhr
PLAYMOBIL Fun Park 📧 funpark@playmobil.de 📱 091196661455 📍 Brandstätterstraße 2-10, 90513 Zirndorf Family Friendly Activities throughout Germany 📍 Theme parks, Animal parks, Alpine Coasters, Water parks, etc.
Banking 🏦
Service Credit Union & Community Bank
Every base in Germany has these two on-base banking options.
You can use these banks to pay bills for your cell phone and off-base house rent.
These banks will have ATMs on-base (only) and also at Edelweiss Lodge & Resort.
You don’t need to cancel any banking in the US while living in Germany (unless your lienholder won’t allow you to ship your POV overseas).
Both banks are convenient, have great customer service (especially over the phone), and speak English for any in-person banking needs.
For example, I have my main bank accounts and insurance through USAA, but I pay my German house rent and monthly phone bills through Service Credit Union.
But… you don’t HAVE TO use these banks! In fact, you’ll find that the conversion rates for these banks can be a lot higher than a German bank off-base such as Volksbank.
Miscellaneous
B.I.G Brenner Import & Handels (Photography Equipment) 📧 info@big-photo.de 📱 0961 670600 📍 Mooslohstraße 60, 92637 Weiden in der Oberpfalz 🎥 First Look!
*Did I miss a business that needs to be shared with the American community? I want to hear about it!
FREE Stuff for your PCS to Vilseck Germany
If you’re moving to the Vilseck area, you have to take advantage of all my FREE stuff.
It literally cost nothing and will be super valuable to you during your PCS to Germany.
1) FREE PCS to Germany checklist
No matter if you’re Active Duty or Civilian this checklist will go over the most important and most expensive items to take care of first!
In fact, this checklist is applicable to ALL military installations in Germany, and it’s a living document – which means it’s ALWAYS relevant to you and your family.
2) FREE Guide – 30 things you MUST Know before PCSing to Germany with the US military
This is by far my most popular download (and blog post) on the internet.
The title gives it away.
I’ve been here since 2014, so I categorized the 30 most important “things” you MUST know.
After downloading the guide in #2, watch the corresponding webinar where I literally break down each topic.
You might want to take out a pen and paper for that one because it’s PACKED with helpful information.
For more content on PCS prep, travel, or local life as an American living in Germany, subscribe to the channel and I’ll catch you in the next one!
PCS to Germany: Cheat Sheets
Grafenwoehr | Vilseck | Hohenfels | Garmisch + Edelweiss L&R | Stuttgart | Ansbach | KMC + Baumholder | Wiesbaden | Spangdahlem
*Stay tuned for additional cheat sheet information
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