Outdoor Recreation

Baumholder

Baumholder Outdoor Recreation, Smith Barracks, Bldg. 816, 485-7182 or 06783-6-7182

Bavarian Fairytale Castles

Nov. 2-3

Cost: Adults: $99 p. p.; Children under 12: $79 p.p.

Visit Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany’s most recognized building! Never intended for public eyes, the interior of this fantastic castle is visited by millions of visitors each year, and was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland! You will also visit one of King Ludwig’s favorite childhood homes, Hohenschwangau, a medieval castle purchased and rebuilt by his father Maximillian II.

Berlin Express

Nov. 9-10

Cost: Adults: $99 p. p., children under 12: $69 p.p.

Visit Brandenburg Gate, explore Checkpoint Charlie, the remnants of the Berlin Wall, and the legacy of communist East Berlin. See the ruins of WWII, eat a currywurst, shop at the exclusive stores on Kurfürstendamm and Unter den Linden, visit Berlin Zoo, or check out the view of the once divided city from the top of the TV tower or the glass dome of the Reichstag! There is no set schedule or tour guide to follow on this express day trip, and you won’t need one when you download a free digital travel guidebook from Army Libraries. Explore all of Berlin’s options however you wish.

Kaiserslautern

Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2905, 493-4117 or 0631-3406-4117. Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. https://kaiserslautern.armymwr.com

Bernkastel Christmas Market + Hike

Nov. 23

Cost: $45 Age: All ages

Experience one of the first Christmas markets of the year in the famous old village of Bernkastel-Kuez. We will hike to the castle and through the enchanted forests for spectacular viewpoints prior to descending into the village center to experience this famous Christmas gathering on the banks of the Moselle River. Over 40 festively decorated booths wind through its historic medieval streets.

Swiss Christmas Market Shopping Spree

Dec. 7-8

Price: Adults: $229 per person; Single Occupancy: $299; Child under 12 sharing existing bedding with 2 paid adults: $129 p.p.

Shop ‘til you drop with Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation at some of Switzerland’s best Christmas Markets!

Winter Warm Up – Athens, Greece

Jan. 16-20

Cost:(Valid until November 5): Double Occupancy: $699 p.p.; Single Occupancy: $899; infant rates available upon request based on ages and room configurations.

Lufthansa Deadline: Additional airline price supplements may apply to reservations made on or after Tuesday, Nov. 5

Escape from Kaiserslautern’s winter weather when you enjoy a spring like Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend in Athens! A really warm January day in Kaisers­lautern might get above freezing, but in Athens, the average daily high in January is closer to the 50’s! But a warmer climate is not the only reason to visit Athens, “The Birthplace of Democracy” was home to Plato, Socrates, Aristotle and Pericles and you will find reminders of the classical age everywhere in the lively city center. A tour of Athens will familiarize you with the citys antiquities, and your four star hotel in the city center will put you in position to make the most of your free time in “The Cradle of Western Civilization”. Your weekend will also include a cooking class at the popular Taverna Diavlos which will provide you with the recipes and experience to host your own Greek dinner parties after you return.

Ramstein

Ramstein Outdoor Recreation, KMC Center, Bldg. 3336, 480-5705 or 06371-47-5705. Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat., Sun., holidays and training days 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. https://www.86fss.com/sports-and-recreation/outdoor-recreation

Geierlay Suspension Bridge Hike

Nov. 2

Cost: $35

Enjoy a half day of hiking as we cross Germany’s longest suspension bridge (1181 feet long, 328 feet high!) which slowly sways across the forest over a tributary stream to the mighty Moselle River. After our hike we’ll drop down into the Moselle River corridor so you can explore the rich history that envelops the region. Bring cash euro for meals or a packed lunch to enjoy along your route. This trip will go rain or shine, so please pack accordingly.

Rüdesheim Vineyard Hike

Nov. 3

Cost: $45 Ages: 18+

Rüdesheim rhymes with wine for a reason; the “Encyclopedia of Wine” suggests this is the most important wine growing area in the world. Your day will start with a Rhine River ferry crossing before your full day of hiking begins! You will hike through the famed Riesling-covered hills to include breathtaking castles, scenic views along the Rhine and hiking through vineyards — elevation gains require a moderate fitness level. A pleasant gondola descent will bring you back into the heart of the picturesque village where you can explore, wine taste, or simply relax. Please pack a lunch, plenty of water and snacks for this memorable day along the Rhine!