Outdoor Recreation

Baumholder

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

Stuttgart Zoo and Chocolate Factory

Nov. 23

Cost: Adults: $69 per person, Children under 17: $49

Spend the day at Wilhelma Park, one of Germany’s best zoos, and end it with a walk through the Ritter Sport museum.

Today’s Wilhelma Park belongs to the historical heritage of Baden-Württemberg. The park has undergone a transition from being the purely private retreat of a king to become the zoological and botanical gardens of Stuttgart, with just over 2.1 million yearly visitors.

The Ritter museum is a “homage to the square”—to describe the Sammlung Marli Hoppe-Ritter. The collection consists of nearly 600 paintings, objects, sculptures and graphic works, a breadth of painterly and sculptural confrontation with the square form used as the design for the Ritter chocolate. Ritter’s factory is located in Waldenbuch, outside Stuttgart. They have shops and museums in Waldenbuch that are open to visitors. The museum provides children with an interactive environment where they are presented with the opportunity to learn about how chocolate is made at the factory. When you are finished, you can then treat yourself with a wide variety of chocolate from there Chocolate shop.

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

Baltic Sea Christmas Markets Cruise

Dec. 12-17

Cost: The price for all new registrations will be based on airfare costs at time of registration, starting at $1299 per person.

Air Fare supplements may apply to all new registrations made on or after Oct. 23

Cruise the Baltic Sea and visit the maritime metropolises of Stockholm, Helsinki, and Tallinn! On the Baltic Sea Christmas Markets Cruise, you will arrive each day in a new Baltic Sea capital. While the sun may be reluctant to rise, you will be ready to get off the boat and explore each of these cities and sample their unique holiday traditions and Christmas markets. Guided tours in Stockholm, Helsinki, and Tallinn will familiarize you with each city and an overnight in each city will also provide you with free time for additional explorations or shopping. Sample a traditional Smörgåsbord in Stockholm, taste smoked elk and reindeer in Helsinki, and brave black pudding and beetroot salad in Tallinn.

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

Dungeons of Dahn Castle Hike

Nov. 17

Cost: $35, Age: All ages welcome

Get a glimpse of medieval life while visiting the Berwartstein’s dungeons, armories & torture chambers (tour fee included). Positioned on the unique sandstone cliffs of the Dahn region. Berwartstein was established in 1152 and previously occupied by the notorious and most dreaded robber Baron of his time. In addition to touring the castle and its grounds, we will also spend a good portion of the day hiking around the lush, forested trails surrounding the castle. Pack a lunch, snacks and plenty of water for this fun day of exploration. There is a small café on the premises should you choose to have lunch there. This trip will go rain or shine so please wear or bring weather appropriate clothing.

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-Kues. 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.