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 ||| Cleaning Services /// Towing & Junking ||| Pet Services /// Language & Culture ||| Travel /// Data Telecommunications ||| Restaurants /// Health & Beauty ||| Real Estate /// Entertainment ||| Banking /// Coming Soon
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!
*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!
PMA is the largest military pre-owned car dealer in Europe, and they’ve got offices right outside most bases in Germany & Italy.
This is what you can expect when you walk into their dealership… [Video]
Some other fun facts:
– They have a “1st time buyer program” for US spec vehicles to help you afford a POV
– You can BUY, SELL, or TRADE-IN vehicles
– In-House Financing
– They have a guaranteed buy back program for EU spec vehicles (for the end of your tour)
And… we’ve partnered up! This is a company I’ve worked with, I trust, and I can personally vouch for.
PMA is offering $300 off ANY vehicle in stock when you mention “DTV!”
Take a look at their inventory or contact them directly with your questions/concerns.
POV Shipping
Bringing that 2nd POV overseas? Need to get your cars safely back home in the US?
With nearly 40 years of experience and over 100K+ customers, Shipoverseas is “America’s #1 International Car Shipping Company.”
And Germany is their most frequent destination for military POV shipments!
As a military member, you don’t have to worry about import/duty taxes for your POV. Shipoverseas will walk you through the process of shipping your car (or anything else you want to ship) to & from the US.
Their services to military members include:
– Cars, RVs, motorcycles, boats, motorhomes, campers, trailers, buses, construction vehicles, and heavy machinery shipments to Europe, Latin America, Africa & the Middle East
– Cost effective “RoRo” (Roll-On Roll-Off) shipping
– Breakdown of costs (handling charge, storage fees, marine insurance, etc)
– US customs clearing & shipment preparation checks
The best way to get started is to Request a FREE Quote, or you can contact them directly with your specific questions.
Get a $50 Military Discount when you put “DTV” in the “Additional Notes or Instructions” section of the Online Quote! 🫡🇺🇸
USA Tel: (858) 547-0840
Toll Free: (888) 805-4994
SMS Text Message: (858) 451-7281
Cleaning Services in Vilseck Germany
We all know how important it is to have a clean space for your home, POV, and your landscaping.
Especially during a PCS!
Currently stationed in Grafenwoehr, owner Damon Allen has a professional, multipurpose cleaning business that covers all bases!
– Car Detailing (PCS/ETS/Annual/Basic/Show Room & more)
– Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
– Pressure Washing Service
– Lawn Care Service (All Seasons)
– Home Move Out (HMO) PCS, Move in, or Monthly Cleaning
From the moment I met Damon, I could immediately tell he was a man of integrity who truly cares about the people in front of him. He is dedicated to the customer’s specific needs, no matter what type of cleaning service you get, everything will be thoroughly explained so that each customer feels truly apart of the experience.
You can learn more about NBDCS on his FB group page, or contact him directly to get started!
Damon Allen +49 176 6141 5860
*Damon is giving a 10% discount for anyone who mentions “DTV” for their first cleaning!
Towing & Junking POVs
Joe is a native of Ireland and specializes in helping the military community dispose of used, damaged, and junk vehicles.
He provides services to the local USAG Bavaria footprint of Grafenwoeher, Vilseck, Hohenfels, and Amberg.
Here’s a few more facts to keep in mind about Joe’s company:
– Buys good vehicles, damaged, and junk vehicles
– Towing is Free (if using his services)
– Government disposal certificate upfront
– German registered company
Once you decide to sell (or junk) your used cars he’ll either buy them from you or take them off your hands and dispose of the vehicle. You can hear more about his reputation on his FB page, or check out my complete review of his company here.
Contact: +49 173 8240261 (Irish Joe)
Pet Services
My labradoodle “Baxter” would be angry if I didn’t recommend his girlfriend’s luxury pet spa.
Viktoria, Gabor & Ruby have the friendliest pet grooming store in town. They’re from the beautiful country of Hungary, but speak perfect English.
Located in Vilseck Germany (30mins from Grafenwoehr), they offer a wide range of luxurious pet grooming services:
– Dog/Cat care advice
– FULL grooming service: shampoo/conditioner, rinsing, blow drying, brush out, eye/ear cleaning, trimming, shaping, & styling
– Feet, nails, pads, and sanitary trim
– Cleaning & beauty products
You can learn more about what they do on their website, FB page, or give them a call to schedule your luxurious spa treatment today!
Luxury Pet Spa: +49 1512 8906262 (Viktoria)
*Viktoria is giving a 10% discount for anyone who mentions “DTV” for their first visit!
Language & Culture
I remember I couldn’t wait to start learning German when I first got here. I thought I would for sure be fluent within a couple years, but quickly realized that all I needed was “Survival German.”
Listen, unfortunately your time is short in Germany (3yrs for AD, and 5yrs for Civilians).
Don’t expect to be fluent in a few short years, instead learn the basics through a crash course with Nadja!
For years, Nadja has been helping military families with “Survival German” by creating an all in one course that covers everything you need to know for your short time here (#survivalskills).
Her comprehensive course includes:
– Pdf printouts, videos, modules, quizzes, exercises, and even flash cards (also available on your phone!)
– The basics: pronunciation & vocab, greetings, important phrases, alphabet, numbers, etc
– Important topics: At a restaurant, grocery store, German brands, transport, emergencies, travel, etc
I’ve taken the course and I can tell you this is exactly what I was looking for when I first got here. The course allows you to set your own tone and provides you with the perfect resources to learn when ever and where ever you are.
And… she has a military discount! Use the coupon code, “Military” at checkout for $100 OFF!
Learn more about the course, hear from students, and take advantage of her course before you even arrive here!
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
Budget friendly military airfare! For your official military travel, leisure travel, or if you just want to price match airfare (even with SATO), Sascha and his team are here to help!
They provide the best rates I can find to/from the states, and fantastic customer service (check out the reviews).
Who can fly with US Flights24?
– US service members, Government employees, Civilian contractors, Veterans, Retirees, & they even have non-military special rates
Located in both Grafenwoehr & Kaiserslautern, here’s what you can expect when you walk into their office.
The best way to find competitive rates is to get a hold of their team directly through email, or “WhatsApp them” with your flight information.
I created an entire “how to” video blog with their company here.
PS: Get €30 Off your first flight when you mention “DTV”
US Flights24: +49 1704705597
Data Telecommunications (Phone & Internet)
JDCOM Telekommunikation (Partnered by Telekom)
We all know how intimidating it can be trying to find a reliable, english speaking company that understands the US military.
Located right outside of Gate 1 (30 steps to be exact), they offer a wide range of services for both American and German customers.
This video will give you an idea of what to expect when you walk into their store.
Since 2014, JDCOM has provided the following:
– High-speed DSL (internet)
– Unlimited data plans (even w/out a contract)
– New phone or accessories
– Military and family discounts
– Phone repairs (FREE screen protector when you mention “DTV”)
– Special discounts for young adults in their 20s
– English speaking 1 on 1 customer service
– VAT forms accepted
JDCOM has been around since 2014 and has serviced thousands of US military families, including my own! Get in touch with one of their team members, or check out their Facebook reviews for other opinions.
JDCOM Telekommunikation: +49 9641 9316200
Restaurants
Good ol’ American sports bar!
Happy’s is a veteran owned, family friendly sports bar & restaurant located above a beautiful lake about 10mins from the front gate of Grafenwoehr.
Army (Vilseck) veterans, Hunter & Chris partnered up to create an opportunity for Americans (and Germans) to watch literally ANY American sport from back home, all while eating the best wings you’re gonna find in Grafenwoehr.
After a 20 piece of their homemade buffalo sauced wings, try their American style burgers, pizza, and even churros made their way on the menu!
Happy’s is also one of the rare restaurants in town that deliver!
They deliver to Grafenwoehr, Vilseck, Netzaberg, Camp Aachen, Camp Normandy, Camp Kasserine, Mantel, Hütten, Freihung and Kaltenbrunn!
Connect with them online for upcoming events, such as car shows and sports parties, or call for reservations, pick up, and delivery at +49 9641 9318900.
Open daily 16:00 – 22:00 for delivery, pick up and dine in! Closed Tuesdays.
*Newcomers! If you mention that “DTV” brought you when you visit, they’ll give you 10% OFF your first meal!
If you’re excited about ice cold Bavarian beer when you move to Germany, then you’ve come to the right place.
I mean, the name speaks for itself…
While Budweiser is often seen as the “King of Beers” in the US, the legendary European crown goes to “King Gambrinus.”
Owner and personal friend, Steffen operates this one of kind Bavarian brewery which has been around for nearly 100 years (since 1927)! In fact, they’re one of the only Bavarian breweries that still make their beer the “old fashioned” way.
Located right in the heart of Weiden (20mins from Grafenwoehr), they serve 18 varieties of local beer and 15 types of soda/water. You will see Gambrinus at all the local festivals and in the “Getränkmarkt” (beverage market) all around town.
To order your favorite case, you can call for a delivery/pick up 0961 670 33 0 (FREE delivery in Weiden) or email them with your inquiries!
Unsere Heimat, Unser Bier! (Our Home, Our Beer!)
Whether you need a hangover cure or a taste of the South, 912 Wings and Things will hit the spot.
Georgia-grown David and his wife Patricia aka “Auntie” (originally from Germany) opened this comfort food restaurant to share their home-style Southern cooking.
Obviously the wings here are incredible, but don’t sleep on other menu items like chicken & waffles, shrimp po’ boy, oxtail cheese steaks, Jamaican dinners, mac n’ cheese, and Southern style desserts like the strawberry cream cheese rolls.
If you’re looking for a good deal, you should definitely stop by for 50% off wings on “Wing It Wednesday!”
And they’re also ready to host your next Hail & Farewell. They’ve got a pool table, darts, a biergarten, and plenty of parking (everyone’s dream!).
You might find yourself thinking “I feel like I’m at a friend’s house!”, which is exactly how Patricia wants you to feel: safe, loved, and with a full belly.
Your “Home away from Home.”
912 Wings and Things is at Bergstraße 4, 92249 Vilseck, and they’re open Wednesday & Thursday from 6 – 11pm (kitchen closed at 9:30pm), Friday & Saturdays 5 – 12am (kitchen closed at 10pm), and Sundays 5 – 10:30pm (kitchen closed at 9:30pm).
And if you want to place an order for in-store pickup, you can reach them via WhatsApp: 0157 50480826
Health & Beauty
Dr. Schmid & Dr. Ermer Zahnärzte (Dentists)
My wife is usually terrified of the dentist, but not when she walks into the office of Dr Schmid & Dr Ermer.
Right in the heart of Weiden (24mins from Grafenwoehr), this innovative dentist office is clean, friendly, and accommodating to your dental/orthodontist needs.
And yes, they (all) speak perfect English 😉
We’ve been using this dentist office for nearly 10yrs now, and we recommend them to all our friends. Dr Schmid & Ermer have a large, professional staff of dental assistants, so you never have to wait too long to be seen!
During each visit, they provide a relaxed and informal atmosphere to give you time to “focus on a fearless” experience.
Which is probably the reason for “Planet Earth” episodes on the ceiling above your chair! My favorite part of the treatment.
To get started, they’ve made it easy with an online data processing sheet and a dental health screening questionnaire.
After filling that out, you can contact them by phone 0961 470 371 10 or email for your first appointment!
Check out the team on Instagram or learn more about them through Facebook!
Oh.. and parking is available at the large Naabwiesen Parking Lot, the office is located on the second floor, right across the street from the NOC Weiden (Nord Oberpfalz Center).
Witches Loft Tattoo & Piercing
Green hair, face piercings, and permanent ink from head to toe.
Isn’t that the profile you expect to give you a bada$$ tattoo?
Meet Carolina.
Native Bavarian and wife of an Army veteran, Carolina has been in the tattoo/piercing business (all over the world) for 16 years.
And now she’s walking distance from Gate 1.
Welcome to her creation, the Award Winning Witches Loft, where they offer:
– Custom tattoos, preferred styles are American traditional, Neotraditional, traditional Japanese, Neo- Japanese and Art Nouveau (by appt only!)
– Walk in based piercings with a vast selection of jewelry
– Appointment scheduling in person only (with down deposit)
– Free smiles 😊 & tattoo consultation
Carolina and her team are super friendly, speak perfect english, and are ready to schedule your first session!
The Witches Loft has tattoo’d my friends, they sponsor and support my events, and they’re a BIG hit within the community.
To learn more. you can message them on Fb or contact her directly at +49 1512 3617965.
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!
Entertainment
Welcome to the biggest nightclub right outside of base! The music center is a 30min drive from Grafenwoehr or Vilseck (but we recommend taking the “disco bus” for a safe travel).
With more than 70 events a year, there’s always a party for all types of music lovers.
MCT Club offers:
– Live Bands, Hip-Hop, Heavy Metal, Rock, & Party Music
– 4 different dance floors: Main hall, Club, Arena, & C4 club lounge
– Shisha, VIP, & special birthday celebrations
– Multiple bars and a take-away restaurant
– Outdoor parties, ping pong & FIFA tournaments, wet T-shirt contests & much more!
If you’re a single soldier (or married and can stay up past 10pm 😉), this is definitely the hottest nightclub in town.
This is what you can expect when walking into this massive arena!
Check out all their upcoming events, party pics on the gram, and let them know “DTV” sent you!
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.
Coming Soon…
More restaurants, Rental Cars, Health & Beauty, Pet Boarder, Hotels & Temporary Lodging, Translators, Transportation, Home Based Businesses, Things to do for kids & so much more!
*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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