Welcome to your quick resource guide, aka “cheat sheet” to Garmisch, 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 ||| Hotels/Temporary Lodging /// Language & Culture ||| Travel /// Banking ||| Coming Soon
Local Community in Garmisch 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 Garmisch Attractions:
Edelweiss Lodge & Resort | Oktoberfest | Neuschwanstein Castle | Maypole Fest | Igloo Hotel
Garmisch-Partenkirchen Germany First Look
First off, let’s get you familiar with the basics.
Garmisch is one of the smallest communities within the USAG Bavaria footprint. However, this is easily one of the most beautiful places on Earth!
Garmisch sits right under the Zugspitze mountain, the tallest peak in the Bavarian Alps. One of the main attractions in this area is Edelweiss Lodge & Resort, one of four Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRC) located around the world.
US military personnel (even retirees!) come from all over the world to experience a vacation of a lifetime in this gorgeous alpine oasis.
And don’t forget about all the winter sport activities!
Are you new to Garmisch and need a sponsor? Here’s how you get one!
Garmisch Transportation:
🚆 – The closest train station is the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Hauptbahnhof (10mins from base)
✈️ – The closest airports are Innsbruck (1hr), Munich (1hr 30mins), Memmingen (1hrs 30mins), Nuremberg (2hrs 50mins)
🚘 – Closest highway (autobahn) = A95
🏘 – Closest (big) city = Munich & Innsbruck
New to the train in Germany? Learn how to ride with my FULL video tutorial!
DoDEA Schools in Garmisch Germany
– Garmisch Elementary/Middle school
– Garmisch does not have a DoDDS/DoDEA American High School. Most kids grades 9-12 stationed in Garmisch go to the private, english speaking Munich International School
– There’s a NATO School located in Oberammergau, approximately a 30-minute drive northwest.
– Please note, the Sure Start and Pre-Kindergarten Programs are not available in the Garmisch 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 Garmisch Germany
The USAG Bavaria 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
* Most USAG Bavaria education services are physically located on Rose Barracks (Vilseck Germany)
Garmisch Germany Cheat Sheet
Below is your official Garmisch Germany cheat sheet categorized by industry.
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.
Tell them “DTV” sent you!
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
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
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, 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, “MilitaryDTV” at checkout for $100 OFF!
Learn more about the course on Facebook, 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
Although their main offices are in Grafenwoehr & K-Town, US Flights 24 can help you with your travel plans no matter where you’re stationed.
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
Banking
Service Credit Union & Community Bank
Every base in Germany has these two on-base banking options.
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…
Cheat sheet for:
More restaurants, Car Rentals/Junking/Towing/Detailing, Health & Beauty, Pet Services, Hotels & Temporary Lodging, Real Estate, Translators, Transportation, Home Based Businesses, Entertainment, & 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 Garmisch Germany
If you’re moving to the Garmisch 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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