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Tag: Grafenwohr Germany

Moving to Germany: Reflections on my PCS to USAG Bavaria Grafenwöhr

Whether you’re PCSing or moving to Germany, it’s a truly life-changing experience. So many people think they’ll just be here for a few years. But as soon as they fall in love with the country and the lifestyle, they stay for just another couple years, and then another few years, and before you know it, you have a dog and a house!

And this isn’t just my story! I sat down with Alina and Frank Rozanski to talk about their 16 years living in Germany, what they wish they knew before moving, and what they’ll miss about living here. If you’re thinking about moving to Germany, or if you’ve received orders to PCS, this will be a great resource for you!

How to Find a Job at USAG Bavaria Grafenwoehr as a Spouse

When Alina was hired as a teacher at Netzaberg Middle School, Frank gave up his career in the U.S. for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

He spent his first few months getting acclimated to Germany. But once all that was set up, he got that itch to get a job.

Are you a military spouse looking for job opportunities at USAG Bavaria? Check out our guide for resources and ideas!

Military spouses receive priority for jobs, so he struggled to find employment on post. Eventually he landed a job at the on-post hotel where he worked for three years. But his schedule never matched Alina’s, which made it really difficult to spend time together and travel. And that’s the point of living abroad, right?

He applied for a position at the elementary school library. It had nothing to do with his education in restaurant management and hospitality, but it meant that, after five years of living in Germany, his schedule finally synced with Alina’s.

Plus, after adopting their kids, their schedule meant that they could spend more time together as a family. Because as employees of the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), they truly only work 180 days out of the year.

Making career decisions is challenging for any spouse who moves for their partner’s work. Perhaps the hardest part when living in Germany is choosing whether you pursue your actual career path, or take a job that fits your current lifestyle. But more often than not, spouses choose a job that allows them to travel.

And, in the long run, the experience of living and traveling internationally will provide so much value to your life and well-being!

Raising Kids in Germany

“You can stay as American as you like, but you can also be as German as you like.” – Alina

The Rozanskis spend a lot of time together as a family. Their kids moved to Germany when they were in second and third grade, but adjusted completely fine.

Learn more about living with kids in Germany!

Alina and Frank feel confident and safe letting their kids roam around their town and countryside. But they also enjoy all the comforts and normalities that American kids experience as part of their youth, such as after school art lessons or soccer clubs. But they can also participate in those activities on the German economy as well, like ballet lessons or other sports clubs.

Curious about what Grafenwoehr looks like? Check out this guide to the city!

And the best part about moving to Germany is, of course, the travel opportunities. Traveling to a different country – or even a different part of Germany – is much more affordable than in the states. (We’ll get to that in a bit!)

Even going out to eat is cheaper than in the U.S.! A meal for a family of four could run you $90 after tax and tip in the states. But in Germany, you can easily enjoy a meal out for half the price.

Are you moving to Kaiserslautern? You have to visit these K-Town restaurants!

Life in Germany

“The people who don’t like it here tend to be the people who never left post.” – Alina

The happiest Americans living in Germany will tell you the same thing: get off post!

Don’t let language or unfamiliar customs stop you from exploring. Even if you just walk into town, almost everyone will speak English in Grafenwoehr.

Pro tip: download Google translate and DuoLingo before you arrive! These two apps will make living in Germany so much easier.

Get Our FREE Checklist! ✅

But if you’re really nervous about interacting with German speakers, try learning how to say a few phrases, such as:

Sprechen Sie Englisch?: Do you speak English?
Ich spreche kein Deutsch: I don’t speak German
Nein, danke: No, thank you
Ja, bitte: Yes, please

You won’t be fluent in German overnight, but remember that everyone appreciates effort, kindness, and patience.

And be open to new experiences, even if it’s just for lunch or dinner! Customer service may not be as fast or as friendly, but because the restaurant isn’t trying to turn tables, you’re usually welcome to sit and enjoy yourself for as long as you like.

I can definitely recommend some restaurants in Grafenwoehr!

Traveling in Germany

“Get out there. Enjoy what’s here.” – Frank

When those 4-day weekends come around, you’ll always want to travel outside of Germany. But don’t forget that Germany has a lot to offer, too!

Crete was one of the Rozanski’s favorite places to visit because it’s not as touristy or crowded as the Greek islands. The experience was intimate, local, and really affordable. Four sun beds with two umbrellas cost €10, and the beach was just a short walk to find gyros and beer!

Planning a trip to Greece? Check out my guides to the Greek islands!

If you’re nervous about visiting a foreign country, London may be a good first trip to take. It feels new and unfamiliar, but all the signs are in English! Just be sure to look both ways when crossing the street.

Never been to London before? Check out my guide to the city!

And for the Rozanskis, Paris is a great example of why you need to visit places twice (if you have the time). Their first time was not ideal in any way, but they fell in love with it the second time around.

Pro tip: If you drive to Paris from Grafenwoehr, start the journey on Thursday. Leave in the early afternoon, stop at Ramstein to fill up your tank at the Esso, then go to Paris the next day!

And remember: don’t let one bad experience leave a bad impression of an entire country or city. Sometimes it may not seem worth visiting a place twice because there are so many countries to see! But it’s rare that you can experience everything a city or country has to offer during a long weekend.

Plan your perfect trip to Paris with my travel guides!

PCSing To and From Germany

PCSing is always stressful. But when you PCS out of Germany, Alina and Frank encourage you to be persistent, patient, and prepared.

Be persistent to get what you need. Be patient because you don’t know what the other person has already experienced today. And be prepared because there will be bumps, and having all your ducks in a line will keep you just a bit more sane.

And speaking of being prepared, make sure you keep all of your important documents and medication with you. Set aside all important documents and things that you don’t want to be accidentally packed in a locked room or your car.

You don’t want to be that guy at the VAT office trying to out-process who accidentally had his VAT forms packed with his household goods! (Trust me, I’ve seen it – it’s not good.)

If you’re PCSing to Germany, sign up for Facebook groups ASAP to get a lay of the land. They exchange a lot of great information, but always verify it with the Garrison website!

Preparing to PCS to Germany? We put together a comprehensive, step-by-step arrival guide for you!

Alina and Frank also suggest that you spend some time with Google maps to learn more about the Grafenwöhr area. Look at what towns are nearby and how long your commute could be. That way, when you’re offered housing, you already have a sense of where you’ll be located.

And before moving to Germany, get an international phone plan or some data so that you can still communicate during your first days in the country! It may take a while before you get a German SIM card.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Germany

Moving to Germany has a lot of moving parts, but here are some of the most common questions about the process.

How do I PCS to Germany with pets?
While you don’t necessarily need a pet passport, you’ll need to take your animals to the vet to have paperwork completed. Learn more about the process in our guide to PCSing with pets!

Where can I find more information about PCSing to Germany?
There are tons of Facebook groups where people can answer your questions right away, but we also have a guide that can help you plan a smooth arrival.

Do you have advice for PCSing to Germany with kids?
Raising your kids in Germany for a few years is an amazing experience. Read more about it in our guide to living in Germany with kids!

Reflections on Living in Germany

Moving to Germany will have its obstacles, but once you’re here, you won’t want to leave. It is such a unique opportunity to explore a part of the world that would otherwise be expensive to visit!

And with all kinds of guides and resources at your fingertips, you can really live your best life here.

To learn more about PCS prep, stay prepared with my Ultimate PCS Checklist, or subscribe to the channel for more local insights!

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November 5, 2020
PCS to Germany: Your First Look at USAG Bavaria Grafenwoehr!

Grafenwoehr, Germany is a Bavarian village full of history, fellowship, and beer! At first it will feel completely foreign, but as you spend your days strolling the cobblestone streets munching on Brezen, it will quickly become home.

If you’re worried about moving to a foreign country, I can promise you this: I don’t know anyone who was happy to leave Grafenwöhr, Germany after living here! Your PCS to Germany will be one of the best things to ever happen to you.

About Grafenwöhr and Life in Germany

First, let me explain the spelling situation. The “o” with an umlaut isn’t a default character on English keyboards. To express the ö sound, you can write the character as “oe.” So if you see “Grafenwoehr” written in one place and “Grafenwöhr” in another, just know that it’s the same town!

It’s the largest NATO training base in Europe, which means allies come from all over to train at the Grafenwoehr Training Area (GTA). It was originally built by the Bavarian Army between 1907 and 1915, and after World War II, it became a jointly run base between the U.S. and Germany.

The town itself is in the heart of Germany’s farm country. If you’re used to big city life or 24-hour convenience, this will be a real shock! But after you adjust, you’ll learn to love the change of pace.

For example, everyone has made the mistake of forgetting to double-check their shopping lists on Saturday because everything is closed on Sunday (with the exception of gas stations and some bakeries). It’s really frustrating the first couple times, but you quickly learn to plan accordingly!

A Tour of Grafenwoehr, Germany

Regardless of whether you live on or off post, you’ll eventually learn to orient yourself in Grafenwoehr based on the USAG Bavaria gate numbers!

Outside Gate 6: Bundesstrasse 299

There isn’t much to do in this part of Graf, but there are some useful shops and places to know.

You’ll find a few car dealerships as well as my favorite auto repair shop. If you don’t PCS to Germany with a car, I highly recommend purchasing one from a Military Auto Sales dealership! They speak English and they’re familiar with USAA’s procedures.

If you’re shipping a car from the U.S., check out my guide to learn all about the process!

If you need to print brochures, holidays cards, or posters, there’s a print shop (Druckerei) off 299 as well. You can also get some awesome merch made, like sweatshirts and mugs!

Downtown Grafenwoehr

This is easily one of the most picturesque parts of Grafenwoehr! The Alte Rathaus (old town hall) is the small building in the center, and it’s surrounded by all kinds of restaurants and bars.

This is also where you’ll find the farmer’s market every Thursday and their Christmas market in December. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon drinking and eating on the restaurant patios.

But before you sit down for dinner, consider stopping by the Grafenwoehr history museum! It may be a small town, but it has a history worth learning.

And after your tour, I highly recommend visiting the zoigl stub’n. It’s a typical Bavarian experience, and it only exists in der Oberpfalz! Story goes that farms or hotels would hang the 6-pointed star outside their establishment to indicate that their zoigl was freshly brewed and could be served in exchange for labor.

And if you have a well-trained (or at least well-behaved) dog, most restaurants will allow you to bring them inside.

Are you bringing a pet to Germany? Check out our guide to PCSing with pets!

You can also find a variety of footpaths throughout the downtown area. They’ll take you all around the town, including to the park!

Parks in Grafenwoehr

The Stadtpark off Neue Ambergerstrasse is a beautiful place to let your kids and pets run wild! You’ll find a small stream running through it, ducks going for a swim, benches, and a playground.

And if you just PCSed to Germany but don’t have your car, the park is just a 15 minute walk from Gate 1. You can also find a variety of other walking paths by just wandering around the town.

Pro-tip: If you have questions about the area, I recommend joining these Facebook groups: A Perfect PCS to Germany, Grafenwoehr Vilseck Military Spouses, Grafenwoehr/Vilseck Army Wives, and Bavaria Army Wife Travelers

But once you have a car, you should definitely explore the different parks throughout the area! The greenspace around Grafenwoehr is one of my favorite things about living in Germany. It’s so easy to find some nature where you can go for a casual stroll.

Outside Gate 1: Alte Ambergerstrasse

As you walk out Gate 1, you’ll find a strip of restaurants and shops, including a T-Mobile store. The staff is very friendly and comfortable speaking English. If you need a mobile contract or new phone ASAP, stop by their office!

As you walk further down, you’ll find a great Korean restaurant, a döner spot, a Metzgerei (butcher shop), and a gelato shop. I definitely recommend visiting these spots if you’re tired of the options on post!

You won’t want to miss my guide to the best restaurants in Grafewoehr!

You can also find a few ATMs along the way, but the fees can easily run up to €4. If you need euros, I recommend either making a withdrawal from your bank on post or going to a German bank ATM like Sparkasse.

And if you’re looking for a hairdresser in town, my wife goes to the Friseur “Pretty Hair Salon” on Richard Wagnerstrasse. It’s not obvious that the building is a hair salon, but it’s really nice nonetheless!

If you keep heading in that direction, you’ll find yourself in a residential area. But if you keep walking down Alte Ambergerstrasse, you’ll reach another part of downtown Grafenwoehr.

Outside Gate 3: Neue Ambergerstrasse

The road that leads out of Gate 1 intersects with Neue Ambergerstrasse (299). If you turn left to head north, you’ll find some of the shopping centers (more on that in a bit). But if you turn right to head southeast, you’ll find more restaurants and shops! This is also the road that takes you to Gate 3, or even Gate 6 if you just keep driving.

If you can’t secure a room at Army Lodging when you arrive, you may end up staying at a hotel around this area. They may not have all the comforts of an American-style hotel, but at least you’ll be closer to some great restaurants! Plus, most of the hotels are just a 15 minute walk from Gate 1 and Gate 3.

Pro tip: If you can’t get a room at Army Lodging, I highly recommend Zum Stichen Hotel Hößl, which has a nice Biergarten in the back. Homestead Hotel and Cozy Corners are also great options when you PCS to Germany.

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But the highlight of this area is the Chicken Man! Every Wednesday this truck has roast chicken, ribs, potato salad, Pommes (fries), and more. It’s not Southern cooking by any means, but you could call it comfort food. And sometimes they also sell cartons of fresh eggs.

Pssst… the Chicken Man truck has locations all over, find the closest one to you!

For American sports, wings, pizza, and burgers check out Happy’s Sport Bar!

Shopping in Grafenwoehr, Germany

At first, you may only want to shop at the PX, but I promise that shopping on the German economy isn’t hard! Just like when the Kroger or Safeway in your neighborhood has a different layout, learning how to navigate your local Edeka, Aldi, or Rossman will eventually become second nature.

Get your first look at the Grafenwoehr PX & Commissary!

Grocery Stores in Grafenwoehr

You’ll find a mix of grocery stores on Pressatherstrasse between Bahnhofstrasse and Felsmühlstrasse. Edeka is one of the largest grocery store chains in Germany, and you will probably do a lot of grocery shopping there.

Your first look at Edeka Grafenwoehr!

There is also an Aldi, which is nothing like the Aldis in the U.S.! If you need basic dry goods, freshly baked rolls, some hangers, a head of lettuce, toilet paper, cheese, and a pair of socks, this is your one-stop shop. Same goes for Netto, Lidl, and Norma. Prices at these stores also tend to be lower than at Edeka.

And no matter where you do your grocery shopping, you’ll either find freshly baked goods in the store or a bakery attached to it! Actually, no matter where you shop period, you will probably find a bakery attached: the train station, OBI (like Home Depot), gas stations, even a pretzel kiosk ACROSS from a bakery.

Of the few convenient things in Germany, bread is by far the easiest to buy. Do not underestimate the German people’s love of bread.

Clothing, Home Goods, and More

If you go to the shopping center across from Fusion Garden on Bahnhofstrasse, you’ll find a Lidl as well as some other types of stores.

Rossmann is like Walgreens. You’ll find things like toiletries, vitamins, diapers, and cough medicine. And at some locations, you can also print photos directly from your device!

If you just PCSed to Germany, Kik is great for the odds and ends you’re missing. They have a small selection of things like clothing, dishware, decorations, water bottles, storage containers, and stationery.

Tedi is the equivalent of a dollar store. You’ll find some standard housewares like whisks, containers, baking pans, garbage bags, batteries, and even sprinkles. But it will quickly become your go-to destination for festive things like decorations, wrapping paper, and craft supplies.

But before you go shopping, you should grab a quick bite to eat at Landmetzgerei Witt. In the morning they have a variety of pastries, and for lunch they bring out the savory dishes like Cordon Bleu, Leberkäse, and Schnitzel. There’s also a gelato shop in the same shopping complex!

And don’t forget to stop by the getränkemarkt for all your beverage needs. Purchase crates of beer, sparkling water, juice, and soda! And as you finish each bottle, return it to the same crate so that it’s easier to process your Pfand when you return it for recycling.

Pro tip: the Pfand is the small deposit you pay to ensure that you return the bottle when you’re finished. Plus, you get a small receipt (like a coupon) to use towards your next purchase!

These small nuances to German life – crates of beer, bakeries everywhere, small grocery stores – will be so foreign (or even annoying) when you first arrive. But they will eventually become part of a comfortable routine in your everyday life!

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Grafenwoehr, Germany

If you have questions about how to PCS to Germany, I recommend our PCS to Germany: Arrival Guide! But if you have questions about living in Grafenwoehr, Germany, check out these common questions. Feel free to ask me more in the comments, or check out the Facebook groups I mentioned.

What if I’m PCSing to Vilseck, Germany?
Vilseck isn’t far from Grafenwoehr. Plus, because so much of USAG Bavaria’s operations are located in Grafenwoehr, you may find yourself there more often than not. The biggest difference, however, is that people who work at Vilseck tend to live in Amberg, whereas people who work at Grafenwoehr (or Netzaberg) tend to live in Weiden.

You can learn more about Vilseck in my First Look at Vilseck Germany Vlog

What are the best Grafenwöhr restaurants?
Depends on what you’re looking for. I put together a pretty comprehensive guide to the best Grafenwoehr restaurants that will keep you busy!

Where should I travel to first outside of Grafenwoehr?
There’s so many options! However, after spending years in the area, these are the most popular MUST-SEE destinations!

Where are the Grafenwoehr/Vilseck military housing areas?
Looking for a head start on housing? We created a FULL guide to On/Off post housing here!

Need a PCS checklist? I’ve got every stage of your move covered! (PLUS: an explanation of acronyms)

Ready to PCS to Grafenwoehr, Germany?

Change is always hard, especially when it’s to a new country. But your life in Grafenwoehr, Germany will depend entirely on how you choose to experience the town. Don’t spend your three years eating only at the PX and watching AFN Bavaria. You live in Europe now! YOLO!

To learn more about PCS prep, stay prepared with my Ultimate PCS Checklist, or subscribe to the channel for more local insights!

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October 22, 2020
Weiden in der Oberpfalz: Farmers Market with Locals
Visiting a local farmer’s market is a great way to spend a Saturday! And if you live around USAG Bavaria Grafenwöhr, the Weiden farmer’s market is exceptional. They have all kinds of local produce, gifts, bread, meat, and other seasonal treats every week.

American Living in Germany: Know Before You Go

One of the most important things to know about living in Germany: cash is king! But if you forget, you can go to the Sparkasse on the southwest side of the marktplatz.

You also need to bring your own bags or basket, just like when you shop at your local grocery store. Some vendors will have bags to package individual items, but they likely won’t have a bag to hold all of your things.

Moving to USAG Bavaria? Check out my complete PCS to Germany guide for more information!

If the market isn’t an easy walk or bike ride for you, there are some options for parking. The Tiefgarage Allee P2 right across from MAX + MUH has 300 parking spots and a bathroom! It’s cash only (of course), and from 8am to 8pm, it costs €0.90 for the first hour, and every additional hour is €1.20.

I also recommend that you practice speaking German at the market. And you don’t even need to know that much. If you know your numbers and the names of what you want, you’re all set!

But I have a few additional words that may be helpful:
- • Stück(e): piece(s)
- • Schale: basket (ex: ein schale erdbeeren = a basket of strawberries)
- • Tasche: bag
- • Mehr/weniger: more/less
All the vendors have varying levels of English, so even if your German sucks, they will always appreciate the effort!

About the Stadt Weiden Farmer’s Market

As soon as you step into the marktplatz, you can feel the sense of community. Throughout the day, you’ll see the restaurants bringing cappuccinos to the farmers while the vendors visit each other’s stalls.

Most of the vendors are local – some from within a 20-kilometer radius. But you’ll also see some vendors come from as far as Regensburg! And you will find some vendors are always at the market, such as the pasta man and the owners of IBO.

Have you been to Regensburg yet? It’s just an hour drive from Weiden!

When to Go

The farmer’s market (bauernmarkt in German) takes place every Wednesday and Saturday in the Weiden marktplatz starting at 7am. And this is a true bauernmarkt – it stops at 12:30pm!

The earlier you arrive, the more variety and options each vendor will have. Plus, you’ll beat the crowds!

If you’re an early morning person, grab a coffee and pastry at a local konditorei before visiting the market. Or do as the locals do: have a beer and a scoop of gelato for breakfast!

Looking for somewhere to eat in Weiden? There’s plenty of amazing restaurants to try! Or stop by Nina & Velja’s food truck on Wednesdays in the market while shopping for groceries.

What to Buy

If you’re really ambitious, you can get almost all your groceries from the Weiden farmer’s market!

Most bakers sell your standard breads and semmeln, but during holiday seasons, you can also pick up some special desserts or loaves.

The butchers are extremely popular with their cases full of meat! You can get large cuts of pork as well as freshly sliced cold cuts. And you can also place special orders if they don’t have what you need.

Pro-tip: The butchers will often give a big slice of gelbwurst to young children if you come to their stalls (but you should also buy something from them)

Some vendors will just sell one thing. For example, in the spring, you may see the asparagus farmer selling an assortment of white and green asparagus, and nothing else! There’s also a gentleman who has a pull-cart full of potatoes. Occasionally he may have another type of vegetable, but usually just potatoes.

Pro-tip: 1 kilogram is 2.2 pounds, which means 500 grams is 1 pound (more or less)

And around Easter, you’ll see some vendors selling flowers, wreaths, and handmade egg ornaments. Or closer to Christmas, you can place a special order for a cut of meat from your favorite butcher!

When in Rome (Or in This Case, Weiden!)

In addition to buying ingredients for cooking, some vendors also sell snacks and ready-to-eat bites. Most of the butchers will offer leberkäse mit semmel, which is their hot dog-like meat loaf on a bread bun with mustard. You can also get a classic brezen from any of the bakers.

Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the horse sausage with mustard. It’s not as fatty as a regular brat, but it’s still pretty good.

Want to learn more about this amazing Bavarian town? Check out This Is Weiden!

The best thing about going to the Weiden farmer’s market is building relationships with the vendors. It’s a great way to practice your German and learn more about local customs or ways of preparing food.

For example, one time I asked for kale, and the farmer got really worked up about how Americans living in Germany ask for kale when it’s not in season. As it turns out, kale is best in the winter after the frost so that it’s not so bitter.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Weiden Farmer’s Market

Where can I get a Weiden Farmer’s Market shopping bag?
I bought mine at the Edeka E-Center by the Kaufland. It was just 2€!

When is the Weiden Farmer’s Market?
It takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 7am to 12:30pm. They often take a break the last two weeks of December for the holidays, and some may not come again until spring time.

Are there other farmer’s markets near USAG Bavaria?
Absolutely! Ansbach has theirs at the same time as Weiden, as well as Amberg (which also has one on Friday). Garmisch has one on Thursday and Friday, and Regenbsurg has theirs on Saturday.

Shop Like a Local at the Weiden Farmer’s Market

If you want to immerse yourself in the local Bavarian culture, you should go to the farmer’s market in Weiden in der Oberpfalz. Just don’t forget to bring a bag and cash!

Want more tips on living in Germany? Subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram!

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July 6, 2020
This is Weiden in der Oberpfalz

Looking for a European town to visit that doesn’t break the bank? Stadt Weiden in der Oberpfalz, Germany is within a 2-hour drive of Prague and Munich, and just a 1-hour drive from Nuremberg. And depending on the time of year, you may find yourself at a fest!

We entered this video into a contest to promote our home town in only 2 minutes. The video shows an overview of Weiden in der Oberpfalz to include what to do in Stadt Weiden, the annual Weiden Oberpfalz festival, and some of our favorite Weiden restaurants.

It was so well-received by the city that we were interviewed by the local television station Oberpfalz TV and then met the mayor of Weiden in der Oberpfalz!

About Weiden in der Oberpfalz

Weiden is one of the largest towns in the Upper Palatinate region. It’s also a popular choice for Americans living in Germany because it’s just a 20 minute drive from USAG Bavaria Grafenwoehr.

PCSing to Germany? Start with my arrival guide!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CErZti3B0jK/

If you want to be within walking distance to the bars and restaurants, you can live in the apartments in or around the marktplatz! But if you want your own house with a private yard, there are quieter neighborhoods throughout the town as well.

Looking for easy day trips from Weiden? Check out my top 10 travel destinations!

Unlike many villages in the area, it has a large train station, numerous shops, and a variety of things to do.

So whether you want to move here or just spend a day in the town, there are endless possibilities!

Weiden Restaurants

Weiden has a huge variety of dining options. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night, brunch with friends, or a hail and farewell, you’ll find a restaurant that fits your needs!

Hungry for more? Check out our complete guide to Weiden restaurants!

Zoigl stub’n

Zoigl beer is only brewed in der Oberpfalz, and nearly every town in the district has a stub’n. But most are only open one weekend a month, and when they are, they’re packed!

They only serve the staples: beer, pretzels, meat, cheese, and schnapps. I recommend the dreiwurst (three sausages), which is served with their in-house sauerkraut (better than any you’ve had in the States – I guarantee it!).

But if you want to try something more traditional, order the brotzeitteller: the “bread time plate.” It’s a platter of meats, cheeses, and a few pickles, served with a basket of bread.

The Zoigl Stub’n off the Marktplatz is open every week from Thursday through Sunday (open on Wednesdays during Spring and Summer).

Hänsel & Gretel

If you prefer wine, Hänsel and Gretel offers a wide selection in its small boutique. They don’t usually serve food, but you’re welcome to bring food from other surrounding restaurants, like a pizza from L’italiano Pizza e Pasta Bar.

Looking for the best pizza spot in Weiden? Check out my recommendations!

Occasionally, however, they host wine and food pairing events, and I definitely suggest you reserve your spot quickly!

Edelweiss

Named for the flower that grows at the highest point in Germany, Edelweiss is a small cafe on the Stadt Weiden Marktplatz. And on a beautiful, sunny day, their patio is a great spot for people watching!

They offer home roasted coffee, sweet and savory breakfast options, from mini pancakes (poffertjes) to a traditional German breakfast. And if you stop by late at night, they serve beer, wine, and cocktails as well.

Eiscafe Piccola Venezia

If the sun is shining, this ice cream spot inside the Altes Rathaus will be busy! It’s the quintessential Stadt Weiden picture: drinking a beer and enjoying gelato in front of the Old Town Hall. And if there aren’t any seats available, you can walk into the gelato shop itself and order a cone or cup to go.

But the best part is that they’re open for breakfast. If you go to the farmer’s market on Saturday, there will be people enjoying beer and ice cream first thing in the morning. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, you have to do it at least once! #Treatyourself

Things to Do in Weiden in der Oberpfalz

This Bavarian village can keep you entertained all-year round if you know where to look!

Fests

Every season has its celebrations! In the winter, check out the scariest, “family fun” event of them all with Krampus! Frühlingsfest celebrates the arrival of Spring with carnival rides, games, and food.

Oh… and don’t forget about the Maypole rising!

Bürgerfest at the end of June celebrates its citizens in the Weiden Marktplatz with beer, food, and performances by the community.

Planning your first Oktoberfest? I have a guide for that!

And like Frühlingsfest, Volksfest in August celebrates the people with more carnival rides, games, and food. Herbstfest celebrates the arrival of Fall with a rubber ducky race in the creek.

Weiden Farmer’s Market

Every Wednesday and Saturday you can find the farmer’s market in the marktplatz from 7:30am until noon. You can find farmers selling produce, butchers selling meats, bakers selling bread, gardeners selling flowers, or even a gentleman selling just sausages with mustard.

Learn more about visiting the Weiden Farmer’s Market!

Weiden Shops & Local Businesses

There’s all types of unique shopping and hometown businesses to support in Weiden. I encourage you to discover some of these local businesses and meet the people who work hard to provide their products &/or services.

Looking for a Friseur in Weiden?

Although there are great Weiden hairdressers all over the city, two of my favorites are Eightysixx-barbershop & Barberia Emilio Cafe & Friseur. Both these spots are friendly and do professional hair cuts for men.

Weiden Tattoo & Piercing

Ready to make some permanent decisions? How about a new tattoo? I get my work done from a Weiden tattoo shop called “Tattoo & Piercing by Jimmy & Andrea.” Make sure you ask for Zed, the friendliest hard core face-tattooed gangsta I’ve ever met 🙂 These guys do great work and fill up fast, so make an appointment as soon as you can!

Unsere Heimat, Unser Bier – Our Home, Our Beer!

Chances are if you’ve been to a fest in Weiden, you’ve probably come across one of my favorite local brews – Gambrinus! If you haven’t, I recommend trying their many flavors of beer, sodas, and non alcoholic brews. You can even call to order crates of real Weidner beer to be delivered to your doorstep. Gambrinus Brauerei has been a around since 1927, so they’re definitely a well known hometown favorite.

Seasonal Events and Programming

In addition to fests, Weiden has all kinds of programming throughout the year. During the summer, they have the Summer Serenades in the Park, where you can drink local beer while listening to local bands in the afternoon.

Learn more about Summer Serenades in Weiden!

And, of course, there’s also the Weihnachtsmarkt, also known as the Christmas market. For the four weeks before Christmas, the marktplatz transforms into a miniature winter wonderland. Plus, the Alte Rathaus becomes an advent calendar!

Visit Stadt Weiden in der Oberpfalz!

If you want a real taste of Bavaria, you need to visit Weiden! For more information about living in Germany, subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram

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May 11, 2018