It has been a terrific few days living within and experiencing the culture of the Bavaria Region of Germany.
Vilseck and Grafenwöhr are towns in eastern Bavaria, Germany.
They are widely known for the United States Army military installation and training area, called Grafenwohr Training Area, a former German WW1 and WW2 military installation.
The area houses the 7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command (JMTC). The 7th Army JMTC owns almost all of the U.S. Army training facilities and assets in Europe.
The Grafenwöhr Training Area is one of its largest training areas and includes ranges that can accommodate nearly every weapons system currently used.
Though operated by the U.S. Army, the area is the largest multinational training area in Europe. Grafenwöhr (Tower Barracks) and Vilseck (Rose Barracks) contribute greatly to the community and the economy.
Many in the service live within the communities.
Entering Vilseck from the North.
The neighborhood.
Like a movie set, as is much of Germany. Beautiful. The town was previously protected by 3 gates, and towers, of the castle.
3 meters wide, x 2 m meters tall
The former castle.
The village has an area titled a local sharwd with us as ‘The Gardens’.
It was several acres of dozens of various plots, similar in size to 1/4 to 1/2 acre back yard, that were all being used in the evening by each family owner/renter (we didn’t want to post photos of families).
Air conditioning doesn’t exist in the neighborhoods, so we assume it is common in Summer to spend some evening time here partly due to weather, but also due to space.
Houses don’t have big yards, so residents come here to their plot to have children play, eat dinner, chat around a campfire, garden, etc.
Actually a really neat concept!
Another ’garden’ plot…….
Castle Dagestein
Courtyard of the prior castle.
