Wiesbaden and the Rheingau: A Home Away from Home for Americans
My Connection to Americans – A Common Thread in My Life
Wiesbaden and the Rheingau region, notably the Wiesbaden Army Base, have been a home away from home for many Americans for decades. My personal journey is a testament to this unique bond, from growing up amidst the American military presence in Butzbach to coaching American youth in soccer in Wiesbaden. This article explores the rich history, cultural events, and everyday life that connect Americans to this beautiful part of Germany, highlighting how Wiesbaden and the Rheingau, including the Wiesbaden Army Base, have become integral to their experiences abroad.My life story shows a long-standing and deep connection to Americans, which runs like a common thread. I grew up in Butzbach, a town with a significant US military presence in the 1960s, and had close contact with American children and teenagers from childhood.In the late 1970s, I moved to Wiesbaden with my family and started coaching American youth soccer for AYA (American Youth Activities). I enjoyed this a lot, and it led to regular competitions and championships between American and German youth teams.
NATO and the Importance of Wiesbaden Army Base
Amid current geopolitical events, Wiesbaden is coming into the spotlight. The city plays a crucial role in Europe as a central coordination point for NATO for Ukraine aid. But Wiesbaden is more than just a strategic location. For many Americans stationed here or who have been stationed here, the region around Wiesbaden and the Rheingau offers an oasis of peace and discovery. Learn more about the importance of this region and its hidden treasures. Source: Stars and Stripes June 26, 2024
NATO and the Importance of Wiesbaden Army Base
NATO has chosen Wiesbaden as the headquarters for coordinating Ukraine aid, highlighting the city’s strategic importance. General Christopher Cavoli, who already led the US unit in Wiesbaden, takes charge of this mission. Almost 700 people are involved in coordinating military support and equipping Ukraine.The US Military Base in Erbenheim
The US military base in Wiesbaden Erbenheim, known as Clay Kaserne, has been a central hub for American troops in Europe for decades. Here are some deeper insights into the significance and life on this base:- History and Significance: Clay Kaserne was used by the German Luftwaffe during World War II and taken over by US forces after the war. It serves as the headquarters for the US Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) and supports operations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Statistics and Figures:
- Area: Clay Kaserne covers about 1,000 hectares.
- Personnel: Around 3,500 soldiers and 10,000 family members are stationed at the base.
- Visitors: The base is regularly visited by high-ranking personalities such as US Presidents and Defense Ministers.
Cultural Events
Throughout my life, I have lived in Wiesbaden for over 20 years (with interruptions). You can imagine that I have experienced the following festivals more than once 😊 …. and I highly recommend them if you visit this area. Since Frankfurt is the central airport for Germany and only 30 minutes by car from Wiesbaden, you should definitely consider it.
| Event | Month | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rheingau Wine Week Wiesbaden | August | Over 1,000 wines and sparkling wines are available at around 100 stands in downtown Wiesbaden. | |
| Wilhelmstraßenfest (Theatrium)Wiesbaden | June | It is one of the largest street festivals in Germany, with music, theater, handicrafts, and culinary delights. | |
| Mainzer JohannisnachtMainz | June | Festival in honor of Johannes Gutenberg with a flea market, live music, fireworks, and cultural events. | |
| Mainzer Wine MarketMainz | August September | The wine festival in Mainz’s city park has tastings and a diverse program. | |
| MuseumsuferfestFrankfurt | August (last weekend) | It is one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe, with extended museum hours and a diverse program along the Main riverbank. | |
| Rheingau Wine MarketFrankfurt | September | Wine festival in the Freßgass with a wide selection of Rheingau wines and personal encounters with winemakers. | |
| Rheingau Music FestivalRheingau | June September | International music festival with over 170 concerts at historic locations such as Kloster Eberbach and Schloss Johannisberg. |
Outdoor Activities for US Military Personnel and Other Interested Parties
US military personnel in and around the Wiesbaden Army Base can access various outdoor activities that may interest German and American readers. If you visit Germany or are on a trip to Europe, it’s often nice to meet fellow citizens:Hiking and Biking
- Taunus: The Taunus offers numerous hiking and biking trails through dense forests and picturesque villages. Hikes to the Großer Feldberg, the highest point in the Taunus, are particularly popular and offer an impressive view.
- Rheinsteig: The Rheinsteig is a long-distance hiking trail that runs along the Rhine from Wiesbaden to Bonn. The route offers spectacular views of the river and the surrounding vineyards and is ideal for day hikes.
- Rheinblick Golf Course: This golf course, located near the Wiesbaden Army Base, is very popular with American golfers. The course offers a challenging 18-hole round with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. /Source: ArmyMWR.com
- Hunting, Fishing, and Shooting Sports: The Outdoor Recreation Department of the US military base offers programs for hunting, fishing, and shooting sports. These activities are particularly popular with American soldiers who are familiar with these leisure opportunities from the USA. /Source: ArmyMWR.com
- Wiesbaden Sports and Fitness Center: This fitness center offers various training opportunities, including strength training, aerobics classes, and a special program for teenagers. It is a central point for fitness enthusiasts in the military community. /Source: Wiesbaden.armymwr.com
- Paintball and Outdoor Adventures: Paintball and other outdoor adventure activities are popular with American soldiers. They offer excitement and team spirit and are regularly organized by the Outdoor Recreation Department. /Source: Wiesbaden.armymwr.com
Festivals and Public Events for Americans and Germans
In and around Wiesbaden, several events organized by the US military community are open to the local German population. These festivals offer a great opportunity for cultural exchange and joint celebration. Since all festivals occur annually, you should consider incorporating one into your trip.German American Friendship Festival
- Description: The German American Friendship Festival is one of the most famous festivals celebrating the close bond between the US military community and the locals. It takes place annually on the grounds of the US Army in Wiesbaden and offers a variety of attractions such as rides, food stalls, beer gardens, and live entertainment. The festival traditionally ends with a spectacular fireworks display on July 4th. / Source: Army.mil
4th of July Celebration
- Description: The 4th of July celebrations are an important part of American culture and are also celebrated in Wiesbaden. The event offers fireworks, rides, and numerous family activities. These celebrations are open to the local population and promote cultural exchange between Americans and Germans. / Source: Wiesbaden.armymwr.com
German-American Flea Market
- Description: This flea market occurs annually and is a great opportunity for communities to mingle and discover treasures. The market offers a variety of items, from antiques to everyday objects, and is very popular with Americans and Germans. / Source: Wiesbaden.armymwr.com
Sights in and around Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden and its surroundings offer a variety of historical and cultural attractions that are of interest to both American visitors and locals. Here are some of the most significant sights around Wiesbaden, Erbenheim, and the Rheingau:Wiesbaden
- Kurhaus Wiesbaden: The Kurhaus is a magnificent neoclassical building and the city’s landmark. It houses a casino and event rooms and is used for numerous cultural events.
- Nerobergbahn: The Nerobergbahn is a historic funicular that takes visitors to the Neroberg, from which they can enjoy a great view of Wiesbaden. At the top is a climbing park and the Neroberg Temple.
- Russian Church on the Neroberg: The Russian Church, with its golden domes, is an impressive building on the Neroberg. It was built in the 19th century for the deceased Russian princess Elisabeth Michailovna.
Mainz
- Mainz Cathedral (St. Martin): This impressive Romanesque cathedral is in the city’s heart. It has been a religious center for over 1,000 years and houses numerous works of art.
- Gutenberg Museum: The Gutenberg Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of printing. It displays historic printing presses and valuable exhibits. Gutenberg-Museum.de
Frankfurt
- Römer and Römerberg: The Römer is Frankfurt’s historic town hall, and the Römerberg is the central square of the old town. Numerous events take place here, including the famous Frankfurt Christmas market.
- Palmengarten: The Palmengarten is a large botanical garden with various plants worldwide. It offers themed gardens, greenhouses, and seasonal exhibitions. /Palmengarten.de
Rheingau
- Kloster Eberbach: Kloster Eberbach is a former Cistercian monastery and one of the most famous wineries in the Rheingau. It offers tours, wine tastings, and cultural events. Kloster-Eberbach.de
- Schloss Johannisberg: Schloss Johannisberg is a historic winery with over 900 years of wine-making tradition. It offers wine tastings, tours, and a beautiful view of the Rhine. Schloss-Johannisberg.de
Restaurant Recommendations in Wiesbaden and Surroundings
Many great and recommended restaurants exist in Wiesbaden, Mainz, Frankfurt, and the Rheingau. I want to mention just a few here but feel free to write to me if you need more tips.Wiesbaden
Ente im Nassauer Hof: The “Ente” in the Nassauer Hof is known for its fine cuisine and has been awarded a Michelin star. It is an elegant restaurant offering creative and modern interpretations of German cuisine. I often dined here with business friends. A particularly lovely experience was our lunch after our civil wedding – the perfect combination of culinary delight and a special occasion.Weinhaus Kögler: The Weinhaus Kögler is a traditional wine house in the heart of Wiesbaden. It offers a wide selection of regional wines and classic German cuisine in a cozy and authentic atmosphere. We have spent many balmy summer evenings here enjoying the local wine and high-quality cuisine.Mainz
Heiliggeist: The Heiliggeist restaurant is located in a former church and offers a unique atmosphere. The cuisine is modern and international, focusing on regional ingredients. Last year, we had a great evening here during the Christmas market and enjoyed typical Christmas dishes such as goose with red cabbage and dumplings.Frankfurt
Rheingau
Boat Trip on the Rhine
Loreley Tour
- One of the most famous boat trips on the Rhine passes by the legendary Loreley, a steep rock formation towering high above the river. The tour offers impressive views of the vineyards and numerous castles along the river.
- Duration: 2-3 hours / Provider: KD Deutsche Rheinschifffahrt
Castle Tour
- This tour passes numerous castles and palaces along the Rhine, including Burg Rheinfels, Marksburg, and the ruins of Burg Katz. It is a great way to explore the rich history of the region.
- Duration: Half-day or full-day trips / Provider: Bingen-Rüdesheimer
Markets and Special Events
In addition to cultural events, the region around Wiesbaden and the Rheingau offers numerous markets and special events worth visiting. Here, you can experience the original hustle and bustle and get to know the country and its people closely.Wiesbaden Weekly Market
- Description: The weekly market in Wiesbaden takes place twice a week on Dern’sches Gelände and offers fresh regional products, flowers, and specialties. It is a great place to sample local delicacies and enjoy the atmosphere.
- When: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Rheingau Wine Market in Frankfurt
- Description: This annual wine market in the Freßgass in Frankfurt offers a wide selection of Rheingau wines. It is an excellent opportunity to sample various wines and meet the winemakers personally.
- When: September
Mainz Christmas Market
- Description: The Mainz Christmas Market on the cathedral square is one of the most beautiful in the region. It offers a variety of stands with handicrafts, gifts, and culinary specialties. The illuminated facades and the large Christmas tree create a particularly festive atmosphere.
- When: November to December
Conclusion
What army units are stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany?
Wiesbaden is home to several key U.S. Army units, including:
- 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion)
- 2nd Military Intelligence Battalion
- 2nd Theater Signal Brigade
- 66th Military Intelligence Brigade
- 102nd Signal Battalion
- 209th Digital Liaison Detachment
- 485th Intelligence Squadron
These units play crucial roles in supporting U.S. Army operations across Europe.
(Source: Operation Military Kids)
What US Army base is in Germany?
Germany hosts several significant U.S. Army bases. Key locations include:
- Wiesbaden: Headquarters for U.S. Army Europe and Africa.
- Ramstein Air Base: The largest American base outside the U.S., home to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe.
- Grafenwöhr: The largest U.S. Army training area in Europe.
- Stuttgart: Home to U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
How many people are on the Wiesbaden Army base?
The Wiesbaden Army base supports a population of approximately 3,100 military personnel, along with their families and civilian employees. In total, the base serves a community of about 15,000 people.
(Source: Operation Military Kids)
What is the name of the military hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany?
The U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden is home to the Clay Kaserne Health Clinic. For more comprehensive medical care, personnel often travel to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC), which is the largest American military hospital outside the U.S., located near Kaiserslautern.
What is Wiesbaden, Germany known for?
Wiesbaden is famous for its luxurious spas and hot springs, having a rich history as a spa town. The city also boasts elegant architecture, cultural events, and serves as a hub for U.S. military operations in Europe. Notable sites include the Kurhaus, a historic spa house and casino, and the Neroberg Hill, offering panoramic views of the city.
How many Americans are in Wiesbaden?
Wiesbaden is home to approximately 15,000 Americans, including military personnel, their families, and civilian employees, most of whom are connected to the U.S. Army Garrison in the area.
(Source: City Population)
Who is the commander of Wiesbaden Army base?
The current commander of U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden is Colonel Troy Danderson, who assumed command on June 26, 2024.
How many US Army soldiers are stationed in Germany?
As of 2024, approximately 35,000 U.S. Army soldiers are stationed in Germany. This number reflects the significant American military presence across various bases throughout the country.
