PWTM: USAG Ansbach, Germany
Editor’s note: This post was updated in January 2021.
One of the most challenging aspects of military spouse life is preparing for an upcoming PCS or if you get the chance, potentially picking a new duty station. There is a lot of information out there and it can be almost overwhelming.
We here at Army Wife Network want to take the some of the guesswork out of the need-to-knows about duty stations around the globe. Hence, our Post With the Most series. In this particular blog, we will be showcasing information related to U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, Germany.
Located in the heart of beautiful Bavaria, U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach hosts forces from both the United States and other NATO countries, with Katterbach Kaserne just ten minutes away. Bavaria’s capital, Munich, has long been home to a flourishing art scene, as well as the birthplace of Oktoberfest. Ansbach’s location within Bavaria also equates to a shorter distance to both the Czech Republic and Austria.
GENERAL INFORMATION
USAG Ansbach is home to the following units:
- 12th Combat Aviation Brigade
- 7th Army Training Command
- 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment
Surrounding Cities:
- Herrieden (11 kilometers)
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber (33 kilometers)
- Bad Windsheim (34 kilometers)
- Nuremberg (43 kilometers)
Closest Major City: Nuremberg
Names of Area Colleges:
- Hochschule Ansbach/Ansbach University of Applied Sciences in Ansbach
- Augustana Divinity School in Neuendettelsau
- Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg in Nuremberg
Weather: The climate in Ansbach is is relatively mild, averaging in the high 20s to low 30s during the winter; summer temperatures range between the low 50s and low 70s. It rains throughout the year, but spring is fairly wet. Expect frequent cloud cover from autumn to spring and plenty of snow throughout the winter.
Time Zone: Central European Time (Six hours ahead of the east coast)
SPECIFIC POST INFORMATION
To access the post website, click here.
Historical Facts/Landmarks: The area was settled in the mid-700s and first appeared in historical records in the 1200s. St. Gumbertus Church was founded as a monastery and retained the name of its founder after becoming a Lutheran church. The city has been known internationally as both a center for the arts, specifically for porcelain, and as a military garrison. The first installation is now a university and shopping mall. Ansbach also housed both the Luftwaffe and Wehrmacht during World War II. Plaques commemorating both a Jewish cemetery and synagogue, which were vandalized during World War II, are located in the city.
HOUSING
On-post housing is owned and managed by USAG Ansbach Housing Division at Bismarck Kaserne.
Due to the surplus of housing, active-duty families live in military housing. Army Lodging Ansbach can accommodate families on a short-term basis. Pet-friendly rooms are available on a first come, first served basis. Off-post rentals are available; the Housing Office can assist with landlord negotiation—more information can be found on the Off-Post Housing tip sheet.
SCHOOLS
DODEA School Immunization Requirements
On-Post Schools: Aside from DoDEA schools, families are welcome to homeschool their children. Some German kindergartens are open to American children.
Off-Post Schools: Munich International School
ON-POST SERVICES
- Child and Youth Services
- Army Community Service
- Ansbach Spouses’ & Civilians’ Club Thrift Shop
- PX
- Commissary
- Ansbach Library
- Ansbach Army Health Clinic
- Ansbach Family & MWR
- Ansbach Spouses’ & Civilians’ Club
- Chaplain & Religious Services/Organizations
OFF-POST INFORMATION
Health Care: Information for Host Nation facilities is located here.
Best place for beauty services: No off-post salons were personally recommended over Stylique Salon on post.
RESTAURANTS
Ansbach:
- Maharaja (offers on-post delivery)
- China Thai WOK (Cantonese, sushi, and Thai)
- Sai-Thai
- Rossano Boutique Hotel & Ristorante
- Pizzeria da Enzo (Italian food and German food, caters to Americans)
Nuremberg:
MUST DO
Ansbach:
- Ansbach Residenz features tours (in German, with English pamphlets included) of the Baroque and Rococo palace.
- Raubtier is a zoo featuring a variety of rehabilitated animals, though the zoo is most well-known for its large cats.
- St. Gumbertus Church
Herrieden:
Bad Windsheim:
- FrankenTherme (a must-visit spa)
- Freilandmuseum
Rothenburg ob der Tauber:
- Walk the tower trail
- Visit the Christmas market (runs from the end of November until Dec. 23)
- German Christmas Museum
- Medieval Crime Museum (worth the visit)
- Eat schneeballs
Nuremberg:
- Playmobil FunPark
- Imperial Castle of Nuremberg
- Nuremberg Zoo
- Hauptmarkt
- Christkindlesmarkt from the end of November until Christmas Eve (get there in the morning on a weekday to avoid large crowds)
- Rock-cut cellar tours (choose from beer tours or World War II art tours; select tours available in English)
- Albrecht Dürer House
- Frauenkirche (the glockenspiel plays at noon daily)
- Schöner Brunnen (literally called “Beautiful Fountain,” spinning the golden ring is said to bring luck)
- German National Museum
- Memoriam Nuremberg Trials (The courtroom is still used for proceedings and closes when in use. The museum does have a balcony view of the room in case the courtroom is closed, so you can still see inside.)
- Documentation Center Nazi Party Rally Grounds (This is a must-do. You will learn so much about World War II Germany, how the Nazi Party came to power, and the dangers of anti-semitism and genocide.)
Of course, with any overseas location, travel, travel, travel. Drive to neighboring countries. Hop a short flight to make the journey easier. Take the train for a change of pace. Whichever way you travel, be sure to keep experiencing Europe.
SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS
Army Wife Network does not promote or endorse these groups; however, we know they can be helpful in learning about various duty stations, so they are provided for your convenience.
Installation Facebook page: USAG Ansbach Community
Military Spouse Groups:
Buy/Sell/Trade Pages:
Religious services:
SPOUSE TESTIMONIALS
“Germany is the most beautiful, cleanest, and ‘greenest’ place I have ever seen. They recycle everything, they use wind and solar power, and they take pride in their country. America could learn a few things, in my opinion. Be aware that, as a whole, the German people are different than Americans in demeanor. They are very bold and honest, where we Americans like to ‘sugarcoat’ things. It’s not them being rude but them not wasting your time or theirs and getting straight to the point. Most do know English and will help you.” – Katherine S.
“Get out, travel, and enjoy the local culture, wherever you may be. Living in Germany and traveling throughout Europe has been a wonderful experience, and I’m looking forward to returning to the states this year with a new outlook. Whether you’re in Texas, North Carolina, Alaska, Korea, or Germany, get out there and become a part of your community. It is truly what you make it!” – Rachel G.
Even after all these years with AWN, I still learn so much from our blog… We haven’t been to Ansbach (yet??) and I’m confident this post will help those with orders get ready to roll. Prost!