Welcome to Wiesbaden! Whether this is your first move or your fifth, settling into a new country can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to help you explore, adjust, and enjoy your new home — both on and off base.
Public Transport (Bus & Train)
RMV Network: Wiesbaden is connected by an excellent public transportation system. Most students use RMV buses and trains to get around.
German transportation is not free! Tickets can be purchased at main bus and train stations, but the most convenient method is using the RMV App.
Apps to Download
RMV App — Route planner, tickets
DB Navigator — Great for regional trains
Google Maps — Easier to use route planner
Military & Base Transport
Free of charge shuttle services are available for travel between housing areas and school or activities. Shuttles also connect different bases such as Hainerberg and Clay. Make sure sure you bring your military ID card to get on base!
Deutsche Bahn (DB) – Germany’s national railway system, offering fast and reliable train travel across the country and Europe. Great for weekend trips!
Youth and Family Programs
Child & Youth Services (CYS)
Child Development Centers (CDC): Full-time and part-time childcare, early learning curriculum, and seasonal camps.
School Age Center (SAC): After-school care with tutoring, creative workshops, and STEM activities.
Middle School & Teen Center: Game rooms, recording studio, leadership clubs (Keystone, Torch), and field trips.
SKIES Unlimited: Instructional programs like martial arts, dance, gymnastics, and fine arts.
Youth Sports & Fitness: Soccer, flag football, track, cheer, baseball, and fitness challenges.
💡 Tip: Register through Parent Central Services in Hainerberg Housing Area.
📍 Parent Central Services – Bldg. 1213, Hainerberg Housing
📞 DSN 548-9356 | CIV +49 (0)611-143-548-9356
🌐 militarychildcare.com
📋 Bring immunization records and updated health forms
Music & Arts Enrichment
🎵 SKIES Unlimited Music Lessons
Private and group lessons are available for:
Piano, violin, voice, guitar, and drums
Youth performance recitals and talent shows
🎨 Arts Programs through SKIES and ACS:
Drawing, painting, and sculpture for kids
Seasonal craft workshops (e.g., holiday ornaments, spring painting)
Teen video editing, photography, and digital design classes
📝 Register at:
📍 Parent Central Services (for SKIES) or via wiesbaden.armymwr.com
🎓 Some courses require small material fees. Schedule and instructor details are listed on the SKIES page.
Cultural Exploration & Local Heritage
📍 Must-See Local Sites:
Museum Wiesbaden – Art, nature, and hands-on exhibits for kids
Biebrich Palace – Baroque gardens on the Rhine, perfect for photos and picnics
Kochbrunnen & Roman Ruins – See active thermal springs and ancient artifacts
Tier- und Pflanzenpark Fasanerie – Local wildlife park with petting zoo and playground
🗺️ Nearby Day Trips:
Mainz – Gutenberg Museum, old town, and riverfront
Rüdesheim – Castles, wine, cable car rides
Frankfurt – Museumsufer (museum row), Palmengarten, and zoo
📝 Plan your trip at:
📍 Outdoor Recreation Center – Bldg. 1043, Clay Kaserne
📞 DSN 548-9801 | CIV +49 (0)611-143-548-9801
🌐 wiesbaden.armymwr.com/programs/outdoor-recreation
🏞 Outdoor Recreation (ODR): Offers trips, rentals, and outdoor experiences:
ODR offers trips, rentals, and outdoor experiences:
Trips: Rhine cruises, ski weekends, alpine hiking, ziplining
Rentals: Bikes, skis, snowboards, kayaks, paddleboards, tents
Events: Paintball tournaments, family climbing days, shooting activites and youth adventure camps
📝 Sign up at:
📍 ODR Center, Clay Kaserne – Bldg. 1043
🌐 Trips listed on the MWR website and via the MWR App
🏙 Downtown Wiesbaden & Attractions
Downtown:
Schlossplatz & Marktkirche – Central plaza with events and food stalls
Luisenplatz – Outdoor cafes and street musicians
Aukammtal Thermal Spa – Indoor and outdoor pools for families (costs additional)
City Festivals – Wine Fest, Street Music Fest, Holiday Market
🍽 Dining for Families:
Hans im Glück – Gourmet burgers with kids’ menu
Alex Café – Local brunch favorite with high chairs
Eis-Cafés & Bakeries – Every corner offers fresh pretzels, gelato, and coffee
Weekly Markets – Wednesdays and Saturdays at Dern’sches Gelände
📝 No registration needed — just explore! Pick up tourist brochures at the Lodge front desk or ACS welcome center.
📚 Library & Learning
Wiesbaden Library (on Clay Kaserne): more than books — the library hosts:
Storytime for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
LEGO Builders Club and STEM activities
Teen book clubs and seasonal reading challenges
Family craft days and DIY workshops
📝 No registration required unless noted.
📍 Library – Bldg. 1029
📞 DSN 548-9821 | CIV +49 (0)611-143-548-9821
🌐 Library Programs Page: https://wiesbaden.armymwr.com/programs/library
Seasonal Events & Community Activities
Fall Fest – Trunk-or-treat, hayrides, costume contests
Holiday Market Trips – Bus trips to German markets (Cologne, Nuremberg)
Spring Events – Egg hunts at the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center, flower festivals, and kite days
Summer Movie Nights – Outdoor family films on base
📝 Sign up at:
Lodge front desk
ACS Welcome Desk (Bldg. 7790)
Library bulletin board
Online via MWR Event Calendar or MWR App: https://wiesbaden.armymwr.com
Currency: Germany uses the Euro (€). Many places accept cards, but cash is still common.
Language: Most locals speak basic English, but learning a few German phrases goes a long way!
Sunday Closures: Many stores are closed Sundays — plan ahead!
Trash & Recycling: Germany has strict recycling rules — your landlord or housing brief will explain the system.
Get Connected and Stay Informed
🗓 Follow Events: wiesbaden.armymwr.com
📲 Download the MWR and MyArmyPost
App for iOS/Android
📢 Join Facebook groups:
USAG Wiesbaden MWR
Wiesbaden CYS Services
Wiesbaden Parents