Explore Europe with UCG - USED CAR GUYS: Used Car Dealer for US Military Stationed in Germany

🍇 15 Wineries to Visit Within 2 Hours of the KMC 🍇

Discover the Wine Country on Your Doorstep

8 Wild Swimming Lakes Near the KMC

What a glorious summer we are having here in Germany. But you might be finding the temperatures a little hot to handle. If so the ideal solution is to cool off with a nice swim. There are lots of lovely outdoor pools to discover in the KMC area, but for real nature lovers you will find that Germany offers some amazing wild swimming lakes.

🌦️ Any Weather Things to Do Around KMCC

The sun is out, spring is coming, but we know in Germany the weather could change in a heartbeat. So it’s great to have a list of places to visit, regardless of whether it is rain or shine. Fortunately, southwest Germany is exceptionally well positioned for culture-rich escapes that require little more than a comfortable…Read More

Six Romantic Valentine’s Weekend Getaways

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to escape on a romantic weekend with your loved one. Whether you’re stationed at Ramstein Air Base, living in Stuttgart, or working in Bavaria, Germany offers countless dreamy destinations ideal for a short but memorable getaway. From enchanting castles to fairytale villages and serene spa towns, here are some…Read More

🌟 Family Fun Near Grafenwöhr, Vilseck & Hohenfels

Looking for easy, affordable, and family-friendly adventures near Grafenwöhr, Vilseck, or Hohenfels? Whether your kids love animals, waterparks, or just need a place to burn off some energy, there are plenty of great options just a short drive away. We’ve rounded up some of our community’s tried-and-true favorites for a fun day out with the…Read More

Explore Europe – Oktoberfest

You absolutely must experience a traditional German Beer Festival while you are based here! If you are thinking of heading to Oktoberfest in Munich this year, then let me give you some tips to get the best of your trip…

🎃 Pumpkin Adventures Around Ramstein, Stuttgart, Grafenwöhr & Spangdahlem

As the days grow cooler and the leaves turn golden, Germany comes alive with one of autumn’s most cheerful traditions—pumpkin season. From family-run farms to palace gardens overflowing with hundreds of thousands of gourds, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate fall. Whether you’re craving a cozy outing close to base or a road trip-worthy…Read More

Six ‘Nearly Spring’ Road Trips

Scenic Getaways from Ramstein, Stuttgart & Aviano As winter fades and Europe starts waking up to longer days and blooming landscapes, it’s the perfect time for a nearly spring road trip! Before the seasonal crowds arrive, you can enjoy mild weather, peaceful villages, and breathtaking scenery at these easily drivable destinations from Ramstein, Stuttgart, or…Read More

Winter Car Care Tips for January

How to Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape As January settles in, temperatures drop, and winter conditions can take a toll on your car. For those of us in Germany, where icy mornings and unpredictable weather are common, staying proactive about car care is essential—especially for American military personnel navigating European roads. Here are some…Read More

10 Best Places to Ski in Europe This January

All Driveable from the KMC, USAG Stuttgart or Aviano/Vicenza If you’re part of the American military stationed at Ramstein, Stuttgart, Spangdahlem, Aviano, or Vicenza, you’re in a prime spot to explore some of Europe’s most incredible ski destinations. From the heart of Germany to the Italian Alps, these slopes are just a road trip away….Read More

Skiing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

David spent another weekend on the slopes recently, this time returning to where he honed his skiing skills over 10 years ago, to Garmisch-Parkenkirchen or GAP as it’s known to locals… GAP is Germany’s most popular ski resort and home to the country’s tallest peak, the Zupitze Glacier. It’s also an incredibly popular sporting resort…Read More

Skiing in Schladming

Hi, David here. I spent another New Year (or Silvester as we say in Germany), skiing in the lovely Austrian resort of Schladming. For the winter sports fans amongst you, Schladming has been host to the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships twice, and will host the Men’s World Cup Night Slalom on 23rd January this year….Read More

A Weekend in Wagrain

David here with another skiing trip to tell you about… well, it’s the reason I love to live in mainland Europe! I’ve just come back from a long weekend in the Austrian resort of Wagrain, part of the Ski Amade area. I actually spent a full week here a few years ago over new year,…Read More

Explore Europe Episode [011] Oktoberfest, Munich & Cannstatter Volksfest, Stuttgart

Welcome back to the first episde of our second series. Today we’re visting the most beer famous festival in the world, Oktoberfest in Munich!
We’re also sharing our insiders tip, which is to go to the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart for the exact same experience without the cost and hassle of getting to Munich with millions of other tourists.

Exploring the Enchantment of Lake Constance

A Journey Through History, Tranquility, and Adventure Nestled in the embrace of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland lies the captivating Lake Constance, or Bodensee, as its known locally. This picturesque freshwater lake is not merely a body of water but a destination brimming with historical significance, natural beauty, and endless opportunities for exploration. From charming medieval…Read More

10 Unexpected Places to Visit in Germany

Are you planning to get away this Easter Weekend? It’s not too late to pack in a trip but let us recommend something a little unexpected… Germany is a country with a rich history and culture, and there are countless places to visit and explore. But if you’re looking for something a little off the…Read More

Discover the Historic Charm of Trier

A Must-Visit Destination Trier is Germany’s oldest city and is a hidden gem that offers American tourists a fascinating blend of ancient Roman history, stunning architecture, and captivating culture. With its well-preserved Roman monuments, charming medieval Old Town with winding streets and half-timbered houses, and delectable culinary scene, Trier presents a unique and enriching travel…Read More

Five “Hidden Gem” Day Trips

(Within 1 hour of the KMC) Looking for day trips filled with history, culture, adventure, unique architecture, and of course delicious food? We all may be familiar with the popular day trips in our region, but we want to share our favorite “under the radar” adventures. These include qualities of the more commonly recognized day…Read More

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Switzerland

Switzerland is a small but mighty country located in the heart of Europe, known for its picturesque alpine scenery, rich culture, and delicious chocolate and cheese. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture buff, an adventurer, or a foodie, Switzerland has something to offer. From skiing in the Swiss Alps to hiking in the Jungfrau…Read More

Ireland – The Ultimate Travel Guide

Welcome to the Used Car Guys Ultimate Travel Guide to Ireland and Northern Ireland! On St. Patrick’s Day, we felt it was a great time to share some of our favorite places to visit throughout the Emerald Isle… and we consider ourselves quite an authority as that’s where our parents are from so we have…Read More

6 Amusement Parks in Germany to Visit

Six amusement parks full of white-knuckle rides and family attractions that are all quite easy to reach from USAG Stuttgart or the KMC.

Explore Europe Episode [016] Christmas Markets

Is there anything better than living in Europe and especially Germany at this time of year. Nothing says Christmas quite like the traditional Weihnachtsmarkt that you will find in every big city, small town and even the tiny villages. We’ve recommended our favourite Christmas markets throughout this episode, but I’ll bet once you have visited a few, you will have your own. Everyone is unique and each one is worth a visit.

Our Favorite Christmas Markets

One of the best things about living in Germany this time of year are the beautiful Christmas markets. The magical atmosphere, the beautiful sights and the delicious smells are hard to match anywhere else in the world. There are so many to see and only one month to see them all! So we asked our sales, admin and service center team to share tips about their favorite Christmas Markets, so that you can enjoy this magical time with some insider knowledge.

Our 9 Favorite Beer Gardens Near USAG Stuttgart

There’s nothing better than a cold beer after work is there? Enjoy the round-up of our 9 favourite beer gardens near USAG Stuttgart.

Three Post Lock-Down Day Trips Near USAG Stuttgart

We’ve put together three of hidden treasures that you can easily reach from USAG Stuttgart in less than an hour from the Covid-secure comfort of your own car – or even a new-to-you vehicle from Used Car Guys!

Three Post Lock-Down Day Trips Less than an Hour’s Drive from the KMC

We’ve put together three of our favourite places that you can easily reach from the Kaiserslautern and Ramstein Military Community in an hour or less. Each one is a day trip that you can drive to, because as much as we love the incredible train network in Germany, right now… your own car – or a new-to-you vehicle from the Used Car Guys is the most covid secure way to reach these locations.

Black Forest Hiking in Murgtal

David recently took a weekend trip to the Black Forest with wife, Michelle and dog, Lola for some hiking and relaxing. Here he tells you all about his weekend with some tips.

11 Of the Best Beer Gardens in the KMC

There really is nothing better than a nice cold local brew in a beer garden. Especially when summer is as hot as it is this year! Living in Germany means we are really are in the best place to take advantage of some fine German beer gardens and even finer German beer! Here are our Favorite Places for a Cold Beer in Kaiserslautern, Ramstein and Landstuhl.

Explore Europe – Trier

You could spend a lot of time under Trier’s spell, enjoying the Roman treasures at the Landesmuseum, navigating the cellars below the amphitheatre or the passageways at the Imperial Baths.

Explore Europe – Europa Park

Prague is home to a number of well-known cultural attractions, many of which survived the violence and destruction of 20th-century Europe. Main attractions include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock, the Jewish Quarter, Petřín hill and Vyšehrad. Since 1992, the extensive historic centre of Prague has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Explore Europe – Prague

Explore Europe – Croatia

Episode eight of UCG’s Explore Europe one minute tours and we visit arguably the most beautiful country in Europe, Croatia! Home to the Unesco Heritage Site of Trogir near Split, over 1300 islands including Ciovo, and of course… Dubrovnik the site of King’s Landing from Game of Thrones.

Hiking Around Kaiserslautern

There are several hiking or running routes that you can take from the Bremerhof in Kaislerslautern that lead up to the Humbergturm, a very picturesque old observation tower that offers fabulous views.

Explore Europe – Heidelberg

Episode seven of UCG’s Explore Europe one minute tours and we are visiting one of the most popular and historic cities in Germany, Heidelberg! Heidelberg is just a 90 minute drive from Kaiserslautern/Ramstein. This university city is packed with cobbled stone streets and beautiful buildings.

Historic Heidelberg

Friends came to visit from England for a weekend and I wanted to show them Germany but without travelling too far so we went to Heidelberg as part of our #ExploreEurope campaign. Heidelberg is a university city and a tourist draw. There is a fantastic buzz about the place. It is very old worldy. Lots…Read More

Explore Europe – St. Anton & Ischgl

Episode six of UCG’s Explore Europe one minute tours and this time we are visiting two superb skiing hotspots, St. Anton and Ischgl! Both resorts are just a 5 hour drive from Kaiserslautern/Ramstein. What are you waiting for?

Top Après-Ski Spots for Party Animals

Skiing in Europe is really only half the fun. What happens at the end of the day, or usually mid-afternoon, is what a great ski holiday with friends is really all about. And the après-ski fun usually starts right on the slopes! We’ve chosen some of our favourite resorts based on their après-ski appeal. Each and everyone of these has been diligently tried and tested by one of our team!

A Weekly Walk or Run in Ramstein

If getting fit and meeting new people is your goal then Seewoog parkrun just might be for you! Seewoog parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5km running/walking event organised by local volunteers that takes place in Ramstein-Miesenbach every Saturday morning at 9am. Everyone is welcome at parkrun – to walk, jog or run the beautiful…Read More

Explore Europe – Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Episode five of UCG’s Explore Europe one minute tours – this week we are heading to Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria. Home to the Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Germany, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the most popular spots for Americans to visit. The town is super friendly to military members – you’ll find english-speakers throughout, lots of…Read More

Explore Europe Episode [015] Dresden

Dresden is the capital of the German state of Saxony. It’s situated in a valley on the River Elbe, near the border with the Czech Republic and was part of the former East Germany until reunification in 1990.The city has experienced dramatic changes reunification. Dresden is once again a cultural, educational and political centre of Germany and Europe.

Explore Europe Episode [014] The Mont Blanc Trail

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a unique trek of approximately 200km around Mont Blanc that can be completed in between 7 and 10 days passing through Italy, Switzerland and France. It’s one of the most famous and exhilarating treks in Europe. Hikers, climbers and mountaineers will love the authenticity of the overnights offered by mountain refuges and gites along the Tour du Mont Blanc. Our special guest, Kaiserslautern Elementary School music teacher Gretchen Lynch, explains that you do not need to be a hardcore mountaineer to do the Mont Blanc Trail.

Three Thanksgiving Weekend Trip Ideas

The countdown to Thanksgiving is upon us. If you like to travel then we have put together three trips that we think make an excellent Thanksgiving weekend!

Explore Europe Episode [013] Copenhagen in Denmark

Home to the children’s story teller, Hans Christian Andersen, the city of Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and very much the beating heart of the country. Listen to our interview with local expert Melanie Haynes to get the very best insiders guide to a weekend in this fabulous city.

Winter is Coming: Time for Winter Tires

Driving in Winter means being prepared for all conditions – from black ice to heavy snowfall. Whilst the roads are well maintained in Germany, the weather is unpredictable and the road conditions can change very quickly. You need to ensure your tires are suitable for these hazardous conditions so that means getting prepared – NOW!

Hiking in the Schwarzwald

For a perfect walking weekend, I recommend vising the Schwarzwald (Black Forest) area of Saig-Lenzkirch and Feldberg. Close to the French Alsace region, it’s about 2.5 hours drive from Ramstein and very pretty. It’s a perfect getaway for an active weekend of walking (or mountain biking if you are really brave).

Explore Europe – Dublin

Jump on a Ryanair flight to Dublin and explore one of the most beautiful and visited cities in Europe. Photograph historic buildings and churches, discover beautiful views, kiss the Blarney Stone, party in Temple Bar, visit the Guinness Store House at St. James Gate, and much much more!

Explore Europe Episode [012] Paris in France

Paris, the capital of France, is a global hub for art, architecture, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its 19th-century cityscape is criss-crossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. Paris is just a 2.5 hour train journey from Kaiserslautern or London. So the only question is really, why wouldn’t you visit?

Explore Europe – Amsterdam

Episode three of UCG’s Explore Europe one minute tours – this week we are showing you what to do with 48 hours in Amsterdam! Explore the canals, ride a bike, try the local beer, visit Anne Frank’s house, eat cheese, eat waffles, discover coffee shops, visit museums, take a selfie at the I Amsterdam sign,…Read More

Explore Europe – Bostalsee

Episode two of UCG’s Explore Europe one minute tours – this week we are heading to beautiful Bostalsee, Germany. It’s such a great spot to enjoy swimming, water sports, sunbathing, hiking, dining, camping and beach sports! Bostalsee is just 40 mins from the Kaiserslautern and Ramstein Military community. Have you been? Run VT…

11 Great Days Out for Families with Small Kids near the KMC

We know it can be tough to find ways to entertain small people, especially when you move to a brand new location like Ramstein or Kaislerslautern and don’t speak a word of German! So we asked James’ wife where she likes to take their two year old, Eddy.

Explore Europe Episode [010] London for Little or No Money

In this episode Michelle, a former Londoner, gives you all of her secrets for a low-cost weekend in London which is somehwere we think you should visit at least two or three times whilst you are based in Europe. Yep, it’s that good!

Explore Europe Episode [009] Deutsche Weinstrasse

In this episode, Michelle welcome a special guest, Bret Helenius, CEO of AdvantiPro – publishers of the Find-It Guide and the Kaiserslautern American – to talk about the Deutsche Weinstraße – The German Wine Road.

Ciovo in Croatia

If you haven’t visited Croatia you really should whilst you are on tour in Europe. It has over 1,244 islands islets and reefs, eight national parks, and 6,278km of gorgeous coastline along the eastern side of the Adriatic ocean. It is an astonishingly beautiful coastline, with thousands of small pebble coves leading on to the…Read More

Explore Europe Episode [008] Luxembourg

Surrounded by France, Belgium and Germany, Luxembourg is it’s one of the worlds smallest countries yet its packed with medieval charm. The capital, Luxembourg City, has a fairy-tale quality thanks to its beautiful old town perched on top of sheer cliffs with incredible views across deep gorges where the rivers pass through the Ardenne forest.

Explore Europe Episode [007] Strasbourg in France

Strasbourg is such a picturesque place which manages to somehow balance the medieval architecture of winding cobble stone alleys and crooked half-timbered houses with the modern progressive EU Quarter and France’s second-largest student population.

Explore Europe – Italy

Episode one of UCG’s Explore Europe one minute tours – this week we are heading to gorgeous and glorious Italy! Have you been? Run VT…

Explore Europe – Trailer

Stay tuned for a series of one-minute travel tours as we explore europe to discover some of Europe’s most famous sites, undiscovered gems, beautiful buildings, remote mountains, gorgeous beaches and cosmopolitan cities. Here’s a taster! Run VT…

Explore Europe Episode [006] Cambridge in England

The University City of Cambridge comprises 31 Colleges and over 150 departments, museums and other institutions. Founded in 1209 and granted a Royal Charter by King Henry III in 1231, Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world and the world’s fourth-oldest surviving university.

Explore Europe Episode [005] Titisee-Neustadt in the Black Forest

Titisee-Neustadt is a great little town to start your Black Forest adventures because he has something for everyone. There is so much we could have talked about in this episode but didn’t have time for so I’m just going to encourage you to visit and find out for yourself!

Explore Europe Episode [004] Budapest

Budapest is often called the Pearl of the Danube or the Paris of the East. It sits at the crossroads of Western and Eastern Europe and manages to combine old world charm, through its magnificent architecture and grand coffee houses with modern lifestyle, offering trendy cafés, bars and high restaurants and all for a really affordable price.

Explore Europe Episode [003] Heidelberg

On this episode of Explore Europe featuring John from The Used Car Guys we visit the beautiful and historic city of Heidelberg and discover it’s charming streets, bridges, buildings and the castle.

Explore Europe Episode [002] Berlin

This very first episode of Explore Europe starts in the capital city of Berlin featuring John from The Used Car Guys. Berlin is a fantastic city that is steeped in history, has a long association with the U.S. Military and is full of must-see sights.

Explore Europe Episode [001] Welcome

Welcome to Explore Europe! If you are stationed in Germany, or perhaps even Italy or the UK, then this podcast is for you. Get the best out of your tour whilst you are based here. Explore a new location each week of the series with Michelle & John and discover our highlights to help you plan your trip – including some key shortcuts, insider knowledge and suggested itineraries.

Must-See Highlights of The Black Forest

The famous Black Forest is a mountainous region in southwest Germany, bordering France. It’s one of David’s favourite spots for weekend getaways! Known for its dense, evergreen forests, picturesque villages and mysterious lakes, the Black Forest is often associated with the Brothers Grimm fairy tales – particularly Hansel and Gretel. It’s also renowned for healing…Read More

Beautiful Budapest

John was out again on his travels again in his efforts to #ExploreEurope – This time he hit the Hungarian Capital of Budapest. Here is his account of the trip…

Exploring Nancy

As part of our #ExploreEurope campaign John the roving (we prefer tedious!) traveler rolled up to Nancy in France. Nancy was the capital of the Lorraine Region (as in Quiche Lorraine the delicious pie). Nancy is only a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Ramstein so can be done on a day trip or a…Read More

3 Reasons to Change Your Winter Tires for Summers Now

Winter tires are made to maintain traction in extreme cold, ice, snow or slush. If you have been in Germany through a winter then you have already experienced those conditions and I’m pretty sure you don’t need convincing why winter tires are not just a good idea, but essential. Oktober bis Ostern. October to Easter….Read More

Berlin: Where East Meets West

John spent last weekend in the historic and oh-so-hip city of Berlin. And he loved it! Here’s some cracking sightseeing tips and reflections from his trip… Berlin is home to 3.5 million people – the largest city in Germany. Since the fall of the Berlin wall, it’s also the capital. During the days of (Germany…Read More

Barking Mad

If you have visited one of our locations in Kaiserslautern or Ramstein, then you have most likely met one of our office dogs. When James and I set up the Used Car Guys back in 2012, we already knew we were going to have a dog-friendly workplace. Evidence shows that people that bring dogs to work…Read More

Marathon Man in Nice

I’ve just returned from the Marathon des Alpes-Maritimes in Nice, France. I ran with with a good buddy who flew over from England to join me. It was his first marathon (my sixth!) and we ran it in memory of his father who passed away earlier this year. It was a terrific event. Really well…Read More

A Weekend in Quaint Cambridge

Three of the Used Car Guys were back in their hometown of Cambridge, UK last weekend for a family event. We took a few German guests home with us, which meant we had to be a tourist guide in our own town for the weekend. Isn’t it often the case that you don’t truly appreciate…Read More

Grape Escape

John spent last weekend in picturesque Reims, France – the capital of the Champagne-growing region. It’s a beautiful town that is well worth a visit, and just two hours drive from Ramstein. Champagne is actually is 330 villages that make up the region. The Champagne route is a road that takes you through some of the villages. All…Read More

Historic Motor Racing

We were lucky enough to spend last weekend at a very famous motor racing circuit as guests of Raceworks Motorsport, to watch the Spa Classic 6 Hour Endurance Race weekend. And what a weekend it was! We saw lots of fantastic cars, each with a racing pedigree to be proud of, plus a few famous racing drivers…Read More