OUTDOOR RECREATION

KAISERSLAUTERN
Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2905, 493-4117 or 0631-3406-4117. Mon. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. https://kaiserslautern.armymwr.com

Skydiving
July 21
Cost: $279 per person
Get the thrill of a lifetime when you go tandem skydiving with Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation. After approximately 20 minutes of ground training, you and your jumpmaster will board the aircraft and ascend to an altitude of approximately 13000 feet. Safely connected to your jumpmaster and ready to take the plunge, you will exit the airplane and freefall almost 8000 feet at speeds approaching 200 miles per hour, before your tandem jumpmaster opens the parachute. After the chute is opened, you will float gently to earth over a period of about 5 minutes.

Prague Express
July 13
Cost: $99 per person & $69 for children under 12
Enjoy a day in Prague, the Bohemian capital, where the sight seeing opportunities are endless. Czechs say “All cities are jealous of Paris, but Paris is jealous of Prague.” and your friends will be jealous of you while you stroll across Charles Bridge, visit Prague Castle, return to the Soviet era at the KGB Museum or inside a nuclear bunker, admire the Old Town Square and astronomical clock. With no set schedule or tour guide to follow, you are free to explore Prague in your own way and at your own pace.

German Fishing Class
July 20 to 21
Cost: $60 per individual & $100 per family
Graduate and receive a permit to receive your German Fishing License. Students must attend both sessions in one full weekend to graduate.

Venice Express
July 26 to 28
Cost: $189 per person
Lose yourself in the island city of Venice, Italy! Venice is the original pedestrian zone and is filled with countless shops, restaurants, museums and other attractions. With no tour guide or set schedule to follow, you will be able to explore this living museum however you see fit. Visit the glass museums on Murano, ride a water taxi or gondola in the Grand Canal, or shop on both sides of the Rialto Bridge. Regardless of what you plan for your day, make sure to visit Saint Mark’s Square, and remember to plan time into your schedule for when you eventually get lost (and you will!) in this beautiful maze of winding streets and canals.

Ramstein
Ramstein Outdoor Recreation, KMC Center, Bldg. 3336, 480-5705 or 06371-47-5705. Mon. to Fri. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat., Sun., holidays and training days 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. https://www.86fss.com/sports-and-recreation/outdoor-recreation

Roth Horse Ranch
July 6
Cost: $29, Ages: Unrestricted; young riders may ride with parentGiddy up and get your boots on! It’s time for a family oriented trail ride through the hills, farmland and forests around the Roth Horse Ranch! Half of the group will ride while the other half walk alongside the horses. In the middle of the ride, walkers and riders will switch positions. Long pants and closed-toe shoes mandatory. We suggest bringing provisions for a picnic lunch to enjoy a relaxing afternoon out in nature with family. No food is available at the ranch.

Skydive The Saar 
July 13
Cost: $150, Ages: 12+ firm, weigh less than 95 kilos, minimum 140cm tall
Climb to a height of about 4000 meters above the border of Germany and France above the Saar River… then experience human flight with a tandem jump! A tandem jump gives you a direct experience of the excitement during a free fall. The ascent, the jump, the speed during free fall, gliding under the canopy — it all creates a breathtaking experience beyond description. Suggest packing cash euro for food and beverage, a sack lunch if you prefer, and a book/ game/ good conversation for the time you’ll spend waiting on your flight at the landing zone.

German Countryside Canoe
July 13
Cost: $40, Ages: 6+, with parent; Water confidence a must
The Rivers of Germany offer unparalleled cultural and natural beauty. Join us as we paddle canoes through wine country and nature preserves along the Saar River. Dress for the weather and bring plenty of water, snacks and food for a lunch along the riverbank.

Zipline Elmstein
July 14
Cost:$35 Ages: 12+ with parent
Pre-registration date(s): By Wednesday prior
“Fly” through the forest on 18 steel cables from tree to tree! See the treetops from a perspective you will never forget! Some platforms include “jumps” into space before the line supports your weight. Must weigh between 35-120kg. If you are afraid of heights, ziplining is not for you. Zipline Elmstein is highly regarded in our area and is insured. We will plan to eat lunch (traditional German offerings) on site after the zipping. Bring euro or a sack lunch if you prefer.

Saar River Bicycle Tour
July 14
Cost: $40 Ages: 18+
Pre-registration date(s): by Wednesday prior
The Saar River Valley is a true hidden gem of Western Germany. Bicycle paths lining both banks pass by waterfalls and castles winding towards the river’s confluence with the Mosel. Fitness and endurance are suggested for this approximately 35 km bicycle tour. Bring water, snacks, and cash euro for meals along route. Dress for forecast, and carry a small daypack for personal items when riding.

Metz SUP
July 14 & 28
Ages: Unrestricted: young paddlers ride with parent
Pre-registration date(s): 5 days prior
An ODR classic, the ever-popular Metz Stand up Paddleboard tour provides an amazing way to take in the sites of this beautiful French City. Glide across the canals of the Moselle River through the city center! We will start off outside the city then “commute” into downtown via waterways and canals. A small docking platform allows us to secure our craft and then wander the city streets in search of a sweet or savory lunch option. Perhaps a Royale with Cheese? Register early to ensure you snag a space! No previous SUP experience required, however water confidence, balance, and some physical endurance suggested. The winds can be unpredictable. Water shoes and modest swim attire suggested. Bring passport, euro for lunch, and a change of clothes for the ride home. Boards support up to 250 lbs adult or adult/ child comb

Camping Luxembourg
July 19 to 21
Cost: $75 Adult, $35 minor Ages: 4+ with parent, pre-register 1 week prior
SUP board use, mountain bike use Berdorf, Luxembourg is an outdoor person’s mecca! The Sauer River, miles of mountain bike trails, and beautiful steep sandstones climbing walls all converge at this gorgeous point overlooking the border with Germany. Join us for hiking, climbing, cycling, and exploring all the beauty this country has to offer! Camping equipment (sleeping bags, tents, and sleeping pads) are available for rent for half price if you don’t already own your own! We’ll drive out Friday afternoon, spend two nights at the campground adjacent to the trails and the climbing, and enjoy the summer season and its long daylight hours together. Separate vehicles may be driven if desired: $15 additional fee per vehicle. Sorry, no unaccompanied minors.

BAUMHOLDER
Baumholder Outdoor Recreation, Smith Barracks, Bldg. 816, 485-7182 or 06783-6-7182

Paris Express 
July 20 to 21
Enjoy the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower or Tour Montparnasse (the only place in Paris where you can’t see the ugliest building in Paris), ride the RER to Versailles, take the “secret” back entrance into the Lourve and skip the line to see the Mona Lisa, or climb the twin towers of Notre Dame. With no tour guide to follow or pre-planned sight-seeing schedule to adhere to, you are free to explore the “most romantic city in the world” however you wish. If you asked 50 different people to describe the best way to spend a day in Paris, you would get 50 different answers. Don’t settle for someone else’s pre-packaged day in Paris seeing what they want you to see. When you download a free e-travelguide for your phone or tablet from Army Libraries you can make your trip to Paris your own.