Welcome to the Bavarian Millitary Community

44 Welcome to the U.S.Army Garrison Grafenwoehr. Amberg and the County of Amberg-Sulzbach Dear soldiers of the U.S. Army, family members and guests The city of Amberg and the district of Amberg-Sulzbach have many different, beautiful faces. They contain an intact natural environment and offer guests a variety of scenery. Our region also leaves little to be desired when you are ready for a bit of relaxation and recre- ation. You will find plenty of opportu- nities for cycling and hiking and Monte Kaolino in Hirschau is the world‘s only artificial mountain where you can go skiing during the summer. You will also not want to miss the traditional Kirwan and mountain festivals. The historic old city (Altstadt) is one of the things that make the city of Amberg special. It‘s a great place for shopping or just strolling and passing the time. With many businesses as well as taverns, cafes, and beer gardens, you are sure to find our city to be very hospitable. There is also a rich offering of cultural and recreational opportuni- ties, including many pleasant surprises. For example, thanks to its unique Air Museum and air-related art exhibitions, Amberg has been declared Germany‘s only Luftkunstort. But the best way to learn about our city and region is to visit the many intrigu- ing places and take some time to enjoy the comfortable atmosphere that the city of Amberg and the Amberg-Sulz- bach district have to offer! We are sure that you will feel at home here. Yours truly, Michael Cerny Mayor of the City of Amberg Richard Reisinger Head of the administrative district The district of Amberg-Sulzbach lies at the heart of Bavaria. For a long time now our region has been a popular destination for hikers, Nordic walkers, water-skiers and sand-skiers, for caving or potholing, for canoeists, anglers and cyclists. But it is our country-side that has most to offer visitors. In our district the Jura unfolds into its richest forms and reveals small hills, canyons, dol- ines, limestone reefs, stalactite caves, brilliantly coloured mixed forest, slopes covered with flowers, idyllic streams and countryside covered with ponds. With almost half of the surface area of Amberg-Sulzbach, covered with forest, it is considered one of the most richly forested regions of Bavaria and is the home of some of the traditional forests which today are partly designated as nature parks. The bare juniper moor- land of the Lauterach valley and the lower river Vils present a completely different picture. Not without reason is this stretch of land known as the “Bavarian Tuscany.“ But the district can also offer many cul- tural attractions. Numerous fortresses, ruins, castles and monasteries bear wit- ness to the historic importance of this region. Feel like taking part in a local celebration or festival? In Amberg-Sulz- bach alone there are over 120 church festivals. Visitors come from far and near to visit the unique „hill“ festivals. Throughout the year our restaurants and hotels have something on offer for everyone. The special „game“ weeks are famous beyond the borders of our district; likewise the delicious Jura- distel lamb, which is known to have a special local flavour. To accompany this we have a unique choice of beers: 14 breweries, of which one alone brews 13 different sorts of beer. “Opposites attract” Amberg is a living example of this prov- erb. With its almost thousand years, the town is full of history and historical settings. However, Amberg represents itself as a modern shopping and service center with a broad range of cultural events. Modern and traditional features forming a harmonious entity which provides an excellent quality of life. Discover our beautiful sights. One of the most famous landmarks of Amberg is the “town spectacles”, which is part of the town wall encircling the ancient city. The Gothic town hall, mighty churches and many other historical buildings are characteristic for the unique image of Amberg. Our town guides are pleased to show you more of it. Another sight is the town theatre, which is accommo- dated in a former church. Remarkable performances und concerts take place there. But Amberg has even more to offer as regards culture: Sophisticated events in the Amberg Congress Center, a varied program during the Summer Festival, high-powered literature in the library and a wide choice of films shown in the cinema. You will be pleased by the personal shopping atmosphere in the old town center. During or after your shopping tour you may rest and dine in our restaurants and cafes. In the evening you may spend some time in pubs and clubs. Town hall © Lukas Rode