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  • Out and about s for Aug. 10 - 16

    Upcoming festivals Pigfest takes place Aug. 17 - 19. If you arrive Saturday by 2:30 p.m. you will be able to catch all of the festivities, including the catching of the pigs and a parade through the village. At 3 p.m. the Fest will be declared officially open by way of a "flower greeting" to St. Rochus. The delivery of this greeting takes place in

  • Eifel's location shaped its character, history

    From volcanic remnants to Roman ruins to Christian relics, the Eifel region offers a variety of artifacts and ways for visitors to see its historical past. About 400 million years ago, the parts of Germany and Belgium now called the Eifel and Ardennes were situated near the equator and were covered by a warm, shallow sea. Sediment from the sea bed
  • EIFELPARK GONDORF, GERMANY -- Bears, although not the most typical animal found in the Eifel area, are one of the attractions the Eifel Adventure and Animal Park in Dudeldorf. Besides animals, Gondorf offers several amusement areas, slides, sailboats, a water raft, a kid’s giant wheel, bumper cars, an entertainment shooting stand, water games, puppet shows, a wildlife movie theater and more. (US Air Force photo/Iris Reiff)

    Eifelpark Gondorf offers entertainment, fun for family

    With the arrival of the nice weather, Spangdahlem people might consider taking a trip to the nearby Eifel Adventure and Animal Park, which just opened its doors for the 2007 spring and summer season. The park is located right outside the gate on B-50, near the town of Dudeldorf. In Gondorf, nature and adventure come together and the natural wooded
  • SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- The Maria Laach abbey is the home of more than 60 monks. They obey the commandments of Saint Benedikt of Nursia, who in the 6th century preached a balance of work and prayer. (Courtesy photo)

    Maria Laach Monastery offers gateway to past

    Fields, green woods, a deep blue lake and a monastery. Every year two million tourists, pilgrims, art lovers and curious folks from all over the world visit Maria Laach, a popular day-excursion site. Well-posted signs from the A-61 Autobahn, left of the Rhine River, point you in the right direction. From the huge parking lot there are direct views
  • SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- Thousands of visitors travel to the medieval castle of Cochem year-round. The castle staff offers 40-minute tours in English and hosts a medieval festival Aug. 4-5. (Courtesy photo)

    Cochem Castle hot spot for excursions, family outings

    It is definitely a highlight to any Mosel visitor to explore the magnificent castle of Cochem. Documents say that the castle is thought to have been built around the year 1020 during the reign of Count Palatine Ezzo, but the first documentary evidence of the Cochem castle comes from 1051 when Richeza, Count Palatinate Ezzo's eldest daughter and
  • A passenger excursion boat cruises Germany's Ruhrsee. (Courtesy photo)

    All aboard, summer cruises

    It's a special experience; some say a must, for everyone who visits the Eifel-Mosel region to take a cruise on the Mosel River. Enjoy a ride on a modern passenger ship and get a spectacular view of castles, famous cathedrals, lush vineyards and wine towns which dot the romantic Mittelmosel route. Trier, the closest starting point from the base,
  • SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- Easter Sarnecki, local tour guide and Combat Introduction briefer, provides tips and information on German culture and traditions to Spangdahlem Airmen during a tour of Bitburg supported by the Host Nation Council. (US Air Force photo/Iris Reiff)

    Airmen tour Bitburg, learn town's history

    For any Airman, a guided tour through historical Bitburg is a great way to experience one of the many great attractions the Eifel area has to offer. I had an opportunity to visit some of these areas that the German community provid to Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base. Bitburg and the surrounding area provide numerous historical points. One
  • SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- The Host Nation Council sponsored a free trip to Luxembourg for 18 Spangdahlem Air Base Airmen Feb. 24. One of the attractions was to the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial where World War II veterans are honored. The Airmen had the opportunity to see real military history up close and personal. Airmen wishing to participate in upcoming trips should contact the 52nd Fighter Wing Community Relations office at 452-6434. (US Air Force photo/Senior Airman Bryan Bittner)

    Host Nation Council travels to Luxembourg

    The Host Nation Council sponsored a free trip to Luxembourg for 18 Spangdahlem Air Base Airmen Feb. 24.

  • Allied invasion on Normandy beaches remembered

    Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941, our nation wholeheartedly joined the war against the Axis Powers. America's patriotism soared and the country rallied behind her leaders as they prepared for certain conflict. The culmination of our nation's preparations climaxed on June 6, 1944, in the early morning hours. It has come
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