A Day in Idar Oberstein Photo Gallery by Big Mike at pbase.com

A Day in Idar Oberstein

This small city is well know for it's Edelstein or in other words, gemstones. Idar-Oberstein is surrounded by the wildly romantic valleys of the Naheland and picturesque Hunsrueck Mountains. Idar-Oberstein is the main attraction on the German Gemstone Route. Years ago, I was stationed in Balmholder, which isn't too far from this town. On our way home, we stopped by Balmholder too. Man, how the place has changed since 1974.. I was glad to see that they went all out in support of welcoming home the troops!

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mo town		30-Apr-2012 00:17
O yes I love the pictures they brough back old memories, we had a great time in Idar Oberstein, the food was good and the beer was also, I remember the church in the rocks. I remember the Kaserne up on the hill or the mountain, and I use to walk home coming down the hill, I live just below the kaserne. That was in 1965 to 1966, I really love Germany, it was cold in the winter.

mo town		29-Apr-2012 23:54
Jerome Doughton I was station in Strassburg kaserne 664 th ord co from 1965 to 1966, I was also station at Ray Barracks 1964 to 1965. When I was at Ray Barracks I live off post in Bad Nauheim, when I was at Strassburg I live in Idar Oberstein at Ray I was in 144th ord co, if there is anyone who was station at any of these place at those time I would like to talk with you, please e-mail me at jdoug86385@aol.com or call me 734-728-4611, I am trying to fine some of my old army buddys, they use to call me Motor city or motor town. thanks. Jerome D

josh		19-Sep-2011 05:28
I was stationed at strassburg from 2006-2008 and was one of the last soldiers to leave before we turned it back over to the germans. I loved the time I spent there and was planning on re-enlisting just to stay there until they told us we were leaving to Ft. Lewis when were deployed to Romania. I had some outstanding memories there and will definitely have to make my way there again one day. Does anybody know what they are doing to the place? I really hope they don't tear it down because there is a lot of history in that place. It's a shame to think that a once bustling close knit post where everybody knew everybody is a ghost town now. They should just move another unit there or send 1-94 back. A 1-94 steel rain 2006-2008

Guest		13-Aug-2011 04:31
Thanks for the great pics of Idar and Strasberg- we lived there from 1979 to 1981 - in building 9047 apt 3A - awesome place the big houses were still up on the hill when we were stationed there, and some friends and I befriended a local german farmer who would herd his cattle around the base to keep the grass down- we ended up herding them through LTC Pickler's yard once though - that was not a good day. anyway great memories - Darren Stewart

Guest		05-Jun-2011 11:16
I retired from the Army in 2002 and now live in a village just behind Strassburg Kaserne. It is empty now and has been for a couple of years. It is locked up and the lights are out. Kind of a ghost town now. It's future is uncertain.

Mike Langley		09-May-2011 17:04
I was stationed at strassburg from 1986-1988. I was in charlie battery6/29FA Capt allensworth was my battery commander! I have a special place in my heart this kaserne! I was married there to a local German national by the name of Gabriele Emmberger! This was one of my best duty stations while serving in the US ARMY!!!!May GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!!! Mike Langley US ARMY RETIRED!!email (Thelab4@yahoo.com)

Bob Skislak		18-Apr-2011 00:49
Bob Skislak, Grand Rapids,Michigan. I was in the U.S. Army 58th Medical Evacuation Unit stationed at the Strassburg Kaserne in 1957 & 1958.

Michael Rowe		14-Feb-2011 02:35
I also was stationed with the 415th ASA from 1976-1978. What a beautiful town it is and remember always running PT in the morning up and down the sloping hills, as always it was great to be running down. Lots of memories and great food. I am sure the Germans treat GI's much better now compared to the Cold War Era.

mike gushue		25-Jan-2011 05:01
thanks for the memories of THE ROCK and I always lover Idar-oberstein I tell my wife of this all the time was there 1989 -1990

Guest		25-Jan-2011 04:57
great picture brught back fine feeling of baumholder and Idar-Oberstien was there 1989 - 1990 with the USAR I have to go there with my wife I always tell her of this!

Shelley Luedtke		08-Jan-2011 23:13
Hi, my name is Shelley Luedtke. My dad was stationed in Straussburg from 1971-74. My dad's name is SFC Fearn A Bowen and my mom is Annina Bowen. They have 6 daughters so if anybody remembered us from Straussburg, please respond. :)

Guest		21-Oct-2010 21:14
Great pictures and comments. My wife and I were married at the Strassburg Kaserne Chapel in 1963. I was assigned to the 85th QM Co. and later to the Depot at Nahbollenbach. We have just established contact with an old German friend, Peter Gerber, a goldsmith in Idar Oberstein and plan to visit him and Idar Oberstein and the Kaserne in June 2010 which will be our 50th Wedding Anniversary. Dick Hahn

guest		18-Aug-2010 04:55
Pommes fritz und Wein und Coke Bitte!

guest		18-Aug-2010 04:50
I remember you Ute and your older sister Linda. I was there in 1971 (our barracks was right next door to "Pauls Place". Really enjoyed my time there and Idar-Oberstein was one of the most beautiful places I saw in Germany. Also visited the area one time since and remember there had been an earthquake which did some damage (the church especially)

guest		18-Aug-2010 04:45
I remember you Ute and your older sister Linda. I was there in 1971 (our barracks was right next door to "Pauls Place". Really enjoyed my time there and Idar-Oberstein was one of the most beautiful places I saw in Germany.

guest		18-Aug-2010 04:45
I remember you Ute and your older sister Linda. I was there in 1971 (our barracks was right next door to "Pauls Place". Really enjoyed my time there and Idar-Oberstein was one of the most beautiful places I saw in Germany.

guest		18-Aug-2010 04:42
I remember you Ute and your older sister Linda. I was there in 1971 (our barracks was right next door to "Pauls Place". Really enjoyed my time there and Idar-Oberstein was one of the most beautiful places I saw in Germany.

Joan		16-Aug-2010 23:26
in 1998 i was in vilseck an lost contact with a friend molly ball my grandson is in the military an leaving for balmholder in oct if anyone knows my friend i would like very much for her to meet him an show the beautiful sights of germany

Guest		16-Jul-2010 11:07
I was station at Strassburg 1969-1971 I was withthe 557th QM Supply Company '' AIR DELIVERY ''Our barracks was the 3rd building as you came into the base.Our unit was split with non jumpers. I was a jumper we would spilt our unit up to work in the riggering shack or work on the ''HILL ''. What I have found out the warehouse depot and the hill is no longer. I done some research the street that we used to go to the warehouse is now a mall. I can remember driving threw the streets and see the windows of the shops rattle from the roar of the trucks .thanks for the memories Paul......

Guest		02-Jul-2010 20:28
was there in 65-67, father was the commander of Nahbollenbach base. Lived on "the hill" in one of the big houses - are they still there? One entrant here, Paul speltz, is, I believe, somebody I knew.

paularek		29-Jun-2010 15:19
Paul Rek again just want to make a change I was station at Strassburg 664 Ordnance Co instead of 442 Ordnance sorry for the mistake

paularek		24-Jun-2010 00:55
my name Paul Rek and I was stationed at strassburg 1961-1964 at 442 ordanance Co had a great 3 years there like to contact me e-mail Paulrek@yahoo.com

Guest		12-Feb-2010 22:41
I was stationed at strasberg from 1965-1967. I spent many wonderful time w/Paul at that Gasthaus. I remember closing the place down and turning all the St. Bernard Puppies loose to play. The shetland pony pulled carts and Pauls wonderful family... Such fond times.. Thank you Ute for sharing your memories with me. Paul Spelts PO Box 123 Billings Montana 59103

m. mclean		16-Jan-2010 15:07
I lived on strassburg kaserne base from 1955 to 1960. I was 10 when we went over. What a great experience going to the toy store in Idar to buy steiff stuffed animals, going to the castle and church in the rock and on the base going to the teen center, px and movies. It was also fun going to the caves to look for amythets and to the dump to look for old discarded rough unpolised stone pieces from the stone cutters place. I would to hear from someone who was there and about the same age 10 -15 in that time frame.

Fletcher Hutchins		13-Jan-2010 19:12
Yes, I was in the caserne up on the hill from 1976 - 1979 with the 415th ASA Co. I remember at the entrance to the caserne, there was a sculpture, and a small circle had been chisled out. I found out later that a swastika was a part of the sculpture.

Joe Baker		08-Jan-2010 20:04
I was a MP stationed on the Rock from 1988-92 with the 8th Military Police Company, 2nd Plt. I had and still have very fond memories of Baumholder and the surrounding communities. I especially remember Col Tisdale (Papa Bear) the Chief of Staff for Smith Barracks. Til this day, the Rock was the best duty station. Met alot of friends, with whom I'm still in contact with to this day. Baumholder forever lasting memories. Oh, great pixs.

Guest		21-Dec-2009 23:44
Beautiful pictures. I visited there in 1990 while stationed in Wiesbaden.

Carolyn		29-Oct-2009 13:18
My father was stationed at Birkenfeld in 68/69. We lived in Gollenberg. Loved Idar-Oberstein. Thanks for the photos. My name was Susie back then for those of you that were there at the same time I was. carolynwalden55@yahoo.com

Mickey Weaver		14-Sep-2009 17:28
My father was sationed there from December 1972 - November 1973...we moved there from Mainz/Wiesbaden. It was a beautiful littel kaserne and I have some very fond memories...thanks for sharing your photos!!!

Shirley McCartney Howard		11-Sep-2009 21:58
I lived in Idar-Oberstein for a couple of mos then we moved to Strassburg 1964-1966. As an Army Brat, we saw things in a different light. I loved that place and was probably the best time of my life. I have the greatest memories and wish I could go back and my friends and parents would be there waiting for me!! You just take things for granted when you're young with no worries other than what to wear to school the next day or going to the theatre, teen-club, snack bar,bowling alley, gym or the NCO club. Downtown Germany was awesome. I loved going to the beauty shops and eating the sweets and drinking Fantas as well as sight seeing. So very many, many wonderful memories to have.

Andrew J Geesey		03-Aug-2009 09:44
Hello to all, and thanks for the picturs. I lived in Gov housing in Idar Oberstein, while I was stationed at the Rock [HHB, 8th INF DIVARTY - In Baumholder] 1986 through 1989. Many wonderful memmories. Andrew J. Geesey TheGeeseys@PlainNewLife.org

amir bhattarai		30-Jul-2009 08:50
Great Pictures. I lived there for just little bit more than one year for the course in the Gemmology at Deutche Gemmologische Institute. Had very wonderful stay at 'an der breitheck' with a family Baumann. Hope to visit there once again.

Rudi		17-Jun-2009 02:37
I was born in Idar-Oberstein and lived in Idar until I moved to the USA in 1958. My stepfather was an American soldier stationed at the Strassburg Kaserne. From 1955 until 1958 he was the manager of the EM Club. I have some photos of him even pulling some guard duty at the main gate. I took my wife (she is American) to Germany in 2005 and showed her my home town, she fell in love with it. Unfortunately not many of my classmates stayed in Idar, they all seem to have gone elsewhere Love to hear from anyone that was stationed there around the same time.

Denise		05-May-2009 06:41
I am looking for the chaplain who would have been stationed at Baumholder during 1957-1959. I believe his last name was Naylor/Nailor. Thank you for your help

Guest		05-May-2009 03:39
Susan, we must have crossed paths...I also loved growing up on Strassberg Kaserne. We lived in 9045 1-g from 57-60. I remember the caves and the sledding in winter. Remember that gigantic sled run? Trudi Scott

Susan Doherty Wojtowicz		29-Jan-2009 16:02
My father was stationed there 1955-1958. I started school there attending 1st thru 3rd grades. As young as I was I do remember going into town to the Robinson Crusoe restaurant for Spiesspraten (YUM!). I remember having German maids, exploring the caves and going to Berchtesgaden on vacation. I wish I had been a little older so I could remember more. If anyone is on Facebook there is a group for Army Brats.

Guest		23-Jan-2009 01:19
I was stationed in Baumholder from April 1975 - May 1976 Corps of Engineers 293rd Bn Co Idar-Oberstein was great. I pedaled my 10 speed all over SW Germany

Jim Murray		16-Jan-2009 13:33
Hallo! Great pictures! I was stationed at Straßurg Kaserne 63-65, where I met my wife. We left USA and moved to Braunschweig, but make perodic visits to Kirschweiler,(12K from Idar-Oberstein) as her brother lives there. I have so many memories there is not space to write them down, and all good! Feel free to email me, I love talking about that beautiful town!

Guest		11-Oct-2008 20:20
Hi everybody who used to be stationed in Straßburg during 19701975. My dad had that Gasthaus called Paul's place, does anyone remember, I am Ute the second daughter of Paul. I have lots of good memories of that time there, would be happy to hear from anybody who knew me then.

Ute Trappen		11-Oct-2008 20:17
Hi everybody who used to be stationed in Straßburg during 19701975. My dad had that Gasthaus called Paul's place, does anyone remember, I am Ute the second daughter of Paul. I have lots of good memories of that time there, would be happy to hear from anybody who knew me then.

Bruce Baehre		29-Sep-2008 02:06
Wow, do those pictures bring back memories! I was stationed at the Kaserne from April 1987 in B Btry 6-29 Field Artillery 8th Inf DIVARTY until I moved in the fall of 1988 up to Lee Barracks in Mainz as a Company FSO in 5/8 Inf. I hope to get back to Germany someday to see the sites again. Anyone got a good Spiessbraten recipe???? Regards, Bruce Baehre (bbaehre@verizon.net)

Rob Adams		07-Sep-2008 10:26
I love the pictures! I worked at Strassburg Kaserne from 2002-2005. I loved that "postage stamp" size Kaserne. I really enjoyed running through Idar-Oberstein and the Diamond mines just outside the Kaserne. I have nothing but fond memories of the city and your photos bring them all back. Thank you for sharing them

Ed Esse		31-Jul-2008 01:08
I was stationed in Baumholder from late '55 to '58 and hefted many a beer in the Schlosse-Shenke gasthaus right there at the foot of the Felsenkirche. As a matter of fact met my wife there. Atop the moutain, above the church are the ruins of the 'old' castle. A newer one was built further behind it and it's walls housed another gasthaus/bierstube, dance hall called Bismarck Tourm. Lot's of memories.

Tom Jackson		12-May-2008 04:56
Hello My name is Tom Jackson and I spent 68 to 70 in Baumholder and went to Idar every chance we had,I always remembered the Church as we drove into town from Baumholder even the trip in was terriffic Thanks Guy's for the memories I dream of it sometimes and I'm glad to hear it is still making people Happy

James B. Gray		13-Feb-2008 23:50
I was stationed in Baumholder 86 to 88. Idar-Oberstein was one of my favorite places. Being from the mountains of East Tennessee that part of Germany reminded me a lot of home. I hope to one day take my wife there for a visit. Never did get to go to Berlin. Thanks for sharing the pictures

Terrance K. Scully		09-Feb-2008 20:42
Big Mike, Jus' tripin' thru the net n' here I finds your great pics o' Idar-Oberstein...I'll always have fond memories o' my times with acquaintinces both army and locals. I was there 1970-1972. Paddy's Gang. Thanks again, Scullyboy

Grace Willoughby		15-Jan-2008 21:21
My father was stationed in Stassburg Kasern from 1967-1970.That was one tour of duty I thoroughly enjoyed as a dependent. The Church in the Rock, ice cream parlors on the economy,Baumholder High School and, especially, Spiessbraten. We traveled everywhere! I think, next summer, I'm going to have to take a trip back there, and see if I can revisit some really great times! Thanks for the pictures and memories!

Mona and Gary Young		03-Dec-2007 18:49
We are looking for the families Vieck, Steinheider (Barbel and Kristal), Backes, and Wild (Barbel Steinheider) Wild. We lived with Frau Vieck at 215 Hauptstrasse for 2 years while Gary was in the army at Baumholder. Our second daughter Eugenie was born while were were there. It was a wonderful to be with these fine people, and we have never been happier in our lives. Any information would be super. Thanks! Gary and Mona Young (68th Armor)

Guest		12-Nov-2007 06:52
Mike, Don't know if you remember me or not, but we served together @ HHB Divarty from 1988-1990. I left a few month before you guys deployed to the desert. I wanted to sign you guest book but there was a problem with it. I decide to post it her because I remember being at this city back in Sept 1989. We went as a unit for a change of command ceremony for a german commander. I also remember you taking serveral of us prior to that to train with the same unit. I think you web page is pretty cool. I made contact last week with Henry Munez and he gave me your web site address. Just wanted to say Hi and see if you remeber who I was. If this helps I was a medic with the unit. If you have time and would like to, feel free to e-mail me anytime. Ronnie Sweet formally SPC Sweet, HHB Divary 1988-90

Gary & Olive Williams		07-Sep-2007 01:13
My wife and I will be visiting Idar Oberstein and Strassburg Kaserne 13 to 17 Sep. We were stationed there from 1965 to 1968. We lived in Government Quarters across from the school, and across the street from the NCO Club. I was an MA there. I also worked at the Rod and Gun Club, and Officers Club. I was the Detachment Commander of the 532nd Signal Company, which operated the Communications Center at the Nahbollenbach General Depot. We became good friends with Inga Franke (Franky) and the adjutants secretary whose name escapes me. Anybody out there remember her name, and what happened to "Franky"? We also became good friends with Geralee (medic) and Nancy Rogers who we've lost contact with. Anybody out there that can help? We also became friends with a German gentleman named Rudy who owned a Gasthaus in the area of Idar Oberstein and Nahbollenbach. We were curious to know if it is still there and operational.

Guest		05-Sep-2007 06:32
I will be visiting my daughter, son-in-law and grand daughter the 8th-23rd of September. My son-in-law is in the ARMY, and this will be my first trip to Germany. Your pictures gave me a general idea of what to expect when I get there. Looks like a beautiful place to visit. I can't wait to see it! Connie

Guest		17-Jul-2007 10:32
I too was stationed in Baumholder from 1988-1990 and enjoyed it. I was looking for references to Speissbraten and came across this page. Thanks so much for posting the pics and comments. I enjoyed them all. Still looking for a recipe for Speiss so I can try it here at home.

Guest		08-Jul-2007 13:36
I was stationed at Strassburg Kaserne with the 58th Evacuation Hospital 1961 from there to Munchweiler Germany not a day goes by that I don't think of Germany Ron Turner

Tamara Eastman		25-Jun-2007 15:53
My family (Sgt. William Eastman) was stationed at Strassburg Kaserne in Idar Oberstein from 1966 - 1968. Wonderful memories! I attended Idar-Oberstein American Elementary School, which was just down the road from the apartment we lived in. We really enjoyed Germany. I had so many great friends in Idar-Oberstein that I can't take time to name them all - but one of my best friends was Beth Eley, and her father, Sgt. Boyd Eley, was stationed with us.

Doug		17-Apr-2007 22:12
We were stationed in Baumholder 1962-3. We went to a restaurant in Idar-Oberstein for speissbraten which was called Sinbad's, I believe. Has anyone ever heard of it? Great pictures, surprised to hear about the river. Thanks

Greg Wisener		19-Mar-2007 19:01
Thanks for the great pics.I was stationed at Strassburg Kaserne just above Idar Oberstein in 1982-84.I was glad to see it's just as beatiful if not more when I was there.Just seeing your site makes me want to go back.

Charles Gallion		14-Feb-2007 00:56
Terrific pics. I was also stationed in Baumholder from 1975-1978. My memories of Idar-Oberstein include the Felsenkirchen (Church in the Rocks), the tight little streets (now just for pedestrians since the highway was built) and the restaurant at the base of the church (I think it was called the Bruchenschenke). I recall that they served the best Speissbraten around. My wife and I would visit the town frequently for strolling, shopping and just enjoying. Thanks for bringing back the memories.

Guest		13-Feb-2007 15:27
Great pics of Idar-Oberstein and the Felsenkirche. Brings back many fond memories of my time in Germany. I was also stationed in Baumholder from 1975-1978. My wife an I visited "Idar" frequently for shopping, restaurants, or just plain strolling through the town. I particularly remember a restaurant at the base of the Felsenkirche that served great Speissbraten. I believe it was called the Bruckenschenke. On my 2nd tour in Germany, we were in Heidelberg from 1986-1989. We returned to visit Idar-Oberstein and found that the stream/river that passed through the town (The Nahe) had been displaced by a major highway through the city and the river ran in a culvert below the roadway. The town is still very picturesque; but it seemed considerably different in the late '80s. Charlie

frances mccartney Turner		18-Dec-2006 12:59
The pictures are beautiful, I was searching for Winter Pictures of Germany and found your site, my family lived in Idar Oberstein, Germany from 64-66 , dad in the US ARMY, he was stationed in Baumholder, If you have more info on either of these places I would appreciate hearing from you, thank you and have a very Merry Christmas, frances

Guest		29-Sep-2006 18:40
Thanks for the pictures! I lived in Idar-Oberstein from '96 to '98 when I was stationed at Baumholder. I was just reminiscing online when I came across these pictures. Thanks for the memories!! :-) Alex

Cheryl		07-Feb-2006 17:50
I Lived in Baumholder from 1997 to 2000 I was a bit apprehensive going there with my than Military Husband, but of course had no choice. Everytime I mentioned that we were going to be stationed in Baumholder I would hear Awwww your going to the "Rock" good luck. I must say though I LOVED it there! this place is so central to just about anyplace you want to go. Idar-Oberstein was actually one of the places I frequented the most as you said it is very close to Baumholder and soooo beautiful. I want to go back someday soon I wish I could just move there LOL thanks for taking me back with your photos this place is just a gem. Cheryl Kaminski Parker, Colorado

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