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August 18, 2026

Today's Five: Tick alert for outdoor visitors, and 4 more

Servus, ticks and FSME are increasing across Bavaria and now reach up to 1,500 metres. FSME can persist in raw milk and fresh cheese, so consider vaccination and avoid unpasteurised dairy from high risk areas. Elsewhere, youth unemployment climbs while Nuremberg has many apprenticeships; VGN adds 50 app bookable on demand services; Munich council votes tomorrow on opening 1,200 SWM chargers; camper rental Vanever stopped mid season.


1. Tick alert in Bavaria as tick-borne infections rise and new viruses appear

Tick numbers and cases of FSME (tick-borne encephalitis) are increasing in Bavaria, with ticks now found up to 1,500 metres on alpine pastures. Experts warn that the FSME virus can remain active in raw milk and fresh cheese, so consuming unpasteurised dairy from affected areas carries a risk. Consider FSME vaccination if you spend time outdoors in Bavaria and avoid raw milk products from high-risk areas.

Why this matters: If you hike, work or eat local dairy in Bavarian alpine areas, vaccination and avoiding raw milk can protect you from tick-borne illnesses.

Source: tz München


2. Rising youth unemployment, many apprenticeship openings in Nuremberg

More young people in the region are currently neither working nor in training, while employers in Nuremberg report numerous open apprenticeship and entry-level positions. Local job listings and a published graphic show which sectors and apprenticeships are most in demand. If you or a young person in your household need vocational training, check the IHK chamber, local job centres and company listings for available placements and language requirements.

Why this matters: If you are a young expat or have children in Bavaria, there are apprenticeship opportunities available now that could help start a career despite rising youth joblessness.

Source: Nürnberger Nachrichten


3. VGN to add 50 digitally bookable on-demand services this year

The Verkehrsverbund Großraum Nürnberg (VGN) plans to make an extra 50 on-demand services such as call buses (Rufbus), shared taxis (Sammeltaxi) and other on-demand routes bookable via apps by the end of the year. The expansion aims to make it easier to order flexible local transport with a few taps rather than fixed timetables. If you rely on public transport outside main lines, expect simpler booking and potentially shorter waits once the rollout is complete.

Why this matters: If you live in the Greater Nuremberg area, this will make flexible, app-based local transport easier to use for errands and evenings out.

Source: Nürnberger Nachrichten


4. Munich council vote could open 1,200 SWM chargers to competitors

On 19 August the Munich city council will vote on a new concession for public EV charging that could end the effective monopoly of Stadtwerke München (SWM) and put about 1,200 SWM charging points on the open market. If approved, private operators could bid to run those chargers which may change prices, access apps and payment options for users. EV owners should watch the decision because it could affect where and how you charge in the city.

Why this matters: If you own an electric vehicle in Munich, the vote could change charger availability, tariffs and payment methods at many public charging stations.

Source: Abendzeitung München


5. Munich camper rental Vanever stops operations mid-season, customers affected

The Munich-based camper rental company Vanever has halted operations suddenly, leaving customers facing cancelled bookings and potential travel disruption in the middle of the holiday season. Affected customers should contact their booking platform, credit card company and travel insurance to seek refunds or chargebacks, and check where vehicles are located if you are currently on a trip. Consider alternative rentals and document all communications for claims.

Why this matters: If you booked a camper from Vanever or planned a trip in Bavaria, you may need to rearrange travel and handle refunds or insurance claims quickly.

Source: tz München


Before you go: If you charge in Munich, follow the council vote on 19 August about opening 1,200 SWM chargers to competitors.

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