Customer Reviews

Michelin the Green Guide Germany (Michelin Green Guides)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The tour book is full of information, color illustrations, maps, information that many tour books are without. The book has flaps that can be used as markers. The information is excellant in comparison to frommer, fodor, and lost planet. They include history of the country, even detailed information on the smaller towns, places to stay, activities and even shopping for the female readers. I feel this is the best guide for germany.

I often use Green Guides for their ratings, maps (country, regional, driving tours, city, town), site descriptions, historical information, ease of use, and overall accuracy. Since the quality of these guides is so consistent I do not typically feel that reviews are necessary. You always know what you're getting when you buy a Green Guide.

I am writing this review because the Germany Green Guide is particularly exceptional. Since there are no supplemental regional guides for Germany, the country guide is packed with information for all regions. This contrasts with the France and Italy country guides, which are superficial and significantly less useful than the regional guides for those countries.

Particular strengths of this book include the itineraries for driving scenic roads, such as the Moseltal, Schwarzwald Crest Road (particularly the southern parts), and the German Alpine Road. The maps highlight (and rate with stars) amazing sites along the way, including waterfalls, spectacular views and panoramas, villages, churches, museums, castles, hiking trails, etc. Required touring times are usually provided. Depending on schedule and interests you can easily plan your time.

If your visit to Germany will be limited to Berlin, Munich, and a bus tour to Neuschwanstein, then this book is overkill. But, if you want to explore more of Germany on your own then this guide is essential.

The map is OK for a general overview of roads in Germany; however, detail is lacking. The best option is to purchase a Germany map that is specific to an area, such as Bavaria, that will show ALL the roads for the area you are traveling in. This map was most useful when used to confirm that my rental car GPS system was pointing me in the correct direction.

Probably the best option is to use this map as a backup before leaving the USA and then buy a map at a local Esso (truck stop) when in country - one that will provide better details of roads, towns.

I thought this would be a normal sized driving map; however, the size of the map is huge, approximately 3 x 4 feet (?). It makes it difficult to use in the car. Otherwise, it is perfect.

This book has a brief summary of German history and then lists German cities and sights alphabetically so they are easy to look up. It describes and rates interesting things to see throughout Germany, as well as giving historical information for various cities. It includes a big map with ratings on it and has city maps and color pictures throughout the book. It is extremely helpful for planning a trip to Germany. If you want to go around and see the best sights in Germany, this book clearly highlights what you should prioritize. If, on the other hand, you want to savour a particular region, this book also provides a lot of information on what there is to see and do in each region, including smaller cities. It even includes the prices for museums and other attractions. It does give brief recommendations for places to eat and sleep. My only complaint is that it doesn't list youth hostels among these, but they're easy to find on the internet.

The only thing that I would make different in this book would be to put more maps of the larger cities in it. Places with a population of over 100,000 people need to be more thoroughly mapped and related to in these books. For instance, a place as big as Dortmund should have a detail map of the city or at least the major highways/autobahns into the city detailed and referenced. Otherwise, this is a very well put together guide. As a touring motorcyclist (GWRRA member) I would also like to see some references to places that are favorable to traveling to and from by motorcycles. Scenic and the shortest way from big city to big city would be especially helpful for tourers with a short amount of time to enjoy the country and its people.

BE AWARE that the 3rd edition, the most recent edition of the Micehelin "Green Guide for Germany," was published in 2000 with most of the editing probably having been finished in 1999. All of their prices are in DM, not Euros....museums, transportation, everything.

This dramatically decreases the every day value of this guide. Plus the language is so stilted.

A big map with lots of detail. Cumbersome for travel. The whole of Germany. Wish it had something to indicate the former East/West demarcation.

I purchaed this map for an upcoming trip to Germany. The map is very accurate and easy to use

Exceedingly helpful. If you like history and culture do not go to a country without this book. It's like having your own tour guide. History, maps, suggested routes, it's all there. Get a fodors or other guidebook if you want family and fun destinations as well. This is more history and museums.