Rick Steves' 1999 Germany, Austria & Switzerland (Rick Steves' Germany and Austria) [Paperback]

Rick Steves (Author)

Book Description

Series: Rick Steves' Germany and Austria | Publication Date: February 1999

1999 is the 10th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the 50th birthday of the Federal Republic of Germany, the 100th commemoration of Strauss's death, and the 250th celebration of Goethe's birth. With Steves' guide as their companion, the travelers who flock to these events won't miss any highlights.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: John Muir Pubns (February 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562614630
• ISBN-13: 978-1562614638
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,953,692 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Don't always follow his advise!, October 20, 1999

By 

William J. Terrell "Maui Joe" (Marietta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rick Steves' 1999 Germany, Austria & Switzerland (Rick Steves' Germany and Austria) (Paperback)

I love his shows and most of what is suggested is fine.However my wife and I found that many times his "backroads"approach is more suited for someone who has traveled and visited these places several times. For someone making a first visit some of his suggestions of what to skip and avoid is a bad idea. For example, he suggested avoiding the town on Lake Titisee at all costs - too touristy! We made a wrong turn and ended up there and thought it was beautiful - yes it was crowded but very much worth a stop. His suggestions in Switzerand to stay in Gimmelwald and NOT in touristy Grindelwald is a joke. As he puts it "they feed the cows better in Gimmelwald than the people". Gimmelwald is pretty just like everything else in the area, but Grindelwald in my opinion is a much smarter place to stay - more convenient to the trains and cable cars and hikes, more eating choices, lots of shopping, and plenty of hotels to choose from. Hey Rick, places are touristy for a reason! There's actually something to do and see and somewhere to eat and sleep!

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Indespensible but not perfect, January 8, 2000

By 

"sbgantz" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rick Steves' 1999 Germany, Austria & Switzerland (Rick Steves' Germany and Austria) (Paperback)

I used this book on a visit last September to the Berner Oberland and Lake Geneva area and found it indespensible but not perfect. If you want spectacular beauty, picturesque Swiss mountain villages, lots of cowbells, and efficient transportation, then the Berner Oberland is your heaven. Rick's book provides great maps, train schedules, and hiking recommendations (I particularly loved the valley walk with the cows). But, I agree with the reviewer below from Atlanta on comments about where to stay. Unless you want isolation, do not stay in tiny Gimmelwald. In addition to Grindelwald, I recommend Wengen, which was the most convenient town for me. My balcony view from the Wengener Hof hotel was breathtaking and reasonably priced (and easily reserved over the internet). Grindelwald is certainly a good alternative, and is the best for shopping. With regard to Lake Geneva, Rick is not a big fan, but I definitely recommend a visit. Lausanne is the most beautiful city, I took a great cruise of the Lake, Yvoire is a well preserved (and yes, touristy) small French town with great views of the Lake, and Chateau Chillon was very worthwhile. I didn't have time for Geneva, but hope to return some day. The tourist train from Interlaken to Montreaux was unforgettable, but avoid Montreaux except for the chateau. I highly recommend a Swiss rail pass - I bought one from Rick's site and it was a great convenience in both of my destinations.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative, Practical, and Enjoyable, February 10, 2000

By 

Amber Mitchell (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rick Steves' 1999 Germany, Austria & Switzerland (Rick Steves' Germany and Austria) (Paperback)

Rick Steves' writing style is a great help to anyone trying to sort through the mass of information about these countries. He presents the history, vital information, and major sights in a friendly manner, as if you were talking to a friend who had recently returned from a trip. The major areas are covered in a logical manner, making the book easy to follow. The countries seem to come alive with his vivid descriptions. The advice and opinions he shares are, for the most part, valid. Having lived in Germany for eight years, I must agree with Steves' portrayal of the cities and culture to be found in this part of Europe. I am planning on returning to the area next spring, and purchased the book for information on low-cost lodging. I was pleasantly surprised with all the book had to offer.