Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

My wife and I spent two weeks in Germany last summer (1998) using this book as our main travel guide. I like to use Rick Steves travel books along with a Frommmers or Fodors. This gives me two perspectives and more of a balanced idea of what to see and where to stay. The biggest problem with Rick Steves recommendations is: he's become so popular lately that many of the places he suggests become deluged with other Rick Steves followers. Oh well. That's why I also like to have at least one other tour book to refer to. But the great thing about Steves guides is that he boils travel destinations down to their essence, covering the 'best' stuff and leaving the reader to work out the details. And that's part of the fun of travel. Steves books are light and compact so they fit easily in your pocket, etc. The maps could use some cleaning up--they seem to be drawn and lettered by hand, which is a nice touch but somewhat hard to read at times. I guess the best thing about this and other Steves books is that they are written in a frank and conversational style, as if you were getting 'the straight scoop' from a friend, with a lot of 'be sure to . . 'and 'be careful of . . .' I hope Rick Steves doesn't sell out too soon. These little books are reliable and, for me, indispensable when I travel. I have used other books of his when travelling in Russia, Great Britain and France--all very good.

Rick Steves' book packs great information in a wonderful format. He is short and to the point and many areas from German culture, historical high points, and places to eat and stay. The only critism that I have is the maps in this book are terrible. It is difficult if not impossible to preplan your vacation with the maps provided.

We traveled to Germany and Switzerland with the "top three" travel guides recommended by our travel agent, plus Ric Steve's Germany. By the second day the other books were packd securely away, and Steve's book was our guide. All of his recommendations were accurate, and we almost felt as though we had the benifit of traveling with Rick. We suggest Rick's books, and give them as gifts to any of our friends traveling to Europe!!!!!!!!!

While we don't share Rick Steve's taste in lodging or dining, this book was great in helping us plan a driving trip across Europe that focused primarily on the Romantic Road in Germany, Salzburg and Switzerland. We had a elementary school child in tow and his suggestions were among the ones that she found the most interesting. Super practical advice on being flexible, allowing experiences to happen, searching out more than just the usual pre-packaged touristy stops at any destination. (However, even though it was informative, we were a little unimpressed with the Sound of Music Tour in Salzburg!) I would recommend this book as basic reading to anyone considering a trip to these areas.

The University of Virginia does not recommend any other book but this one for a vacation to Germany. So sayeth the Travel Council.