Germany & Austria

Best ways to improve this book:

Leave out the Kunsthistorisches self-guided tour (Vienna). It was useless. Emphasize your recommendation to look at the postcards. Add that the museum has an on-line database of their highlights from which one can make a personal list of must-see paintings.

Also, include the public transportation route numbers and closest stops for the restaurants. After an entire day of sightseeing, I didn't feel like walking another mile down to Buffet Trzesniewski, even though that was one of the places I had planned on eating.

Charlotte in Vermillion, SD USA 07/12/2008

Rick's books have been perfect for our trips. We have also carried the Lonely Planet books for when we veered off Rick's suggested itinerary for some reason.

Janet Johnson in Manhattan Beach, CA USA 07/11/2008

Add BAD GASTEIN (We stayed @ Mondi-Holiday Bellevue in a 1 bedroom apartment) and ZELL AM ZEE Austria (Hotel Garni)family owned and operated for 4 generations, and the best breakfast in all of Austria. Both places were heavenly and ranked near Hallstatt and Rothenburg on our list of "see again someday." We visited Frankfurt, Munich, Dachua, Salzburg and Innsbruck,along with the above mentioned places. Thanks for the advice. We won't travel without our Rick Steves' book!

Gwen Ashworth in Lake Charles, LA USA 07/09/2008

Focus on areas outside the Big Three sights in Austria. Also, properly describe how to get to Mauthausen, a town in Upper Austria and quite far away from Vienna or even Melk

Martin in Shoreline, WA USA 07/08/2008

I know that you concentrate on a few key areas in your Germany & Austria guidebook - and you do them exceptionally well. But I wish you would include more places, perhaps even a separate book on Germany. One very interesting city in Germany which you might want to include in the future would be Hamburg. As well, you might want to include more information on areas in former East Germany.

Susan Langin in Cranbrook, BC Canada 07/08/2008

Better maps........ we consistently had issues finding our way on the self-guided tours. Perhaps the map and tour should be on the same page, as they usually aren't.

Mike Greene in Wildomar, CA USA 07/08/2008

Add Walter Friedel Bakery to Rothenburg eating section: sandwiches to go and delicious pastries and everything you need for a picnic. Markt 8, 91541 Rothenburg. Tel 09861/7818; www.original-rothenburger-schneeballen.de

Ann Doty in Juneau, AK USA 07/07/2008

Please list the Holocaust Memorial Wall in Frankfurt. This is something everyone who visits Frankfurt should go and see. It doesn't have the huge, "in your face" impact that the Berlin Memorial has, but more of a very personal impact with all of those 11,000 names on it and where they were killed and when. I find it sad that no mention of it was in the guidebook. Especially, since Anne Frank and her sister Margot were born in Frankfurt and also have their names on this Memorial.

Jodean in Frankfurt, Germany 07/06/2008

Checking out B & B or pensions in Berlin will give you a much cheaper and nicer place to stay then in many hotels. We had a whole apt. to ourselves including a fully equipped kitchen and 2 beds for only 48 euros a night. It was only 2 stops from the main train station and the landlord met us with the key and info about how to get around town.

Jodean in Frankfurt, Germany 06/27/2008

Add a better description of how to get to the airport in Vienna. Here's my draft; take the U-Bahn to the Vien Mitte station (which is marked Vien Mitte / LandstraBe on the maps but only LandstraBe on the sign seen from inside the subway car) and exit the station to the street following the green signs with an airplane on them. On the street again follow the signs until you find a green line painted on the sidewalk. Follow the green line to the City Airport Train building which is a lime green.

Mike Thompson in Los Angeles, CA USA 06/26/2008

My brothers were going to Germany so I told them they had to get Rick Steves' book "Germany and Austria 2008" because his books are the best. They got to Germany and there was not even a section on Hamburg (where one brother spent the majority of his time). You mention in the beginning of the book that Hamburg is the 4th largest city in Germany and then don't include it. I really don't understand. Next time I will recommend a more thorough book.

Mel in NA, VA USA 06/26/2008

I would rate the National Library 2 stars and it is only an affterthought mentioned in the section of the Augustinian Churhc in Vienna. We saw the library at the monastary in prague and the library in the melk abbey. This blows both of them away and should be more profiled. Also, the Opera House in Vienna is not as grand as the ones in Prague and Budapest. The seating area in Vienna was severely damaged by bombs in wwII and not rebuilt to the glory of the past or nearly as nice, in my opinion, as the interiors of prague's estate theatre or budapest's opera house s

mike in tempe, az USA 06/22/2008

We used your Germany and Austria 2007 guide which was excellent. However, as all distances in Europe are shown as kilometers, as are the trip meters of rental cars it would be very useful to also show distances in your books in kilometers as well as miles.

Helen Douglas in Sydney, Australia 06/18/2008

A couple of comments. Places in Germany (especially the larger cities) and in Salzburg seem to get booked very early for May. There seemed to be many school holidays going on. Also, I take exception to your comments on p. 19 of 2008 Germ and Austria book. My husband and I always try to be quiet and respectful when travelling in Europe or other foreign places. We found Germans to be a lot noisier in public than we were! They were very friendly to us, and we had lots of good conversations!

Barbara in Eikenberry, CA USA 05/23/2008

My most recent Rick Steves' book is Germany & Austria 2008. I am planning to visit my niece in Hamburg and thought I could get some info on places to visit/stay. However, I was disappointed that neither city was covered. (No, I didn't check the contents before I purchased the book.) I know the rest of the book will be helpful in my travels, but I would like to see northern Germany included.

Charlotte Tenerelli in Califon, NJ USA 05/09/2008

Can't think of any improvements. We wouldn't think of going to Europe without it. We took 2 grandsons in 2006 and 2 granddaughters in 2007. They are hooked on your recommendations now also.

Bev Smith in Grand Junction, CO USA 05/02/2008

Include Maulbronn cloister! It is a UNESCO World Heritage sight, and although it may be out of the way for some travelers, it could be included on an itinerary from the Black Forest to Rothenburg. Gute reise!

S & J in Freiburg im Breisgau, BW Deutscheland 04/29/2008

Add section on Lake Constance area, especially Meersburg (great hotel: Gasthof zun Baeren, great restaurant: Allemann Torkel)

Debra Livak in Boise, ID USA 04/20/2008

I used the Germany Austria book, and I'm very happy that it covers a wide range of information and it's in detail and up-to-date. There were certain pieces of information that I think many travelers from the U.S. find useful. For example, validating your tickets before taking a train (it's easy to miss that little stamp machine, and get in trouble on the train), and paying to use bathrooms. It was my second trip to Germany, so I was ok. However, those who go there for the first time have no idea about those things. If you can add information like that, I think it would be great. One last suggestion is to divide Germany and Austria into different book. The book is pretty thick as is. If you put them into different volumes, you may be able to add information on other places you have not been able to discuss (like Northan Germany, which many reviews mentioned).

Masa in Bellingham, WA USA 03/09/2008

You suggest the city map of Vienna from the tourist bureau. I've received this prior to leaving & find it difficult to read & it has no street index. The "Streetwise Vienna" map is easy to read, has a street index, & also a U Bahn/S Bahn map.Map is smaller in size waterproof too.

Mike Evangelista in Dillwyn, Va USA 02/17/2008

just "keep on travellin" and share your tips with us.

Carolyn in Birrell, UT USA 02/06/2008

Can't really think of any. We have come to trust and rely on your books, and have not been disappointed yet!

Alan & Shelley Davis in Thornton, CO USA 01/23/2008

I bought your books Europe Through the Back Door and Germany and Austria which are GREAT...Have been a fan for a long time. However, I was very disappointed that you did not cover an area of Germany that has so much to offer. I mean Bremen, Hamburg, Moelln, Ratzeburg, Luebeck, Kiel and Flensburg just to name few. Northern Germany is a beautiful part of Germany and has much history and so much to offer. Please do noy keep this region from your faithful fans....My son was just there for 6 weeks and found it so interesting he is returning this summer for another visit. Keep up the good work! But please include Northern Germany in your travels!

Bil Wentzek in Bend, OR USA 01/15/2008

I understand that not everyone's suggestions can be included and production costs are a factor but I agree with others that portions of Northern Germany should be included (i.e. Bremen and Hamburg). Perhaps, you could consider two volumes (i.e. Northern Germany and Bavaria/Austria)?

Paul Wester in Dickinson, TX USA 01/02/2008

There were several times when things were pointed to on the map but we could never find them without an actual map showing us the streets.

Dane Kantner in Chicago, IL USA 11/28/2007

It was fantastic. We used it throughout Austria and Germany -so many tips, many hotels, restaurants etc. I couldn't travel without Rick's books. I have become so accustomed to using it on our travels. Keep up the good work.

Andrea Latendresse in Burlington, ON Canada 11/11/2007

Recommend food and lodging options that are outside of the tourist area but nearby (i.e. Haidhausen and Schwabing neighborhoods). Prices can skyrocket when a fair/convention is in town and there are plenty of good choices to give your readers.

Brian Autke in Asheville, NC USA 11/10/2007

I loved it! my trip was fabulous! I'll do it again soon!

Sue Kerns USA 10/27/2007

Stuttgart is not discussed in the book. Thanks.

Charlie in Pensacola, FL USA 10/20/2007

We returned from this trip with yet another dog-eared, soiled, well-used Rick Steves' guidebook to put on our travel shelf!

Robert and Janet Reiner in Sierra Vista, AZ USA 10/17/2007

...And other books:

Take a little more care with your music sections. They are rife with errors that are simple to check and correct.

John Grabowski in Oakland, CA USA 09/30/2007

With this now being the age of the GPS, please make every effort to include addresses for all locations. Thanks!

Doug Stansbury in Saint Cloud, FL USA 09/29/2007

Encourage people in the Senior Citizens bracket to be brutally realistic with themselves concerning their driving/navigating skills in a foreign country and urge them to travel in groups with an friend or a tour guide who knows the country. The learning curve is very steep for the inexperienced and not so young.

John S Treadwell in McDonough, GA USA 09/22/2007

We loved the Germany & Austria Guide book! We visted one town not mentioned in the book, Mulheim An Der Rohr in Germany. It was beautiful. Wonderful waking paths along the river, gardens, Brioch Castle, The Camera Observatory, Locks on the river, River boat tours, and we lucked out the first weekend in September they host a huge Dragonboat festival with races, food booths, music and on Saturday night fireworks. We stayed at the Gartenhotel which was lovely, breakfast included. Ate a lovely lunch on an island in the middle of the river (bridge across) at Frankies.Check it out!

Mel Penton in North Haven, Ct USA 09/11/2007

Add Hamburg and Hannover. They are both great. More of North Germany.

Add BernKastel-Kues-One of my favorite places on the Mosel! Would love to hear your thoughts on BK.

Alex Griffin in Danville, Ky USA 08/19/2007

In GERMANY & AUSTRIA 2007, on page 415 vague directions are provided for finding the FLEA MARKET. The term "beyond the Victory Column' depends on your location. Instead state that it is immediatly west of the TIERGARTEN S-Bahn station. Quite a walk from Victory Column.

If one wants a friendly welcome, and a touch of 1950s USA decor, stop at the BEL-AIR Cafe, about two doors west of CHARLOTTENBURG PALACE, on same side of street - great folks and good food.

As always love your books/shows. Thanks for it all.

Lloyd in Overland Park, KS USA 07/31/2007

I am just amazed that Rick spends three or four months each year checking out hotels, restaurants, and sights for his guidebook resesarch. At this stage in his life and with his success, you'd think he could pass this on to someone else. But obviously Rick takes his work seriously and wants to unhold the solid reputation he has established. We had Europeans tell us when were we there that other guidebook researchers never come personally to their hotels and check things out "unannounced" like Rick does. They respect him, too. Thanks Rick and E.T.B.D. for giving us this resource to make our trip such an enjoyable one. We are proud that we can travel independently and successfully because Rick has supplied us with the knowledge and information to make this kind of travel possible. It is so much more satisfying to travel in Europe this way and not be limited by a tour and what the "guide" thinks we should see. I'd much rather have the knowledge and then make the decisions myself. Our memories of the 16 days we spent in Germany, the Czech Republic and in Austria will linger with us for a very long time.

Gary Hoffman in Baldwin, WI USA 07/30/2007

One suggestion - Heidelberg may be overrun with American students in the summer, but when we went in March it was wonderful. I think that your advice to avoid it should be altered to recommend avoiding it only in summer. We spent a terrific 16 days going to Berlin, Weimar, Nuremberg, Heidelberg, Koeln, Bacharach, and Franfurt. The guide made everything easy, as with trips to Spain, Finnland, France, Italy, and Portugal. Thanks for everything!

John Frazer in Concord, CA USA 07/17/2007

It would be nice to have a sturdy card that could be punched out from the book to show to merchants for Rick Steves discounts. It's heavy to carry the whole book around all the time. I often copied down notes for the day (or morning) and left the book behind. Sometimes I had to schlepp it around for various discounts.

Marianne Sullivan in Newark, DE USA 07/04/2007

Nothing! Thank you for providing the only guidebook necessary to give us a great time!

Laura in Seattle, WA USA 06/25/2007

I would like to recommend a tour guide in Salzburg...Gumennikov Eugeniy, 43 650 823 68 90, email Eugene at g_yevgeni@mail.ru He was wonderfully knowledgeable about Salzburg and the Eagle's Nest. He is a delight to be with. His English is impeccable. He also speaks Russian! Hire this terrific young man. He's the best!

Ellen Langer in Dayton, OH USA 06/23/2007

How about adding some info on Luxembourg?!

Beth Platte USA 05/07/2007

Perhaps better directions along the Rhine as to which side of the river a hotel is one. If you are on the wrong side, it can be very confusing given the few bridges. The ferries aren't difficult, you just have to know you need one.

Pat in Vinkenes, VA USA 04/23/2007

Give more detailed directions for finding the Kaisergruft. This site gets two stars in the book (and deservedly so), but Rick just says, "Visiting the imperial remains is not as easy as you imagine" in part to explain that the remains are spread through several locations. We used Rick Steves book and our plastic map (indespensible!) to figure out where it was. Please give a hint in the book as to where to find it to make it easier for others.

Susan Myers in Chesnee, SC USA 04/20/2007

I just wanted to add an accommodation recommendation. We stayed in a small town in Oldenwald, Hesse, called Rothenberg, in an INN owned by Micheal and Annette Gittek.It is a beautiful place to see Germany from a small town perspective. We had a family Christmas there. They 4 apartments that have kitchens. The town has three resturants and two pubs. A Christmas walk with the whole town to the old water well for spiced wine and bratwurst, we were wlcomed as family.contact the Gitteks for year round fun in a farm town with flare.

Beth Halle in New York, NY USA 02/04/2007

Add more hotel recommendations to the Dinkelsbuhl section.

Lorene Boyes in Lindenhurst, IL USA 01/13/2007

Offer volumes with larger maps for older folk. Maybe even senior print. We older travelers would welcome the service. Be the first travel books available with larger maps and print size.

Stan Biles in Blue River, or USA 01/03/2007

Put in some destinations for the north of Germany.

Bobbi Trist in Champaign, IL USA 12/26/2006

Bigger kid section. My kids love seeing Rick's kids in the DVDs.

Bonnie Seto in San Rafael, CA USA 11/29/2006

Include color pictures. One example- the photo of Weiskirk in Bavaria was dull, but the reality of it's colorful interior was stunning.

Nick D. in Anaheim, CA USA 11/22/2006

Maybe there could be a subsection such as Munich or Frankfurt, etc, to be done in 2-3 days; "Don't miss this" or "Must see". We did not have enough time to do anything justice, so it would have been helpful to have suggestions on how to narrow down the choices of activities.

Roger Streu in Springfield, IL USA 11/20/2006

Perhaps give a little more detailed instructions on how to purchase S-Bahn tickets as we had trouble interpreting the machines, (we found them much less self-explanatory than expected).

Olivia in Folsom, CA USA 11/02/2006

Superb in virtually every way!

Steve Walker in Kamuela, Hi USA 10/29/2006

I dont think you give enough info for auto drivers.

jack in Sheboygan, Wi USA 10/27/2006

It would be helpful to note to readers that Rottenburg is NOT Rothenburg. One simple little letter sent us on a 3 hour detour.

Rita Klassen in Langley, BC Canada 10/22/2006

Just keep it updated otherwise very helpful

sbraggins in tampa, fl USA 10/17/2006

Minor improvement, but it would be very helpful to list Burgg.Stadthalle as the closest U-bahn stop to the Schnell and Sauber landromat. Walking from Westbahnhof U-bahn was very confusing.

David Lermond in Wilmington, DE USA 10/15/2006

Great as is. Could give discount for purchasing update.

Walt Keller in Malibu, CA USA 09/25/2006

I would like to know if the Mauthausen (Concentration Camp) Train Station in Austria has lockers for backpackers. Rick's Germany & Austria Book does not elaborate on this. The book lists lockers in St. Valentin for 2.50 euro, but says nothing about Mauthausen. My train connections are too close in St. Valentin to make use of the lockers at that station, that is why I would like to know more info about the Mauthausen Station.

Melissa in Aurora, IL USA 09/17/2006

Warn travelers about the addictive power of the little Nurnberger sausages. I swear they put something funny in there that makes you want another two or three. Or six.

Craig Dandurand in Sacramento, CA USA 09/09/2006

Since we're Lutherans (and I'm the director of our public library - where we buy ALL your guidebooks), Wittenberg would be a good addition to the guidebook. We enjoyed staying at Pension Peters in Berlin, Golden Rose in Rothenburg, Hotel Am Markt in Baden-Baden, and, a little less so, Feilen-Wolff in Trier. Your Trier walking tour was excellent. Also stayed at Pension Lindners in Munich, which was clean and quiet, and Marian was very accommodating. We also had an excellent stay at the Hotel Bolkow in Silesia/Poland, which I sent along on your Eastern Europe page.

Linda in Souderton, PA USA 09/06/2006

I like the Rick Steves guides the best of all travel guides, I just wish they were thinner books like the portable Fodors city guides that you can take in your purse, it seems that the guides are a bit heavy to carry everyday in the purse.

Miriam in Phoenix, AZ USA 09/05/2006

My husband and I are coming to the end of our incredible year living in Austria. We lived in Graz, which is surprisingly absent from Rick Steves. This is a wonderful, charming city with a beautiful old town center (undamaged from any war) and many modern additions. It was the European Capitol of Culture in 2003, and rightly deserves to be included on the tourist map. I was shocked to notice that it was not even on the map of Austria in the Rick Steves book! Wine country (dubbed the "Tuscany of Austria") is just outside the city. The locals are friendly. There is great hiking nearby, and excellent cultural events within. It is very convenient to get to/from Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, and the rest of Austria. I would be happy to share some of my experiences, but please visit Graz and experience part of true Austrian culture that has not been spoiled by years of tacky tourists for yourself.

R. Litster in New York, NY USA 08/13/2006

We have used your books for every European vacation through France, Germany & Italy. We always buy the updated edition so keep 'em updated !

Hanora Sarro in Yorktown Hts , NY USA 08/10/2006

Please add more real maps. The hand-drawn ones are just too inaccurate. We always end up having to get maps elsewhere.

Brenda in Alameda, CA USA 08/07/2006

Add more from Northern Germany, and also add the German Wine Road area. We stayed in Freinsheim along the wine road (because we were going to the US vs. Italy World Cup match in nearby Kaiserslautern), and it seemed like there were some neat little towns -- but we felt completely lost without Rick Steve's to guide us.

Jennifer Henry in Dallas, TX USA 08/07/2006

This is a question about this title's contents from year to year, not a suggestion for improvement. I woud like to know whether Rick's itineraries change from year to year, or whether different editions of the book change only in details such as sights, accommodations, eateries, prices, tours, etc.? Btw, I'll be off to Germany and Austria next month - following a slightly modified verion of Rick's rail itinerary. Wish me luck :)

Andrew United Kingdom 08/06/2006

It's great! Just write more, cover more areas,etc.

Barbara and Werner Kraft in Gig Harbor, WA USA 07/25/2006

I just thoroughly enjoyed reading it and the places we went were "right on" with what we read. We were in Munich and took the walking tour (stayed at Pension Seibel (in the back), toured the Black Forest, spent a couple days in Rothenburg, stayed at the Maximilian while we toured the castles all while there for a couple of World Cup soccer games. Wonderful visit thanks to the book!

Vicki Lutrick in Saint Charles, IL USA 07/20/2006

Better more detailed maps.

Peter in Salem, OR USA 07/17/2006

The book was great. Our son used it them on two backpacking trips to Europe, and insisted we buy it. When we ran into other Americans without Rick's book, we would tear out pages that we had already used and give them to these poor folks who were traveling with some lame excuse for a travel book. We visited Germany in the midst of the World Cup, and only two times ran into any real commotion to do with the games. One was the day after a game in Koln, the other was in the Munich train station--chaotic because everyone was trying to get on a train to get to the next game. My husband and I were separated...he had the money and rail passes--we were reunited though before the conductor came by to check for tickets. Rail passes---I think they are the way to go. We more than made up the money we spent on them. We never thought twice about going someplace because we would have to pay for an additional rail ticket...we just hopped on a train and went. Plus, it must save time..we saw so many people at ticket booths waiting to purchase tickets. Not a problem for us!!!

Mary L. McNair in Katy, TX USA 07/11/2006

because of its thickness in covering two countries, I believe it would be best served if you split into two books. rather than take the book with me, I just ripped out those pages I felt I needed for germany.

les abrams in garden city, ne USA 07/01/2006

Make Cities seperable in the book. When I stay in one citiy I do not want to carry the whole book around all day

Scott Fane in Miami, FL United States 06/11/2006

Be sure to include whether the pension has an elevator or not. Some entries mention not elevator and other entries do not sat one way or the other.

Fred in Austin, TX USA 06/05/2006

The phrase section in the appendix left out "one-way ticket" "which" and a few other essentials I can't remember. I had great fun drawing to one train conductor who spoke no English or fransusich.

Jenny Anderson in Holland, MI USA 05/12/2006

I really like your system of labeling things by triangles. It makes it easy to know what are the "must see" attractions especially when you have a very short time. I would like to see the page where all the attractions are listed and given triangles have page numbers listed after the attraction. If you list something, it would be nice if you listed the page number to find more information. I look through your book ahead of time and plan and I write in the page numbers.

Karoline Neill in Elkton, SD USA 03/20/2006

Add the missing northern part of Germany. Little places like Hamburg.

Elaine LaBorde in Maxwell, TX USA 01/13/2006