Rick Steves' Germany and Austria 2007

by Rick Steves

Who but Rick Steves can tell travelers how to take the Do-It-Yourself Dresden Baroque Blitz Tour or the Short and Scenic Black Forest Joyride? With Rick Steves’ Germany and Austria 2007, travelers can experience Rick's favorite destinations in Munich, Bavaria, Baden-Baden, Rothenburg, Würsburg, Frankfurt, the Rhine Valley, Dresden, Berlin, Vienna, the Danube Valley, Salzburg, Innsbruck – economically and hassle-free. Completely revised and updated, Rick Steves’ Germany and Austria 2007 includes:

• Opinionated coverage of both famous and lesser-known sights
• Friendly places to eat and sleep
• Suggested day plans
• Walking tours and trip itineraries
• Clear instructions for smooth travel anywhere by car, train, or foot

America’s #1 authority on travel to Europe, Rick’s time-tested recommendations for safe and enjoyable travel in Europe have been used by millions of Americans in search of their own unique European travel experience.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Germany

636 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.

Reviews

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick, thank you for telling me which button to push in the Frankfurt train station.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rick Steves tends to be a bit too critical of the more popular tourist destinations. He omitted one of our principle honeymoon destinations completely as too over-crowded and touristy and listed brief reviews of the other stops for the same reason. That said, the guide did have very useful maps and information on everything from tipping to figuring out the Munich rail system. We were able to find a waterfall in Fussen, the trail to Mary's Bridge at Neuschwanstein, and the Rothenburg Crime and Punishment Museum with Steves help. I have heard the guide is excellent for restaurant recommendations, but he didn't list very many for the places we went. The guide was an engagement gift from a friend who uses Rick Steves' guides for all her travels and swears by his recommendations.

[Jessica Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

I 100% trust Rick Steves. This is my first book by him and every recommendation we took was perfect. He made our trip to Germany such a pleasure. Great hotel and restaurant recs. The best feature of the book is his recs on which cities to visit based on how long your vacation is. We bought the Frommer's book too but this one was so much better because Rick gives his opinion on what are must see sites, Frommer's just gives the facts. If you plan to visit Germany... buy this book. No question.

[Denis · Rating 2 out of 5]

The biggest issue that I have with Rick Steves as a travel writer is his patronizing tone. I find it very grating to be treated like a dumb American who needs to be taught how to travel by Steves' mysterious sixth-sense for what tourists like. His books have some value because he actually does have pretty good taste, but he's not infallible. The fact that he will simply dismiss the sites that he considers uninteresting is where I find myself getting fed up with his method of telling me what I should and should not like.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third or fourth edition of this book that I have used. It was indispensible in our trips to Germany and occasional side trips to Austria and Switzerland.

Rick Steves' guidebooks are only for those willing to travel like a temporary European. You won't find information on staying in big hotels like Best Western, where there is room service. This guidebook provides information on the little inns and B&B's. The only downfall of traveling his way is the success of it. Many of the guesthouses we've stayed at are filled with people carrying the same Rick Steves book.

[steffie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This came in handy. It's almost like having an extra person with you who tells you little bits and pieces about where you are or where you should go. We tried to not follow it too closely, and that was pretty easy to do in some cities because of the book's casual tone. But when we really needed guidance, this book was indispensable.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick Steves is the greatest! Yes, the places recommended are often crawling with other Americans clutching Rick Steves books. Yes, sometimes pictures of Rick with the owner are littered on the walls. And yes, that somewhat makes me question his objectivity.

But who cares when the food is always great, the hostels clean and convenient, and the sights fantastic!

Rick Steves... ::swoon::

[Brandi Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boyfriend and I found this book very helpful, insightful, and like a bit of a security blanket.

I will admit that we ran into TONS of people carrying the same book around, but we found that fun, if anything. So what if we're all going to the same places? They are amazing places to see, and I'm glad I knew to go see them!

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used to plan my trip to Austria (Vienna and Salzburg) specifically.... and Rick hasn't steered me wrong yet. His goal is to make travel to Europe more meaningful for Americans. He does just that. HIGHLY recommended for those planning a trip to Germany and/or Austria! Maybe you'll be like me and run into other people staying the same hotel because Rick recommended it.....

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted it to be better than it was. Still classic Rick Steves, and there was lots of great info, but there were moments when I felt like it was severely lacking in content, maps, or information for the area I was in. I realize his books are an overview of his favorite places, but I wish I had bought a Lonely Planet Europe to go along with it.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could have been a little more in depth about some of the towns in Germany. Plus, I found a couple of the towns he said to skip (like Weisbaden) were lovely! Good section about the Rhine Castle tours.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice, but for me the hotels suggested are not okay. He doesn't choose places with a/c. This is to save money, but I think that is miserable.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had good information on where we were, but I wish it had more information on kid friendly activities.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually for the 2012 version. A must read if you plan on going!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to do my trip all over again, I would have spent more time here and less time in Paris.