Rick Steves' Germany, Austria & Switzerland 2001

by Rick Steves

In Rick Steves' Germany, Austria & Switzerland 2001, Rick weeds through the endless possibilities each country offers and gives you his personal recommendations in an honest and entertaining style. He highlights the best local sights and activities, friendly places to eat and sleep, suggested day plans and itineraries that mix the famous and not-so-famous, and clear transportation instructions that make it easy to get anywhere by car, train, or foot. Chapters include Munich, Bavaria, the Rhine Valley, Berlin, Vienna, Salzburg, Gimmelwald, and Prague. "The book is designed for travelers with little time and money who want to get the most out of their travels. It is honest and frank about likes and dislikes (as in 'try this, but don't bother with that')."-Swiss American Review

Genres: Travel, Germany

330 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

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

[Charles Hartzog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it so much!

[Candy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only travel guides we need in Europe are by Rick Steves!

[Jonathan]

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