Daytrips Germany (4th Edition)

We lived in Frankfurt for 4 years. This book was invaluable. All we needed was the Deutsche Bahn web site and this book to plan and execute all our day (weekend) trips. The maps in this book are perfect for walking around the cities. Enough detail so as not to get lost, but not so much as to confuse you. All the best highlights in the city are included in the recommended walks. There was not a single miss in this book. We took about 60% of the trips in this book over the 4 years and can say that every one of them is a cherrished memory.

"I purchased your Daytrips Germany and have thoroughly enjoyed it to the point that the cover is dog-eared and the pages are falling out...Thank you for your hard work in compiling all of this information. It has been a godsend to our family and friends and is much more detailed than any of the other travel guides of the area."

My wife and I are in Germany for a couple years, and this is our main tool for exploring other cities. We also own the Rough Guide and Lonely Planet books, but this is the one we prefer if we have to choose just one. Have a long weekend and want to get out? Jump on the train and explore a city. As an example, we visited Weurzberg on two occasions. The first was before we had this book. We found the Neu Residenz (a large 'house' that was home to the city prince) as referenced in our other books, but were unable to find any other attractions. We went back home with little knowledge or appreciation of the city.Later we returned and followed the walking tour in this book. No bus system to contend with, no street cars, only you and your favorite walking shoes. Skipping the Neu Residenz (we had been there) we spent the day walking and seeing the city. Thanks to this book, we left with a real appreciation for the city and what gives it it's identity.There are some other things to keep in mind about this book: For some cities you may have to break up the tours into two days. There is often one site that requires most of a day to see, a museum, castle, etc. You are left with the option of skipping perhaps the biggest "most important" thing in town, or doing the entire tour and appreciating the city's individual character as a whole.This is not an "all purpose" travel book. It is meant for day trips, and so doesn't say much about where to stay overnight. Finally, it's descriptions of some of the sights can be pretty sparse. You will probably want another book (such as Rough Guide) that talks more about the history and stories of the town and sights. "Daytrips" might direct you to a park, and the park will be very nice. Another book is needed to learn how the park is and was used, who the sculptor was that created the main fountain, and why the park is important to the city.

This book is an outstanding to see the Germany that most tourists don't. I lived there for three years, and was a tour guide; this book was always in my backpack. Each section has a quick history, at least one and usually 3 walking tours, plus suggestions on places to eat. The walking tours always start from the train station-in my opinion the best way to get around Germany, so if you drive, simply park at the Bahnhof. The only downside is these are Daytrips-very little on accomodation. All in all, an excellent resource-and I'm sure it has stolen some customers from me as well.

This book was an excellent guide to small trips that are not so famous. It's easy to see the Berlin Wall, no one needs a guide to find it. But try and see a beautiful Black Forest town and you need help. This book provides it!