No comments about Walking in Austria: 100 Mountain Walks in Austria (Cicerone Guide).

2 comments about Knopf MapGuide: Vienna (Knopf Mapguides).

1. This series of city gudes are wonderful for any traveler. They are handy and small enough to fit in a pocket. They provide useful information at a glance.



2. For someone who hates walking around in a new city carrying cumbersome folding maps, Knopf MapGuide is just the ticket. Map sections are easy to read. I wish though the designers could have found room for separate maps for metro, buses, and trams.

No comments about The Danube Cycleway: Donaueschingen to Budapest.

No comments about Michelin Deutschland, BEnelux, Suisse, Schweiz, Svizzera, Osterreich, Ceska Republika: Strassen- Und Reiseatlas, Toeristische Wegenatlas Tourist and Motoring ... Benelux, Switzerland, Czech Republic Atlas).

5 comments about Walking Austria's Alps: Hut to Hut 2nd Edition.

1. "Walking Austria's Alps, Hut to Hut"
   Jonathan Hurdle
   ISBN 0-89886-640-5

   This book deals with a mountain world that exists above the picturesque towns, the beautiful lakes, and the majestic valleys of Austria. For the most part, it must be reached by foot. To those who are in reasonably good shape and can rough it a little, though, this book provides the insight to partake of that Alpine world in all its glory.

   Having visited Austria on several occasions and ridden by cable car near the tops of mountains such as the Kitzbuehler Horn and Grossglockner, I have glimpsed from up there the pale blue-white mountain peaks that lead off almost endlessly to the distant horizon. But to have the opportunity to walk for days in those mountains, spending the nights in mountain lodges built just for hikers, that would be a fine experience.

   These mountain huts are probably unfamiliar even to those who are fairly familiar with Austria. These huts, Mr. Hurdle explains, are not shacks, but they are professionally run, clean, and comfortable mountain lodges, where hikers sleep on long mattresses in communal areas for as many as twenty persons at a time without regard to sex or age. Sometimes food is available, as well as wine and beer. Hut guests have also been known to sing. Altogether, there are about 900 such places in the mountains of Germany and Austria.

   The book describes eleven different tours of from four to eleven days. The hikes are mostly in the southern part of Austria where it borders with Italy. The hikes include tours in the Oeztaler Alpen, where the famous ice-age man, that Austrians call "Oetzi" was found, as well as a hike on Grossglocker, the highest mountain in Austria. There is a map for each tour, and a description including the appropriate hut in which to sleep for each stage.

   This is an interesting book, but perhaps it loses a little by focusing almost entirely on the details of the hikes. The general reader might hope for a slightly broader context that included a little more detail about the towns or areas near the starting or ending points of some of the tours. It is somewhat difficult, even for one familiar with Austria, to get ones bearings in terms of the familiar towns and highways of the country. One other shortcoming in this book is that the pictures are all in black and white. Color would have enormously increased the degree to which the beauty of the mountains is conveyed.

   On the whole, the book sparked my interest, and I hope, before long, to walk in the beauty of some of those high remote places.




2. I bought this book because I had a business trip with a few extra days in austria. I am writing this right before boarding the plane home. This book fired-up my imagination and just for that it's worth buying, but it also gives you enough information to actually do the hikes. I did the end of trip 9 in reverse and climbed up a nearby mountain. I couldn't have planned this trip if it weren't for this book. That being said, you really need to order the maps the book recommends, there is a lot of extra information (including a "P for parking where you can park your car for one or a few days..). This book was not written with cars in mind.. Nevertheless, everything was as this book describes, except that they now serve muesli at the huts and his hiking times are a little tight.. I couldn't quite do it. As he mentions, you really need to either know german (I knew none) or bring a phrase book(which you will need to order food). The staff speaks enough english to get you a room and some basics (e.g. beer and cafe.. because they sound the same in german) and a huttenshlapsack ( a sleeping sack). Use the book, order the maps they recommend and go. This book does exactly what the title suggests, you can't ask for more. In 1999, web sites were not so ubiquitou so if you are good with google, you can find websites for most of the huts and if you look closely most have a magic "english" button. You then have access to a wealth of information on the hikes and service. You cannot make online reservations, but they give you a cell number where you can get a german speaking acquaintance to make the reservations for you (or your friendly travel agent). The huts have full kitchen, hot water, flush toilets and knick knacks. You need to bring your own trail food though.. they only have items for immediate consumption (and water). A little hut-specific vocabulary would have been nice (e.g. how to fill the log book). Last word of advice: the trails are really well marked, much better than in colorado.. and don't follow the "double arrows" they don't point to anything, they are just a marker.. but that's another story.



3. Amazon should not sell this book. I strongly recommend that readers should not use this book as a guide, for the reasons described below.
   
   I purchased this book several years ago and since have been planning a trip to Austria to do several of the hikes. I just returned from said trip.
   
   I completed the Karwendal tour this past week. This tour is described as a beginner hike, for those with only a modest bit of hiking or walking experience. I had this hike planned as a warm up. After which I intended to do another of the hikes, in the Zillertal region.
   
   I found the trail descriptions in the book to be grossly inaccurate, and to highly understate the actual conditions I found underfoot. There were numerous sections of steep scree fields, exposed cliff and ridge walks, and precipitous cabled ascents and descents, some sections of scrambling, and steep slopes covered in loose gravel. Needless to say, these conditions were certainly not for beginners. Throughout the book, the author makes reference to "nur fur die Gestube" signage to be found on the trail. This term means "only for the experienced". Sections of trail will be signed "nur fur die gestube", when the DAV or OEAV intended it to be attempted only by experienced "climbers", not walkers. These sections of trail will be marked as "steig" (climb) as indicated by black dotted lines on a AV map, or "klettersteig" (ladder climb) as marked by red dotted lines on an Alpenverin (AV) map. These sections are not hiking trails in any but the most extreme sense. In particular, steig or certainly Klettersteig should only be attempted by fit individuals with some climbing training, a harness and a helmet. An ice ax to arrest a slide could also be usefull if there is any ice, or the potential for ice. The author downplays the danger and exposure associated with these sections of trail, which is, in my opinion, reckless and cavalier.
   
   The descriptions to be found in the book do not describe the conditions to be found, either for the "nur fur die gestube" sections or the sections without such signage. In addition, many sections or trail with significant exposure are unmarked, and are not described as containing cables, steep slopes or risk of injury in the text of the guide. These sections will come as a nasty surprise to those expecting the conditions described in the text and pictures. In one case I found myself literally climbing up a 75-80% incline, hand over foot, to the top of what turned out to be a knife edge ridge, with a sheer drop on the other side. In another situation, the trail called for descending down a 75-80% incline of solid rock, backwards, relying on a steel cable. In several cases, I followed a narrow trail along high, steep cliff sides, aided by steel cables laid into the rock. In the latter case, I was lucky to cross these exposed sections before a electrical storm came up.
   
   In addition, the hiking times stated in the text are often not realistic, particularly the descent times.
   
   I purchased the exact Alpenvereinkarte and have a good deal of hiking nad some climbing/scrambling experience in the states, having completed the Mount Whitney day hike and several other long distance back country hikes.
   
   This fact should sum up my experience. I encountered four other hikers on the trail, all of which came to the Karwendal based on this guidebook, and its promise of beginner conditions. I was the only one to finish the tour, the other four turned back early due to the hazardous conditions. All of us were highly dissappointed with this guide. In fact, the locals who were amongst us on this trek got a good laugh out of the description of this hike as a beginner's hike. It certainly should not be attempted by anyone who is not fit, or without significant experience high in the mountains, or with any fear of heights.



4. I am planning to trek in Alps with my wife and a 3-years old kid. I thought of a hut-to-hut concept, and this is exactly what appears in the book's title, that's how I bought it.
   
   Though while reading the book I found very little information that would suit for my needs. There is no difficulty rating. There is no way to get a brief idea about the difficulty level of a trail unless you read through the entire chapter. Didn't find any "easy" treks that would be suitable for kids.



5. I DID ONE LONG TREK FROM THIS BOOK. THE FIRST 3 DAYS DISCRIBED O/K BUT THE 4'TH AND THE 6'TH DAY WERE ONLY FOR EXPERIANCE CLIMBERS ROCK CLIMBING, ICE COSSING ETC. I HADE TO MAKE A QUIKE CHANGE, CANCELL HUT RESERVATINION, AND BOOK OTHERS. NO CLUES FOR THAT IN THE TEXT!!!!!

3 comments about Michelin Germany, Benelux, Austria, Czech Republic (Michelin Map) (Multilingual Edition).

1. As always, Michelin maps are clear and easy to read. We used it on a bus trip to track our route. One or two very minor things are out-of-date by now, but don't let that stop you from buying this map. For driving on your own it may be that a single country map is better, but for the Benelux general area, the map was very helpful.



2. I haven't taken it to Germany yet. We go in June but it looks like it has a lot of roads and directions and detailed info. 100% better than Rick Steves map I also ordered.



3. We spent 6 weeks driving all over 10 countries in Europe and this map was really wonderful! Yes, we used a navigation system but the map was extremely helpful for the big picture view while we were there. Sometimes we had to make changes in the plan and a map like this really helps. Great delivery!

1 comments about Michelin Austria/Autriche (Michelin Maps).

1. Eh, what can I say...it's a map and it's good. I'm happy with it anyway and it should help prevent me getting lost on my up-coming travels.

5 comments about Rick Steves' Germany, Austria, and Switzerland Map: Including Berlin, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna City.

1. Before I moved to Germany from the States I received this book from a friend of my mother's who had spent a few years attending university in Spain and said that Rick Steve's books were what everyone at the university used. Since moving to Germany this book has been great. I carry it around with me whenever we travel because it has so much valuable information.
   
   Some of the other reviews have been extremely negative, but as someone who uses the book on a regular basis and actually lives in the country, I know that this book is great. It is less expensive than others and it gives great suggestions for places to stay. He does spend more time with Berlin and Munich, but considering these are two of the largest cities that have long histories, it only makes sense. The hotel suggestions are great, the last time we were in Berlin we opted to choose our own place that was less expensive. It was neat with all the Bears around (it was called the Bearliner), but it smelled. So, if you plan on travelling to Germany I really suggest getting this book.



2. This was the very first travel book - my mother in law bought it for me right after we were stationed in Germany 6 years ago. I'm still using the 2001 version (yes, I know that's bad!) but it's gotten me all over! The simplified maps and the hotel recommendations have kept my trips easy and fun.
   --Vicki Landes, author of "Europe For The Senses - A Photographic Journal"



3. First and foremost, to clarify, this product that you are supposedly reading reviews for is Rick Steves' MAP of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It appears that the other reviews are of Rick Steves' guidebooks! Again, this product is NOT one of Rick Steves' famous guidebooks (which I would always rate as 5 stars, incidentally!). This map is very basic; don't count on using it to find your way around a country or city. Only the major cities and towns are marked. Likewise, in the city maps of Berlin, Munich, Salzburg and Vienna, only the major thoroughfares are mapped. You should use this map only as a reference to his guidebook of the region to plan your trip. You will want to get a 'real' map that's much more detailed, e.g. Michelin, when you arrive. Best part of this map? The cool water resistant paper on which it is printed. Especially if you have small children who are apt to spill liquid, as mine did on Day One upon receiving it from Amazon!



4. I got this thinking it would get me started on planning my trip to Europe. I had a list of things I wanted to see. When I got the map I was so happy to see that all the tourist attractions were ALREADY MARKED on the map! They were clearly labeled and easy to locate and read. Great product...well worth the money!



5. This is a great high-level roadmap of Germany, but it lacks the detail needed to really explore the countryside. If you are driving through Germany like we did, buy an atlas that provides more route detail. There are so many country lanes in Germany that even a detail book sometimes misses the many villages you'll encounter along the way. If you're taking the train, this map works fine. If you're driving, look at something else.

2 comments about Michelin Germany: Benelux, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic: Tourist And Motoring Atlas (Michelin Tourist and Motoring Atlas : Germany, Austria, Benelux, Switzerland, Czech Republic (Spiral)).

1. Terrific compilation of every village, hamlet, point-of-interest, and topographical feature, just about! Easy to "navigate" the maps, as Michelin has left nothing-to-chance. Whether motoring, or traveling by train, this guide will enlighten, add much to any journey, and answer the age-old question, "Are we there, yet?"



2. This atlas has a very clear format which uses an attractive colouring scheme. There is no want of detail (villages and minor roads are clearly shown), yet the pages are not cluttered. The atlas is easy to use, easy to hold, and, importantly, the spiral binding is sturdy.
   It really is the ideal road atlas of Germany, Benelux, Switzerland, Austria and the Czech Republic, and I heartily recommend it to anyone planning a road trip to the region.

3 comments about Streetwise Vienna City Center Street Map.

1. Ive used Streetwise maps on many trips and they have never let me down. The newest Vienna map proved to be more of the same quality. These maps are accurate and nearly indestructible, highly recommended!



2. A great, detailed & durable map of the streets of Vienna. Great help while wandering the streets sightseeing.



3. This map served me well in Vienna in June 2009. The general city map provided to tourists in hotels in Vienna is very confusing and I kept letting people in the street borrow this map to help them when they looked lost after consulting their map from their hotel. My only complaint was that some of the streetcar lines seemed to have changed since this map was published, so the streetcars did not always follow the route I expected. Still, this was very uncommon and I could mostly count on the public transportation marked on this map to be right. This map was still very clear and the close-up of the Ringstrasse was very helpful. I liked that it was laminated because I was able to circle my destinations for one day with a dry-erase marker and wipe it off to mark down my destinations for the next day.