It's an enormous place with overwhelming tourist options. Smack in the middle of Europe, Germany's got the Bavarian Alps, windswept North Sea islands, the Black Forest and the castle-dotted Rhine. And there's Berlin, a city where you could easily spend all your vacation and not see a tenth of what it has to offer. Germany has history aplenty, an enormous variety of museums, cosmopolitan sophistication and rural quaintitude, camping, beer gardens, and music of all kinds. In short, Germany is the kind of place where a guidebook makes all the difference.

Lonely Planet covers the country diligently and entertainingly, leaving nothing out. With maps of all 16 states, over 35 city maps, and a fold-out transportation map to Berlin, the daunting becomes comfortable. There are the background chapters on history, government, climate and ecology, the people, the arts, society and language, and a big fat chapter covering all the necessary details of visas, money, Web sites, electricity, festivals, health, and accommodations for special needs, plus how to get there and how to get around once you've arrived. Then for every city and burg, Lonely Planet provides the stuff a traveler needs to know, all about where to stay, eat, sight see, shop, and play. And scattered in and among the guiding text are little nuggets of interest, telling the stories of witches and warlocks, Bertolt Brecht, Marlene Dietrich, and the sad tale of Queen Caroline. Not prohibitively large, Lonely Planet's guidebook packs enough into its pages for 100 good trips.

Book Description
Fairy-tale castles, medieval towns, boisterous beer halls, breathtaking landscapes and a cutting-edge arts scene - the land of Beethoven and Bratwurst delights, excites and inspires. Whether you want to discover Berlin's raw nightlife or ascend the jagged heights of the Bavarian Alps, this guide will enable you to unlock Germany's many unique experiences. * GET AROUND with our 139 detailed maps, including one of Berlin's complex transport system * EXPLORE Germany's historic cities with out detailed walking tours leading you to the grandest cathedrals and the finest hidden treasures * DINE OUT in style - whether it's a Gastatte, a Weinkeller or just a Wurst that you're after, our eating reviews have got it covered * DREAM SWEETLY in a 12-century castle or an eccentric, modern 'Flying Bedroom' - whatever your budget we'll find you somewhere to rest your head * ESCAPE - cruise down the Rhine, hike through the Black Forest and ski the Alps with activities information throughout

FROM OUR EDITORS

One of the most dependable series available, Lonely Planet's guidebooks are packed with essential information and accurate maps and are written with enough character that they are also good reading for armchair travelers. The series is now popular with travelers of all sorts, although backpackers and adventure travelers have long relied on Lonely Planet's guides because of the wide range of destinations offered. Whether you want to relax on the beaches of Thailand, roam the Australian outback, or explore the deserts of Iran, Lonely Planet has a practical, thorough guidebook for your destination. For dangerous or less-traveled regions, we highly recommend Lonely Planet's guides because they provide crucial information in an easy-to-use format, making it possible for travelers to handle the difficulties of language, customs, and transportation. In countries with unfamiliar alphabets, the guides include the names of cities and sights in both English and native characters, and glossaries are provided to help travelers with menus. The series offers lodging and restaurant options for all budgets, but the main focus is on getting a good deal for your money. With good writing, a wealth of valuable information, and beautiful color photo sections, Lonely Planet's guides are hard to beat.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Whether you plan to hike through the Bavarian Alps, enjoy the wines of the Rhineland, check out Berlin's vibrant nightlife, or escape to the tranquility of the North Frisian Islands, this comprehensive guide will help make you make the most of your trip.