This guidebook is all you need to discover The Westweg, a 285km walk along the length Germany's Black Forest from Pforzheim to Basel. This classic long-distance trail takes around two weeks to walk, in stages of 15-28km. The route is well way-marked and suitable for experienced hikers and those new to long distance walking, though some sections are steep. Detailed descriptions and 1:100,000 maps accompany each stage of the route and the book describes options for shortening stages using public transport. There is also information on when to go, where to stay and a German-English glossary. With well-maintained and waymarked trails, an efficient public transport system and conveniently placed huts and farmhouse inns, the Black Forest is one of Germany's best-loved walking destinations. The Westweg incorporates many of the region's highlights, such the Schwarzwald National Park, the source of the Danube and Lake Titisee. At Titisee there is a choice to make: the western route taking in the Black Forest's highest peak Feldberg and the vineyards of the Markgraflerland, or the quieter eastern route via the Herzogenhorn peak and on to Basel, with all its cultural attractions and old-world charm.

15 day walks, 3 multi-stage treks and 5 cycle routes are described covering the north, central and southern areas of Germany's Black Forest. The walks and cycle routes are evenly distributed across all three areas and comprise both long distance routes and day walks, although each stage of every long distance walk can also be done as individual day tour. The chosen routes include the main Black Forest destinations, such as Feldberg, Belchen Schauinsland, Hornisgrinde and Mummelsee, as well as Allerheiligen Abbey and waterfalls and the source of the Danube, to name but a few. Two of the three long distance routes are certified quality trails: Schluchtensteig (120km), which means gorge trail traverses the Wutachschlucht, one of the last untamed river systems in Germany, and Zweitalersteig (108km) a highly diverse circular route which leads through some of the most beautiful and contrasting parts of the Central Black Forest. Seensteig (71km) partially follows the central ridge of the Black Forest mountain range, offering unsurpassed views along the way. The cycle routes (4 day rides, and the 242km Southern Black Forest Cycle Route) are mostly easy and scenic, and utilise the extensive and well-maintained bicycle trail system that criss-crosses the entire region. The walks and rides are described in detail and basic maps are provided for orientation.

Germany has the largest population of any nation in Western Europe, and is the ancestral home of the single largest ethnic group in America. To do justice to this major nation, we have called upon the talents and research abilities of six long-experienced journalists, most of them living full time in Germany. The resulting book is up-to-date, printed in large, easy-to-read fonts and contains: - Dozens of spectacular photos - Full-color maps throughout including a helpful, pull-out map - Compelling and fun-to-read discussions of Germany's history, art history and current culture - Sample itineraries so you can make the most of your time in country - Savvy tips on how to avoid the crowds and save money, whether you're a luxury lover or a backpacker - Opinionated advice on historic sights, nature areas, museums and other attractions, with star ratings to help you quickly decide what to see and what to skip. The book also contains dozens of no-holds-barred reviews of hotels, restaurants, nightlife venues and shops, from authors who have visited them all, and so have the ability to compare.