European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 22, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Travel european the go in Germany Austria and Switzerland by Norm Zeigler travel outdoor writer these Throe countries have been a. Grouped together because of their a a a a a geographical proximity As Well As their cultural and ethnic ties. However there a Are differences that travellers should take a a a a note  food formerly food in Germany and Austria had the reputation of being very. A heavy and High in calories without having. Much distinction Snitzel potatoes cabbage and Wurst. Multi ethnic Switzerland with its italian and French regions has always had More culinary Appeal. A in terms of taste and variety a Germany Austria is still noon a Par with France but in recent years tourists have begun to notice that it has some Fine. Cuisine. Vienna Austria has Long been noted Tor its Coffee shops  delicious a pastries including the a Cher torte a Rich chocolate cake. Most restaurants have menus posted. Outside near the floor. Many Laige _ department stores have cafeterias that offer reasonably priced meals. An. A additional advantage of cafeteria meals is that selections can be made by sight a avoiding the necessity of struggling with a a menu in German a. For budget travellers on the go fast food in the form of Wurst and Bard Roli sandwiches is available at most train stations and Roadside stands at Many other locations. In Munich try the Leber Kase a. Liver Flavoured meat loaf served with  Germany of course the National beverage is Beer a despite the fact that the country produces some of the world  finest White wines. One of the most renowned Beer producing regions is Franconia Frankena Beautiful area of a forested Hills and Green valleys that. A. Contains the greatest concentration of breweries in the world a. Lodging a accommodations in the. Major cities can he expensive but. There Are budget hotels and pensions nearly everywhere. In Small towns and resort y. A areas private rooms Are an excellent alternative. They feature an informal a atmosphere and economical prices usually in a Rural setting. Most Are.   saying , in a few areas along the superhighways you will find motels. _ _ a All three countries have extensive a youth Hostel networks. These Are excellent bargains if you do not mind dormitory lodging. Some Are located in the most attractive sections of the. Cities and a a a a a vacation regions. Another possibility for those who plan longer stays is . Many offer comfortable lodgings meals and a variety of outdoor activities for adults and _ n a amps Mleh ant Abrams Schloss mesh Lebrunn in the Spessars Region of Northern Bavaria is a popular attraction during the summer tourist season. It children. Lists of vacation  Are v available at Many travel agencies. The tourism infrastructure in these countries with the exception of the former East Germany is excellent and extensive. Tourist information offices can generally provide brochures and guidebooks and also Book rooms by Price Range and location. Shopping a store hours Are generally 8 . Or 9 . To 6 ., or 63g  Monday to Friday in Germany Many _ shops close wednesday afternoons some i stay open until 8 30  on thursdays most stores in Germany and Austria close at 1  On saturday. In Switzerland they generally stay open later on saturdays. Popular tourist items include cuckoo clocks and Wool clothing in Germany and Austria watches and chocolate in Switzerland. In recent years Germany has come to rival Italy and France in leading the Way on women s fashion. Money tipping a Banks Are generally closed for lunch and saturday though this Ris changing. In Germany and Austri Abanks close around 330  Except on thursdays when they stay open an extra hour or so in Switzerland they generally a stay open a. Little later. Exchanges in airports arid train stations keep much. �?�,.�?� longer  dining in a restaurant remember that a service charge for the waiter is. Included in the Cost of meals but it is customary to leave a Small tip.  and Switzerland round the Bill up to the next full Mark or franc. It Austria round it up to the next 10 schillings. If you got exceptional service or Are just feeling generous you can give More. Tips Are not Teflon the table but Are Given to the waiter when the Bill is paid. Sightseeing a favorite destinations in Germany include Munich the Rhine River the romantic Road the fairy tale Road and the Alps in. Southern Bavaria Don t miss Neusch Wansten the Castle that inspired Disney. Despite its huge population in relation to its size Germany Shiji has Many areas of comparatively u spoiled. N natural Beauty because of a.  1 Type of centuries old Cluster zoning left Over from Feudal times most of the population is  cities towns and tight Little villages. Germany has some of the most splendid cathedrals in Europe. A few of the most spectacular Are in Freiburg Cologne Tilburg and Speyer in Austria leading tourist attractions Are Vienna Salzburg the Danube and the Alps. The  of Johann Strauss and a Mozart is a Paradise for outdoor enthusiasts including hikers bikers hang. Gliders Mountain climbers and fishermen Switzerland s most popular destinations a include Lucerne Zurich Zermatt Basel and of course the Alps both Switzer land and Austria have Many excellent ski areas a including Glacier areas hat operate year round -. Transportation a except in the Fornier East Germany All three of these countries have excellent Roar and rail networks. As in the rest of Europe flying is expensive and Host avoided. In Germany he new intercity express ice trains set to begin operating Between Hamburg and Munich on june 2, will rival air carriers in terms of door to door travel time. Most cities have Good bus sub yay and Streetcar networks tickets can generally ire purchased from machines prior to boarding sometimes they Are available from the Driver. Many places sell ticket booklets or Long term tickets. Most networks work tin. The Honor system but a Don t take a c Hance. Fines for Riding j without a ticket Are Steep. Bicycles can be rented at Many train stations in All three countries. Germany s autobahn Are Best avoided during Peak  periods when they can. Resemble giant parking lots More than a superhighways in Germany a helpful organization for budget Traveles is  share a ride Cente for a Small fee it matches Drivers with potential passengers beaded in the same direction it is cheaper than trains and safer than hitchhiking May 22, 1991 stars and stripes travel Europe a