Germany is the second most popular country to travel to in Western Europe, according to the stats on this site. Once you have the basics, you might want a written guidebook to take along with you. Here are some of the best, including some specialty guidebooks for Christians, wine lovers, and, well, dummies.
1. Rick Steves' 2007 Germany and Austria
Rick Steves is the king of innexpensive, independent travel. He'll get you to the "back doors" of Europe, providing you get there before the millions of others just waiting to kick them down. Rick's guides aren't as comprehensive as most guides in this category, they pretty much only take you to the places Rick finds captivating.
2. Lonely Planet Germany
Lonely Planet has been doing guidebooks for robust, independent travelers for a while, using a stable of fine writers rather than a single writer for each guidebook. Lots of maps, including 35 city maps and maps of each German state.3. Frommer's 2007 Germany
A bit more up-market than Lonely Planet or Rick Steves, this guide will give you the goods on the better places to stay and eat.4. Let's go Germany 13th Edition
You budget savvy travelers will get a lot out of the Let's Go guides, aimed for the younger traveler who doesn't need luxury or haute cuisine.5. Dk Eyewitness Travel Guides Germany 2007
The Eyewitness travel guides has lots of beautiful photos and covers highlights of Germany. They're good for planning but a little heavy to carry with you.6. Do as the Germans Do
You'll want to know how to behave when you're in Germany, and get a few tips on the lingo. Hyde Flippo, of About's German language site, lets you in on the secrets of getting a table in a decent German restaurant or making small talk to the person across the table from you.7. Daytrips Germany
This book has 60 recommended one-day adventures by train or car and includes maps.8. Insight Guide Germany
Insight Guides are known for their photography. But do you want to carry photographs around to the places you're going to see? On the other hand, the extra weight of the slick Insight guides may not bother you if you're still undecided on a destination and want to check things out visually.9. Germany for Dummies
Don't have a clue? Well, read our own stuff on Germany, then get a dummies book. You'll get tear-out maps and lots of best-of lists from novelist, playwright, and travel writer, Donald Olson.10. A Traveller's Wine Guide to Germany
There's more to drink than beer in Germany. In fact, there are thirteen wine regions and lots of wine flowing in those restaurants and bars. If you're really into vino, you'll need a good guide to enjoying the pleasures of the grape while you're in Germany