German: The fatherland that sparkles!

The ever effervescent debate between beer and wine is what sums up the story for Germany for many of the tourists who plan to visit the country. However, there is a lot more to this seemingly pilsner-oriented culture that meets the eye. Certainly, a country that plays host to one of the world’s greatest parties, the Oktoberfest, has to be much more than just a nation obsessed with alcohol.

The country is essentially one of endless choices, and one is never forced to decide, since he/she can always have both.

Berlin: World class museums by the day and happening nightclubs during the evening is what describes the ideal itinerary while on is in Berlin! More than 2 decades after its walled existence came to an end, the city today is a heady concoction of the grand opera and guerilla clubs, alongside gourmet restaurants and a veritable collection of museums and galleries that is the envy of the entire Europe. For many, it’s like the New York of the 80s, and the reason is the influx of so many people from different parts of the world, encouraged by the tolerant atmosphere of the city. True, there is also the element of affordable lifestyle that adds to the beauty of an immigrant’s haven! The city seems to be fervently focused towards the future, probably because it has such a forgettable past. There seems to be a big celebration going on at all times. Cafes are always packed, and drinks are more of a means of relaxation; they are a way of life, to mention nothing of the obvious rush in nightclubs. However, the city is also absolutely organized – smooth flow of traffic, excellent public transport and economical meal options – Berlin has it all!

Rugen Island: For the better part of history, this destination has been talked about. Back in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, the island was visited by the likes of Bismarck, Einstein and Thomas Mann, while the chalky coastline was immortalised by Caspar David Friedrich. However, the beaches of Rugen Island were also a favourite of Hitler, who built a holiday resort for his troops here. A majority of the coast, spanning 574 kms, comprises of vegetation, and one will witness many trees of chestnut, poplar, elm and oak, while the surrounding areas are protected nature reserves or national parks. The main resort of the Binz and the white chalk cliffs of the Jasmund National Park in the Stubbenkammer area are constant attractions for tourists.

Tourists in Germany often find themselves without much reliable assistance when it comes to communicating with friends and family back home. Pay phones are expensive, and domestic sim cards on roaming aren’t much use either. In such a scenario, Matrix international calling cards come as a welcome change from the rest of the options, as they deliver flawless network coverage and as much as 80% savings on every international call to major destinations across the world.

Germany: The land not yet explored

There are so many facets to Germany that even a person who has been to every nook and cranny would not know it properly. Following is a look at its most prominent destinations:

Berlin: It has been more than twenty years since the Berlin wall was demolished, and the city has witnessed a sea change of its persona and displays glamour and determination in all its fervour. Be it design, fashion, music or art, the capital of Germany is a must visit, what with so many fantastic museums, galleries, guerrilla clubs, the grand opera, snack shacks and gourmet restaurants. The cultural scene is as diverse and as rich as one would want it to be, with so many inputs coming in from all parts of Europe. Tourists are attracted to the open environment and thinking of this city, above all else. Also, there is a feeling that something better is just about to happen, which also helps its cause as one of the most anticipated cities in the world, so to speak. There is so much vivacity here that it's really hard to picture the tumultuous past Berlin has been through, i.e., a revolution, serving as a headquarters for fascists, bombed back to stone age and then reunited. There are many important landmarks like the Reichstag, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate, not to forget the remains of the Berlin Wall.

Rügen : There is a certain element of mythology to Rügen, an island that has played host to greats like Bismarck, Thomas Mann and Einstein, while Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich gave new life to its coastline in 1818. However, Hitler was also pretty intrigued by the magnanimity of this island, and built a holiday resort for his troops on one of Rügen's most beautiful beaches. The coastline stretches 574 kms, but a majority of the island is covered with flora and fauna, and a drive would reveal poplar, oak, chestnut and elm trees. The surrounding areas are protected naatural reserves or national parks. A majority of the tourists throng to the resort of Binz and the Stubbenkammer area in the Jasmund National Park, but there are many parts of the island which need to be explored as they contain some really interesting structures of historic importance.

Dresden: To sum it up, there are very few cities that will have silhouettes as majestic as Dresden. The spellbinding view from the Elbe's northern bank presents a collection of sky-high towers, marvellous domes that belong to palaces, churches and spires. Many artists, like Canaletto from Italy, have been more than eager to utilise their skill to immortalise this setting. This Saxon capital was also known as the ‘Florence of the north’, in the 18th century, a time period when it was the hub of artistic activity, and even though it had a struggling past, the resurrected Frauenkirche is a symbol of this 800 year old city's determination.

A trip to Germany would entail keeping in touch with friends and family, and there is no better (and more economical) way to do so than with Matrix international calling cards, which guarantee up to 80% savings on every call, along with great savings.

A sojourn to Germany

Besides the usual fetish for beer, there is a lot more that Germany has to offer. And believe it or not, people from all parts of the world swarm to the country, a significant portion of them waiting to indulge in the Oktoberfest. Although much of beer flows like a river at one the world's greatest parties as well, the point is, while one is enjoying liquor from green stemmed glasses, there are quite a few questions that are floating around the environs, like whether one should buy a BMW or Mercedes, hand out at the club, or soak in royal ambience at the castle, revel in Munich, or burn the roof in Berlin! All this, and more, awaits the visitor who takes the sojourn to Adolf Hitler, the Führer's fatherland.

Munich: A lot has been said about this vibrant city, and for all the right reasons. Munich, or München, has a lot many different time zones existing simultaneously. On one side, there are shining BMWs and chic designer boutiques, while on the other, locals still practice the age-old traditions with fervour. The music and cultural environment has always been happening, and for those who appreciate the finer things in life, Munich's museums have the world's finest antiques on display. However, provincialism certainly retains most of its charm, and the prevailing attitude is 'live and let live. The metropolis is kind of like a global village, and the concept is reinforced by the fact that during Oktoberfest, the whole planet seems to come down here!

Sylt: Shaped like an anchor that is hooked on to the mainland, Sylt is having the aggressive surfs on its west coast that charge fiercely at the shoreline that constantly changes shape. Owing to the strong winds, the place is often the meeting spot of the best windsurfers from across the world, who convene here every September for the final Surf World Cup of the tour. However, totally in contrast of this picture, the Wadden Sea's serene shoreline, with the water retreating twice a day to reveal the sea bottom, is an invigorating and unique experience par tranquillity. Towards the northern side of the island, one can find sand dunes shifting shape and location alongside lighthouses guarding over 'streams' of yellow rape flower. Owing to its stunning and picturesque landscape, Sylt has been the favoured destination of celebrities from Germany and the world, a fact that is reinforced by the scores of expensive restaurants, plush homes, expensive cars and designer boutiques on the street.

Bremen: The name of Germany's smallest state is derived from the description of a Hanseatic city, although many would like to think of it more as a town, or for that matter, two towns, the reason being that the terrain is divided between riverside Bremen and industrial Bremerhaven at the mouth of the Weser River. The destination is the perfect resting spot while on a long tour of Germany, with its peaceful and enchanting setting.

Going to Germany is incomplete without a reliable communication partner, and Matrix international sim cards, with calls 80% lower than other service providers are certainly the best one could ask for. Now, one can stay in touch with friends and family without having to fret about expensive bills.

Gorge on the German holiday

Greece can easily be referred to as one of the most exotic European countries that is slowly becoming a haven for tourists wanting to break away from the regular holiday routine. Following is a glimpse of the most revered destinations in the country.

Berlin: More than 20 years after its post-wall rebirth, the city of Berlin has transformed like anything from practically every angle. Right from the top-notch galleries and museums to the grand opera and guerilla clubs, snack shacks and restaurants serving sumptuous and exotic German and international delicacies. Talking about fashion, design, art or music as well, Berlin scores high on all counts. The capital of Germany is today a simmering pot-boiler of creativity and culture, alike the New York of the 80s. The open environment, with acceptance for all kinds of religions and ethnicities, is what gives the city life, and attracts tourists as well as immigrants from all parts of the world, along with the economical living expenses! Just within the 20th century, the city set the stage for a revolution, was bombed back to the stone age, divided into two, and eventually, reunited. All this makes it a must visit on all counts, along with the bustling activity of the classy metropolis that it is.


Rügen Island: Mythologised in German history, the island was the place to be, so to speak, in the 19th and early 20th century for the country's great men, including Bismarck, Thomas Mann and Einstein, while Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich etched its coastline in history. Despite having more than 550 kms of coastline, a majority of the island is covered with vegetation. There are lush canopies of chestnut, elm, oak, and other popular trees as one drives around the island, while the surroundings are full of national parks and protected nature reserves. Tourists generally head off to the main resort of Binz, and the Stubbenkammer area, that is capped with white cliffs in the Jasmund National Park, but the island has much more to offer, with historical buildings interspersed all around its surface area.


Dresden: In short, the silhouette of this marvellous German city is unparalleled by any other destination across the world, as the view from the Elbe's northern bank shows one a stunning landscape of glorious spires, palatial domes belonging to churches and stately buildings, along with sky high towers. The city has played host to the masterpieces of many artists, the most notable among them being the Canaletto. Termed as 'Florence of the north' in the 18th century, Dresden was the hub of artistic innovation back in its days of glory, and was ruled over by Augustus the Strong (August der Starke) and his son Augustus III, who were chiefly responsible for many of the iconic buildings in the city one witnesses today. However, the very fact that these buildings are present is a miracle, as the city was razed to dust during the second world was, only to emerge all over again like phoenix rising, and retain its long lost glory.

Matrix international sim cards deliver fantastic savings on international calls, with discounts up to 80% compared to regular calling charges, to make sure that travellers to Germany never have to miss out on any opportunity to talk to their loved ones.

For more information related to international SIM card, sim card for Germany, International communication, international travelling sim cards please visit: - http://www.matrix.in

Germany: Tourists find a new unique destination

Germany is indeed one of the most diverse tourist destinations in the world, and this is evident from the fact that the number of people visiting it has been increasing for many years now, at an exponential pace. The most popular thing about the country is, of course, its beer, since the German culture inculcates drinking on practically every occasion, or for that matter, even without any occasion. Nevertheless, tourists who enjoy alcohol don't mind indulging even for a little bit. Further, the food is also a great accompaniment of sorts to the alcoholic beverage, resulting in even more reasons for one to consume this heady concoction on a regular basis. Visiting around October would land one in the middle of Oktoberfest, which is a mass celebration full of fun and frolic.

Besides this, Germany also is home to the Berlin wall, a structure that is renowned the world over for its historical significance as the barrier between east and west Germany. Although only the ruins of the same remain as of now, it is still an enlightening experience for many to witness the structure from where it all began. There are also many other destinations in the ocuntry, each having its own significance:

• Augsburg – This city is known for its association with Emperor Augustus, artists that were popular around the world, the Holy Roman empire and the Fugger and Welser families.

• Erfurt – Religious history engulfs this town, which is also very famous for its monasteries, churches and convents. It's a must visit for tourists who want to travel but without the hustle and bustle of a typical metropolitan city. Indeed, the atmosphere of Erfurt is magical and enchanting, to say the least, and one finds getting instantly attracted from the moment he steps foot inside its borders.

• Freiburg – Found close to 900 years ago, this town is a live specimen of the greatness and skill of German medieval architecture.

• Heidelberg – This city is a haven for writes and poets, with many of the world's leading personalities having taken inspiration from the Neckar river, the green woods and vineyards, and the high mountainside, all of which come together to form a striking contrast.

• Koblenz – Easily one of the oldest German towns, with a history close to 2000 years, Koblenz is known for its architecture and traditional lineage.

• Mainz – This town houses the Gutenberg Museum.

• Munster – After being turned to dust in 1943, this city was rebuilt as an exact replica.

• Osnabruck – One of the most picturesque locales in Germany can be found here. This town is the perfect spot for hiking, cycling and walking.

While travelling to Germany, it is essential to remain in contact with one's friends and family. For this, buying Matrix sim cards for Germany is a wise decision, since they offer fantastic savings on every call, besides great connectivity while calling to destinations around the world.

Discover Germany for an unforgettable vacation

The Federal Republic of Germany (also known as Deutschland) is the largest country in Central Europe, and also one of the largest country's in Europe. It shares borders with Denmark to the north, Poland and Czech Republic to the east, Switzerland and Austria to the east, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium & the Netherlands to the west. It is a federation of 16 states, and is also one of the most influential countries in the European continent in terms of its significance in the world economic scenario. Although people the world over admire German engineering and their cars, the country is also a very popular tourist destination. Let's take a look at some of its major attractions.

The Rhine: This is one of the most popular holiday destinations not only in Germany, but also in Europe, simply because there is so much to look forward to in the form of attractions like castles, cathedrals, hiking trails, vineyards, et al. Although castles are interspersed all across Germany, the most important ones are in Rhine, with some being ruins, and others surviving the test of time. What makes this city even more interesting from the point of view of art and literature lovers is that the magnificent beauty of Rhine has inspired many painters and poets to create some of their masterpieces.

Trier: Situated in the Mosel River Valley, Trier is the oldest city in Germany, and was among the epicenters of the Roman empire, which is quite evident from the architectural marvels that still exist within the ruins. A must visit place is the combination of two churches; The Dom St. Peter and the Liebfrauenkirche, both of which were built over ruins.

Berchtesgaden: A beautiful place to spend time in due to the sheer scenic beauty it offers to onlookers, Berchtesgaden is visited mostly during the winter season dur to its ski resorts that are located at the edge of the Berchtesgaden National Park. Another popular tourist attraction is the Eagle's Nest, a mountain that was Hitler's refuge in the second world war.

Würzburg: Close to Frankfurt, the city of Würzburg is popularly known as university town, and has many vineyards and architectural marvels to its credit. On the cultural front, there are numerous events like the Africa Festival and the Mozart Festival that are instant attention catchers for tourists among all age groups.

Bamberg: Over a thousand years of history is engrained within the walls of Bamberg, as it is one of the few cities that still retains the original German spirit in all its essence, particularly the Old Town region.

Potsdam: The capital of the Brandenburg state, Potsdam is a suburb of Berlin, Germany's cosmopolitan capital. This baroque city houses the glorious palace of Sanssouci, which is at par with many other fantastic works of art like the Versailles and Windsor Castle, if not better than the latter.

Matrix, an international sim card service, gives flawless connectivity across Germany, and lets an individual stay in contact with family and friends back home in India. One can use it to escape expensive international calling rates by up to 80%, all the while being in touch with everyone that matters.

For more information related to international sim cards, international travel sim cards, sim cards for Germany, international calling cards please visit: - http://www.matrix.in/