Aachen Germany sits right at the point where Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium meet, and it feels like a crossroads of all three. It is best known as the city of Charlemagne, with a cathedral that was among the first sites to be listed by UNESCO. It is also a university town with a lively centre, hot springs and a famous gingerbread-like sweet called Printen. It works as a day trip or a relaxed weekend.
Why Aachen Germany deserves your time
Charlemagne chose Aachen as his favourite residence in the late eighth century, and for several centuries German kings were crowned here. That history is still obvious in the streets. Yet the city does not feel like a museum. Students keep the cafes busy, there are good shops, and you can combine sightseeing with a swim in a thermal bath. Distances are short, so you can see the main sights in a day without rushing.
The cathedral and the old centre
Aachen Cathedral
The cathedral is the main sight. Its core is the octagonal Palatine Chapel, built under Charlemagne, which later grew into a larger church with Gothic additions. Inside you will see the throne associated with the coronations, the shrine of Charlemagne and a great chandelier. The cathedral treasury holds important medieval objects. Visiting rules, guided tours and treasury opening hours change, so check the official cathedral website before you go.
Town hall and market square
The town hall stands on the site of Charlemagne’s palace and faces a market square with a fountain of the emperor. Around it you will find narrow streets, small shops and cafes. It is a good place for people-watching.
Elisenbrunnen and the springs
The city has been famous for its hot springs since Roman times. The Elisenbrunnen, a neoclassical hall, lets you see the spring water flowing. Be aware that the water has a mineral smell and taste that not everyone enjoys.
Thermal baths
If you want to relax, Aachen has thermal baths that use the local spring water. Day visitors can spend an afternoon in warm pools and saunas. Check the official website for current opening times, rules on sauna areas and prices. A bath is a good option for a rainy day or after a day on cobblestones.
What to eat and drink
- Aachener Printen. A hard or soft spiced biscuit, often with nuts or a chocolate coating. Local bakeries sell them in boxes as souvenirs.
- Bakery treats. Try a regional pastry with coffee in one of the old town cafes.
- German classics. Schnitzel, sausages and roasted meats are easy to find, and there are vegetarian dishes too.
- Beer. Rhineland-style beer is common in the region.
Day trips from the city
Aachen’s location makes it a base for crossing borders. The Dutch city of Maastricht is not far, and the Belgian city of Liège is also within reach. The Dreiländerpunkt, the point where the three countries meet, lies just outside Aachen and is popular with walkers and cyclists, since there are paths and a viewing tower nearby. Check current access details before you visit. Our Germany travel guides have more ideas.
How to get to Aachen
Aachen’s main station has regional and long-distance connections. Trains run from Cologne in roughly an hour, and international services link the city to Belgium and other destinations; times change, so check the Deutsche Bahn website or app for current schedules. By car, the city is connected by motorways, but parking in the centre can be expensive and limited, so many visitors use the car parks at the edge of the old town.
A one-day plan
- Morning: arrive and walk to the cathedral. Spend about an hour and a half inside, longer if you take a tour.
- Midday: visit the market square and town hall, then have lunch nearby.
- Afternoon: walk to the Elisenbrunnen and browse for Printen.
- Late afternoon: relax in a thermal bath or have coffee in a cafe.
- Evening: dinner in the old town before your train.
When to go
Spring and autumn are comfortable for walking. Summer is lively, and the Christmas market in December is popular, though crowded at weekends. Pack a rain jacket in any season.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aachen worth visiting?
Yes, especially for history, architecture and a relaxed city atmosphere.
How many days do I need?
One full day covers the highlights. Two days lets you add a bath and a border trip.
Is it expensive?
It varies. Check the official sites for prices of the cathedral treasury and thermal baths.
Where can I learn more?
The Aachen Wikipedia article offers background on its history.
With its imperial past and easy mood, aachen germany is an excellent stop on a route between Cologne and the Low Countries.
