2024 Aachen Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Aachen - Discover Germany's West

Aachen, also known as Oche in the local dialect, Aken in Dutch, and Aix-la-Chapelle in French, is a city of historical significance and modern innovation. Located in the westernmost part of Germany, it borders Belgium and the Netherlands. With a population of around 249,000, it's the 27th-largest city in Germany. Aachen's rich history dates back to Roman times, with its development from a Roman settlement and bath complex. The city is known for the RWTH Aachen University, its industries in science, engineering, and information technology. Despite its historical roots, Aachen is a city looking towards the future, ranked eighth among cities in Germany for innovation. #localescapes

Aachen – a city to fall in love with

Some people say that the special feature of Aachen is its location in the border triangle Germany – the Netherlands - Belgium. Other people think it is Aachen Cathedral that attracts numerous visitors to the city. We say it is both – and many things more. But find out yourself what makes the most western metropolis in Germany so special. We are looking forward to your visit!

Monschau is a town in western Germany, near the Belgian border. It’s known for its medieval center, with half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Looming over the town, turreted Monschau Castle hosts open-air concerts. The Red House, the 1752 home of a wealthy cloth manufacturer, includes lavish period furnishings and a carved, winding oak staircase. Trails traverse nearby Eifel National Park.Vibrant activities within ancient walls, a medieval townscape with idyllic half-timbered houses, narrow streets and cobblestones. Monschau is the cultural centre of an entire region and one of the most popular holiday and excursion destinations in the Eifel. More than 350 kilometres of signposted trails to the right and the left of the Eifelsteig will lead you through paths of adventure, e.g., along the imposing beech hedges, to the blooming narcissi meadows and up through the Hohe Venn (High Fens), a raised bog that is absolutely unique in its kind within Europe. Hike in the Eifel National Park on the Wildnis Trail or at the side of a ranger. Would you prefer to ride a bicycle or quite comfortably with an eBike? Meander pleasantly on the new Vennbahn Cycle Route or through the Rur Riverbanks Cycle Route and the Eifel-Höhen Route that both pass through the middle of the Monschau Old Town. #holidayvacation #staycation #holidayvacation#staycation

Hundred thousand years ago the "Eifel" was made by large vulcans. Now the so called "Maare" (vulcano lakes) are unique and a beautiful place for a visit. #scenicspotguide #travelinspiration #photographyguide

Europe is famous for it's Christmas Markets and none are better than those held in the beautiful city of Aachen, Germany. You get in the festive mood simply walking around enjoying the city. Such happy memories. #merrychristmas #merrychristmas

In Germany, the history and tradition of eating roasted goose in Christmas is about 400 years old and is a traditional Christmas dish. Goose meat is a seasonal food in Germany and is basically consumed at Christmas. Many Chinese who have been in Germany for many years may not know this tradition. So, if you are in Germany in Christmas, be sure to go to a traditional German restaurant for Christmas and have a Christmas roast goose meal. Recommend a GOLDENER SCHWAN in the Aachen Town Hall Square, a 600-year old traditional German restaurant. Generally speaking, the Christmas menu is a Christmas roast goose course. This menu is only available during Christmas. I used to specialize in the past but there is no seat. It is recommended to book in advance. Roasted goose meal In addition to the mashed potatoes that Germans love, stained apples are also essential. Two large goose legs and unique pickled apples are oversized, so embarrassing to waste, and strong to eat. Also eaten a goose meal in a restaurant in the Old Town of Dortmund. The restaurant is full of Christmas decorations and has a strong atmosphere. There are two types of Christmas menu, most of which are different from the body parts of the goose, with a special sauce, which is absolutely delicious.

Aachen's Christmas Market At the annual Advent, on the squares and streets around Aachen Cathedral, Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the air is filled with cheerful Christmas. The music is full of enticing aromas of food. Aachen's Christmas market is one of the largest Christmas markets in Germany, with 1.5 million visitors coming here every year. Among the tourists in the Christmas market, people inadvertently hear various languages. Belgians and Dutch people are naturally the most common neighbors. Many British and French people also come here. There are doll performances on the stage behind the town hall, attracting many children. Aachen Gingerbread is the biggest specialty here. The sweet biscuit, called Printen, is said to have a history of a thousand years, first invented by the Belgians, and later the Germans improved the formula to carry it forward. As a special product of Aachen, people like to make it into a giant biscuit and place it in a striking place in the Christmas market. Merchants sell handicrafts in a new decorated cottage. I have compared some small items in Germany at half the price of the Netherlands. If you like it, you can buy it. Its an atmosphere for everyone.

The Resting Place of a Legendary Hero - Aachen Cathedral

Aachen Cathedral, a medieval church with a thousand-year history, is a classic example of Carolingian architecture. It was once a significant pilgrimage site for Christians in the Middle Ages and the resting place of Charlemagne, as well as the coronation site for Holy Roman Emperors. These factors made it the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Germany. Originally, Aachen was just an inconspicuous forest village. However, as Charlemagne expanded his empire, the Frankish Kingdom became the largest political entity in Western Europe after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as the first 'Emperor of the Romans' since the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Aachen, located at the geographical center of this vast empire, was chosen by Charlemagne to establish the political center and palace of the empire. With the legitimacy granted by the Pope's coronation, Charlemagne built a church within the palace, which is now known as Aachen Cathedral. Initially, it only consisted of the Palatine Chapel, an octagonal chapel with a sixteen-sided exterior and a high dome, completed in 805 AD. For the next two centuries, it remained the tallest building north of the Alps. Naturally, Charlemagne was buried in Aachen Cathedral after his death. With the fall of the great empire due to internal strife among his descendants, the empire eventually split into three kingdoms. Otto I, the king of East Francia, was crowned in Aachen Cathedral in 936 and later crowned as 'Emperor of the Romans' by Pope John XII in 962, marking the official birth of the Holy Roman Empire. Due to the reverence for Charlemagne, Aachen Cathedral served as the coronation site for Holy Roman Emperors for 600 years, witnessing the coronation of 30 emperors. In addition, Aachen Cathedral is renowned for housing four relics from Jerusalem, making it the fourth major pilgrimage site for Christians in the Middle Ages, after Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela. The four relics are the cloak of the Virgin Mary at Jesus' birth, Jesus' swaddling clothes, the loincloth worn by Jesus on the cross, and the cloth worn by John the Baptist at his beheading. Since 1349, the cathedral has held a major pilgrimage event every seven years, displaying these relics from the Marienschrein (Shrine of St. Mary) to pilgrims from around the world. Aachen Cathedral stands out among other famous cathedrals. Upon entering this small town, one cannot help but be drawn to this colossal structure. Compared to the relatively simple town, Aachen Cathedral is astonishingly large. Due to multiple expansions and renovations, it incorporates various architectural styles, making its overall appearance unique, like a patchwork. Aachen Cathedral is the oldest cathedral I have visited so far. Although the exterior has been renovated and does not show its age, the Palatine Chapel inside truly showcases its ancient splendor. The structure, colors, mosaics, and golden dome are styles rarely seen in other European cathedrals. 📜Interesting Legend: When Aachen Cathedral was being built, there was insufficient funding to complete it. The local residents made a deal with the devil, promising him the soul of the first person to enter the cathedral in exchange for his help in completing it. When the devil eagerly awaited the first person to enter the cathedral after its completion, the residents sent in a wolf. The devil, unaware, took the wolf's soul. Realizing the trick, the enraged devil stormed out of the cathedral, accidentally breaking a thumb on the lion's door handle. To this day, you can see a statue of the wolf at the entrance and feel the presence of the devil's thumb on the lion's door handle. 📜Additional Info 1: Behind the Palatine Chapel extends a large Gothic choir hall, known as the 'Glass House of Aachen' due to its large stained glass windows, among the largest in Europe. It houses two golden boxes: the Marienschrein, containing the four major relics, and the Karlsschrein, containing the authenticated remains of Charlemagne. 📜Additional Info 2: Charlemagne is often depicted with the German eagle and the French fleur-de-lis, as he is considered the founder of both Germany and France. Additionally, Charlemagne is the model for the King of Hearts in playing cards. 🚗Transportation: You can take a train to Aachen train station and walk to the cathedral, or take a bus from Maastricht in the Netherlands to Aachen city center (Maastricht has an airport).

My trip to Aachen 🇩🇪

#myhiddengems A visit to Aachen, Germany, is like stepping into a fascinating blend of history, culture, and modern charm! 🏰 This city, known for its medieval roots, is absolutely stunning. My first stop was the iconic Aachener Dom (Aachen Cathedral), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe. The entrance fee was about €5, which included a guided tour, giving me insights into its incredible architecture and Charlemagne’s legacy. ✨ The golden mosaics inside are breathtaking! After the cathedral, I wandered through the picturesque old town, filled with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and inviting cafes. The atmosphere was lively, especially around the Markt square, where the historic town hall stands. 🏛️ I took a moment to sit outside one of the cafes and tried a local favorite, Aachener printen (a type of gingerbread). So delicious! 🍪 For some relaxation, I visited the Elisenbrunnen, a beautiful neoclassical fountain, and enjoyed the surrounding park area. 🌳 The Carolus Thermen spa was also a great spot to unwind – it’s a modern thermal bath that harks back to the city’s Roman roots. Nearby, a short train ride away, are the beautiful Eifel Mountains, perfect for hiking. 🚆 Aachen is a perfect mix of history, relaxation, and local charm! #trip #Aachen #AachenerDom #HistoricGermany #TravelEurope #AachenCharm

Aachen Cathedral

#europetrip Majestic and huge church with intricate designs on the ceilings and floors inside. Very aesthetic and something very different from other cathedrals. A must recommend. Free to enter. You can also take pictures but you’d need to deposit 1 euro coin for taking pictures, which I think is justifiable as the interior is so beautiful. A very beautiful cathedral with breathtaking views. The surroundings are so beautiful and peaceful. Although the city is so vibrant and busy you cannot feel this when you are so close to the cathedral where everything is so calm.

beautiful place~~~~~

Aachen Christmas market

#christmasmarket

Night view of Aachen, Germany!

The night view of Aachen, Germany. By the time, it's not too dark yet, it's the rhythm of dusk. The lights of the night market have already lit up one area of this city, the light shines from the bottom up on these European-style buildings to form shadows, which is completely different from the daylight from the top down, it's softer, more intimate.

Aachen Cathedral - One of Europe's Oldest

The Aachen Cathedral, also known as Aachener Dom, is a Roman Catholic church constructed by order of Emperor Charlemagne. From 936 to 1531, the Palatine Chapel saw the coronation of thirty-one German kings and twelve queens. Being one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe, the cathedral’s architecture is a blend of Carolingian-Romanesque, Gothic, and Ottonian styles. The interior is adorned with antique columns that Charlemagne probably ordered to be brought from Rome and Ravenna. In 1978, Aachen Cathedral was one of the first 12 items to be listed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites, due to its exceptional artistry, architecture, and central importance in the history of the Holy Roman Empire #localescapes

Aachen's Mineral Spring Fountain

The Elisenbrunnen, located in the heart of Aachen, Germany, is a symbol of the city's rich spa history. This early 19th-century pavilion houses a drinking fountain that takes water from the Aachen thermal springs. The sulfur-smelling water reminds visitors of the importance of the mineral springs in Aachen's history. The fountain, named after the Prussian Crown Princess Elisabeth Ludovika of Bavaria, consists of an open foyer and two pavilions. The two drinking fountains provide warm, sulphurous water at a temperature of circa 50°C. Despite its unpleasant odour due to the high sulphur content, it is said to have healing properties. #localescapes

Aachen's Remaining Tower Gate

The Marschiertor, or Marching Gate, is a prominent historical landmark in Aachen, Germany. This medieval gate, built in the 13th century, was one of eleven gates in the former city wall. It originally had a second gate in front of it, which has since been destroyed. Today, the Marschiertor stands as a testament to Aachen's rich history. It's a popular point of interest for visitors and locals alike. The gate's design, influenced by Gallo-Roman architectural style, adds to its unique charm. Despite its age, the Marschiertor remains well-preserved, allowing us to appreciate the architectural prowess of the medieval period. #localescapes

This border town has its own unique beauty.

Aachen is a small city on the border of Belgium 🇧🇪 and the Netherlands 🇳🇱 in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, with a significant position in German history. In 800 AD, Charlemagne, the king of the Frankish Kingdom and the Carolingian dynasty, was crowned emperor by the Pope in Rome, and his territory covered most of Western Europe at that time. He established the capital of the empire 🏰 in Aachen and began to build a palace 🏛️ and a church ⛪, which is the prototype of today's Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom). After the death of Charlemagne, he was also buried here. At the same time, Aachen Cathedral was also the coronation site of more than 600 years of German kings and emperors since 936. Therefore, countless historical and religious treasures are concentrated here, and it is also the first world cultural heritage site in Germany 1️⃣. Apart from that, Aachen also has the hottest hot springs in central Europe ♨, as well as the best technical university in Germany 🏬. Although small, Aachen is full of essence. Germany · Europe

Germany's most beautiful town 7 - Aachen in the snow ||

Aachen is not really a small town. It is a city with a long history, once the center of Europe and the coronation place of the Holy Roman Emperor. Here, there is the Aachen Cathedral with Byzantine style, the Aachen University of Technology known as the "MIT of Europe", as well as the Elisenbrunnen fountain and gardens. Spa and hot springs have a long tradition in Aachen, come and experience what German hot springs are like. Germany, Europe

Aachen City Hall

Before the issue of the Habsburg family's succession became a mess in Europe, the exhausted parties sat down in Aachen to negotiate and signed the Aachen Treaty. This town hall was the signing location. It's an interesting tourist spot. Before the issue of the Habsburg family succession in Europe became a mess, the exhausted parties sat down in Aachen to negotiate and signed the Aachen Treaty. This city hall is the signing location. It's quite an interesting attraction.