Aachen

Aachen

Aachen is located in the heart of Europe, right on the border with Belgium and the Netherlands. Surrounded by forests and nature, the historic city centre offers a variety of tourist attractions that are well worth discovering.

Aachen Cathedral

Aachen Cathedral, located in the heart of the city and on the Katschhof, is one of Germany's most important landmarks. It was built between 793 and 813 and served as a palace chapel and final resting place for Emperor Charlemagne. The cathedral combines various architectural styles, including Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque and Gothic elements and fascinates visitors with its magnificent Byzantine mosaics in the dome as well as its frescoes and ornate decorations.

In 1978, Aachen Cathedral was the first German building to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The cathedral treasury houses one of the most valuable collections of sacred art in the whole of Europe.

In the upper gallery of the cathedral is also the throne of Emperor Charlemagne, on which over 30 German kings were crowned.

Town Hall

The town hall is a special landmark right in the centre of the city. It is located directly on the market square, the historic heart of Aachen. It was built in the late 14th century and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture - magnificent façades and an impressive inner courtyard surrounded by an arcade.

For centuries, this was the seat of the city's lords. Kings of the Holy Roman Empire were once crowned in the frescoed Coronation Hall and the White Hall also impresses with its magnificent ornamentation.

Elisenbrunnen

The Elisenbrunnen, located in the centre of Aachen, is one of Aachen's most famous hot springs. The water reaches a temperature of around 52 °C.

Visitors have the opportunity to taste the sulphurous water, which has been valued for centuries for its supposedly healing properties - the only thing that can be a particular challenge for some is the strong smell of sulphur. However, you can quickly get a breath of fresh air in the nearby Elisengarten.

Tri-border area

Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium meet on the highest mountain in the Netherlands at around 323 metres.

Surrounded by diverse nature, the tri-border area offers various hiking routes, viewing towers and relaxation to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Once at the top, tourists have the opportunity to stand in all three countries at the same time.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafés for refreshments afterwards or you can make yourself comfortable on the large meadow, which invites you to enjoy a cosy picnic at sunset.

Aachener Printen

The Aachener Printen are a particular speciality.

Aachener Printen are a biscuit that originated in the city of Aachen. They resemble gingerbread and were originally sweetened with honey but are now generally sweetened with a syrup made from sugar beet. Printen are made from a variety of ingredients such as cinnamon, aniseed, cloves, cardamom, coriander, allspice and even ginger. However, the exact mixture of these ingredients is still a well-kept secret of the individual Printen bakeries.

In addition to the original Printen, there are also varieties with nuts (usually almonds), coated with chocolate or icing and marzipan.

The term "Aachener Printen" is protected by the EU, which means that all manufacturers must be based in or near Aachen.