Aachen Germany Travel Guide: 16 BEST Things To Do In Aachen

Aachen Germany Travel Guide: 16 BEST Things To Do In Aachen

So you want to know what are the 
best things to do in Aachen, Germany? Great, you’re in the right place.
In this video, we’re gonna discuss the top things to do in Aachen.
Number 16: Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom) Step into Aachen Cathedral and discover its 
amazing history and beautiful architecture. Start your visit in the Palatine 
Chapel, where you’ll see stunning mosaics and the impressive Barbarossa chandelier.
You can also see Charlemagne’s original throne, a historic seat where German kings were crowned.
To enhance your visit, opt for guided tours that allow you to explore the upper 
levels, giving you a closer look at sacred relics and Charlemagne’s tomb.
For more history, you can check the Cathedral Treasury, which is home to medieval treasures 
that showcase centuries of art and devotion. Number 15: Aachen Cathedral Treasury In the Aachen Cathedral Treasury, you will 
discover a collection of relics that span centuries of faith and artistry.
This collection offers you a unique look into Aachen’s royal past and its 
significance to emperors and kings. Among the treasures, you’ll find the Bust of 
Charlemagne, crafted from gold and jewels, and the exquisite Persephone Sarcophagus, 
believed to have once held Charlemagne’s remains. You will also see the Coronation Gospels, 
historically used in royal ceremonies, which add further depth to your experience.
Each of the over 100 works, including the ornate Cross of Lothair, showcases 
fine craftsmanship and history. Number 14: Elisenbrunnen Elisenbrunnen, a neoclassical pavilion in Aachen, 
is famous for its sulfur-rich thermal springs, with waters reaching a steamy 125 °F (52°C).
Despite the strong sulfur scent of rotten eggs, the water from these springs is 
believed to offer health benefits. The foyer features two fountains 
where you can dip your hands in the water. If you’re thinking about taking 
a sip, just know it’s at your own risk. This historic spot is also lively—on 
summer Sundays, salsa dancers gather here, inviting you to join the rhythm.
Number 13: Aachen Town Hall (Aachener Rathaus) A visit to Aachen’s Town Hall takes you through 
impressive architecture and royal history. You can admire the Gothic-Baroque exterior 
topped by the Granus Tower, and as you explore, take a moment to look at the courtyard 
sculptures that bring the past to life. Inside, you’ll be enthralled by the Coronation 
Hall, featuring beautiful frescoes of Charlemagne and scenes from the Holy Roman Empire.
As you walk along the gallery, you’ll see statues of German rulers that 
add to the town hall’s fascinating history. On weekends, you can join a guided tour 
for deeper insights into this royal site, where each corner reveals more 
about Aachen’s royal legacy. Number 12: Printen Museum Experience the rich history of Aachen at the 
Printen Museum near the Printenbäckerei Klein bakery, where you can learn about the 
city’s famous Aachener Printen cookies. To enter their small museum, you’ll 
need to book a guided tour in advance. Watch skilled artisans carefully shape 
these cookies using recipes passed down through generations, including changes 
made during the Napoleonic era when honey was switched for beet syrup.
You’ll also have the chance to sample different flavors, from 
chocolate-dipped to classic molasses, and discover the unique tools used to create them.
You can join hands-on baking workshops to make your own batch of Printen and understand 
the craft behind this delicious treat. Number 11: The Centre Charlemagne The Centre Charlemagne brings 
Aachen’s history to life with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
You’ll find opportunities to try on chain mail, make ancient ink, and explore the 
Carolingian era in the popular history lab—ideal for both children and adults.
Walk through displays that reveal Aachen’s journey from early Celtic and Roman days 
through Charlemagne’s reign and beyond. You can also learn about its transformation 
during the Reformation and its industrial boom. For a full experience, connect to 
the free Wi-Fi, download their app, and enjoy the English audio guide as you 
learn more about Aachen’s vibrant past. Number 10: Ponttor and Marschiertor Check out the Ponttor and 
Marschiertor, two old city gates that showcase Aachen’s medieval history.
Marschiertor, built in the 13th century with thick stone walls and tall towers, is 
conveniently located near the main train station. From there, take a walk to Ponttor, built in the 
14th century, and admire its beautiful design. As you pass through these gates, 
notice the details, like Ponttor’s pointed arch and the statue on top.
Both gates are just a 10 to 15 minute walk from the city center, making 
them perfect for a quick visit. Number 9: Three-Country Point (Dreiländereck) About 4 miles (7 km) from Aachen, the 
Three-Country Point is where Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands meet.
You can stand in three countries at once and learn about the relationships between 
the three countries and their shared heritage, enhancing your understanding of 
European unity and cooperation. Climb the Boudewijn Tower for stunning views 
or try the skywalk at the Wilhelmina Tower, which features a glass floor.
You can also enjoy a stroll through the hedge maze, grab a bite at 
local eateries, or explore wooded trails. If you prefer cycling, bike tours 
are available to take you there. By the way, check the links in the 
description for the ultimate guide on saving money while traveling, plus 
recommended tour operators in Aachen. Number 8: Suermondt-Ludwig Museum
The Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum offers a rich array of European art spanning the 12th to 20th centuries.
Located in a historic palace, this museum displays artworks across multiple styles and periods, 
including pieces by renowned artists like Botticelli, Rubens, Cranach, and Picasso.
You can explore intricate Renaissance sculptures, detailed Baroque paintings, and 
captivating modern art, all under one roof. Their print collection includes classic 
works by Goya, Rembrandt, and Dürer. The museum’s design and layout also add to 
the experience, making it a rewarding visit for anyone interested in art and history.
Number 7: Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo Aachener Tierpark spans nearly 54 acres (22 
hectares) in the scenic Drimborner Wäldchen, providing a home to around 700 
animals from over 100 species. You’ll encounter a blend of local German 
wildlife alongside exotic animals like cheetahs, zebras, Asian camels, Watussi 
cattle, and African ostriches. With a children’s petting zoo, 
pony rides, and playgrounds, the zoo is family-friendly and 
full of engaging activities. At the entrance, informative signs 
display daily feeding times, and guided tours are available with advance booking.
The zoo also offers a relaxed experience, featuring nearly 2 miles (3 km) of walking 
paths, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Number 6: Ludwig Forum for International 
Art (Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst) The Ludwig Forum for International Art 
is a vibrant museum housed in a historic Bauhaus-style building, originally 
an umbrella factory from 1928. This unique architecture sets the 
stage for an inspiring journey through international art from the 1960s onward. Inside, you’ll discover a vast collection 
of over 3,000 works, featuring Pop Art, photorealism, and contemporary styles, with 
rotating exhibits that bring fresh perspectives. You will also find notable pieces by 
major artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Nam June Paik sitting alongside works from 
Central and Eastern Europe, Cuba, and Asia. Number 5: Aachen Christmas 
Market (Weihnachtsmarkt) From mid-November to December, Aachen’s Christmas 
Market welcomes you into a festive wonderland. The city center, between the grand 
cathedral and Town Hall, is filled with over 100 sparkling stalls offering seasonal 
treats and handmade gifts for you to explore. The air is filled with the sweet scent 
of Printen, the famous local gingerbread, and warm mulled wine that you can enjoy.
As you stroll through the cozy lanes, you can browse unique crafts, savor holiday 
snacks, and appreciate the lights that bring a glow to Aachen’s historic buildings.
You can also enjoy live music and entertainment, making it a lively spot 
for celebrating the joy of the season​. Number 4: Couven Museum Learn more about Aachen’s past at the Couven 
Museum, a beautifully restored 17th-century mansion originally a pharmacy dating back to 1663.
As you explore its 34 rooms, you’ll see antique cabinets filled with majolica vessels, offering 
a rare look at daily life from the past. The mansion’s interiors showcase 
fine woodwork and evolving styles, including Louis XVI and Biedermeier, reflecting 
the elegance of 18th- and 19th-century life. You’ll see rooms decorated with furniture styles 
from Rococo to Napoleonic, along with stunning collections of porcelain, silver, and glassware.
In the kitchen, antique cast-iron stoves, copper pots, and cooking tools give you 
a taste of historic cooking methods. Number 3: Elisabethhalle Elisabethhalle, a public bath in Aachen 
built in 1911, is one of Germany’s few remaining Art Nouveau pools, allowing you 
to enjoy both a swim and a piece of history. As you enter, the hall’s design captures 
your attention with its marble panels, cast-iron railings, and high ceilings, 
reflecting early 20th-century elegance. Within the hall, you’ll find two distinct 
pools: one featuring a stunning Neptune fountain and the other showcasing Roman bathers, both 
expertly crafted by local sculptor Carl Burger. To enhance its vintage charm, the ticket area 
is adorned with original wooden furnishings. Number 2: Aachen Forest (Aachener Wald)
Just over 2 miles (3.7 km) from Aachen’s center, Aachen Forest, or Aachener Wald, 
offers a green retreat sprawling across 5,683 acres (2,300 hectares).
Here, you’ll find a mix of rich woodlands, peaceful meadows, and small lakes, 
ideal for a day immersed in nature. The forest is a hub of activities, from 
hiking and cycling to mountain biking, running, and horseback riding, 
catering to every outdoor enthusiast. As you journey through the trails, you’ll uncover 
remnants of Aachen’s Roman and Carolingian past, along with WWII bunkers that add 
historical depth to your experience. Number 1: Lousberg Hill
The Lousberg hill, about 15 minutes from Aachen’s center, makes for a 
refreshing walk with a 25-minute trail to the top. Along the way, enjoy scenic 
views, and rest in the hill’s cozy hammocks while taking in the countryside.
This 866-foot (264-meter) hill also brings an intriguing mix of legend and history, as the 
story goes that the devil himself once tried to flood Aachen here, creating the hill instead.
You’ll see the Belvedere Water Tower and the Kersten Pavilion, along with historic 
columns from the old Belvedere Society House—unique stops for curious hikers.
Click here to watch this video.

This Aachen travel guide shares the best things to do in Aachen.

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Recommended Tours in Aachen:

Aachen: Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: https://www.getyourguide.com/aachen-l138/aachen-private-walking-tour-with-a-professional-guide-t453628/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Aachen

Germany: Guided tour of Aachen: https://www.getyourguide.com/aachen-l138/germany-guided-tour-of-aachen-t684423/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Aachen

Aachen: Old Town Guided Fountain Rally: https://www.getyourguide.com/aachen-l138/aachen-old-town-guided-fountain-rally-t446940/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Aachen

Aachen: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket: https://www.getyourguide.com/aachen-l138/aachen-24-hour-hop-on-hop-off-sightseeing-bus-ticket-t435104/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Aachen
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Aachen, Germany is a historic city close to the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands, known for its imperial history, iconic cathedral, and soothing thermal baths. Here are some highlights to experience in Aachen.

Start at Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom), a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s oldest cathedrals. Built by Charlemagne in the 8th century, this architectural marvel features an octagonal Palatine Chapel, intricate mosaics, and the golden Shrine of Charlemagne. The cathedral also served as the coronation site for German kings for nearly 600 years, giving it great historical significance.

The Aachen Cathedral Treasury nearby houses one of the world’s most important collections of medieval religious artifacts, including Charlemagne’s relics, bejeweled reliquaries, and historic manuscripts. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in religious history and art.

For a relaxing experience, visit the Carolus Thermen thermal baths, where you can unwind in mineral-rich waters that have been popular since Roman times. These thermal baths are particularly revitalizing and offer various pools, saunas, and wellness treatments that make for a refreshing afternoon.

Aachen’s Town Hall (Rathaus) is another historical landmark worth exploring. Built in the 14th century on the ruins of Charlemagne’s palace, it features frescoes, grand halls, and a replica of Charlemagne’s throne. The annual Aachen Christmas Market outside the Town Hall is one of Germany’s most charming, with stalls selling traditional treats, crafts, and holiday decor.

For history enthusiasts, the Centre Charlemagne Museum provides a detailed look into Aachen’s past, focusing on Charlemagne’s influence on the city and the Carolingian Empire. Interactive exhibits and historical artifacts make this museum engaging and informative.

Stroll through the Elisenbrunnen, a neoclassical pavilion where you can taste Aachen’s famous mineral water. The fountains here draw locals and visitors alike, and the surrounding park is a pleasant spot for a picnic or leisurely walk.

Don’t miss trying the local specialty, Aachener Printen, a type of spiced gingerbread unique to Aachen. You can find it in bakeries around the city, often with unique flavors like almond or chocolate.

With its mix of imperial history, cultural landmarks, and wellness traditions, Aachen is a city that combines the old and new in a compact, walkable setting. Whether you’re exploring the cathedral, soaking in thermal baths, or enjoying local treats, Aachen offers a memorable experience for any visitor.

Keep watching to see the top things to do in Aachen, top attractions in Aachen, places to visit in Aachen and Germany travel guides.

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