The German spa city of Aachen is a treasure trove of historic landmarks, making it a great weekend break destination for anyone with a predilection for the past.
Aachen Cathedral looms large (Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas)
Situated near Germany’s borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, the city attracts tourists in their droves, drawn by thousands of years of history that resonate through its myriad of well-preserved buildings and monuments. If you’re coming to Aachen and would like to pack your itinerary with memorable experiences, we’ve picked out 7 sights and attractions not to miss below.
Marvel at an ancient cathedral
Wrapped in Gothic spires and glittering mosaic, Aachen Cathedral is one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. The Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne himself was laid to rest here over 1,200 years ago, and for centuries it hosted the coronation of German kings. Step inside and visitors will discover highlights including the octagonal Palatine Chapel, with its gold-hued ceilings and ancient relics. The cathedral is an officially designated UNESCO World Heritage Site – and it’s easy to see why.
Domhof 1 / Mon-Thurs 11am-6pm Fri-Sat 11am-7pm Sun 1pm-5.45pm
Explore a world-class arts museum
Housed in a grand 19th-century villa, the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum is another of Aachen’s cultural crown jewels. With over 140 years of history and a world-class collection, it draws art lovers in their droves who flock here to admire works by the likes of Rembrandt, Cranach and Rubens. As well as the eminent paintings on display, the museum also houses a superb assortment of medieval sculptures, while the grand halls add to the venue’s sense of grandeur.
Wilhelmstraße 18 / Tues-Sun 10am-5pm Closed Weds
Exhibits on display at the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum (Photo: Günter Hentschel via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0)
Book a sightseeing bus tour
Hop-on hop-off bus tours are one of the best and most flexible ways to explore a destination, allowing you to board and disembark your bus at designated spots across a city. The Aachen hop-on hop-off bus is valid for one day and lets you set your own pace while discovering the city’s top sights. You’ll enjoy a two-hour loop aboard an open-top bus with audio commentary as you pass major landmarks including the Elisenbrunnen, the Roman thermal baths, the Lindt chocolate factory and the famous three-country-point.
You can book an Aachen hop-on hop-off bus ticket at GetYourGuide
Step back in time at a medieval town hall
Built on the foundations of Charlemagne’s palace, Aachen Town Hall has watched over Aachen for nearly 700 years. Step inside and you’re swept into a medieval masterpiece complete with vaulted halls, golden frescoes and echoes of royal banquets past. German kings were once crowned here and you can feel the history oozing out of every crevice. If you can’t spare the time to enter the town hall itself, its ornate façade can also be enjoyed from the bustling market square outside.
Markt / Mon-Sun 10am-5.30pm
The striking facade of Aachen Town Hall (Photo: Günter Hentschel via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0)
Sink into serenity at a thermal bath
What better way to relax after a long day’s sightseeing than sinking into the soothing waters of a thermal bath? Drawing on the city’s Roman spa heritage, the modern Carolus Thermen spa complex – which opened in 2003 – invites you to soak, steam and float your cares away in mineral-rich waters drawn from Aachen’s very own springs. Visitors can drift between bubbling pools, take a sauna or even book an indulgent massage. The architecture is pleasing on the eye too, and the atmosphere is serene and welcoming for all.
Passstraße 79 / Mon-Sun 9am-11pm
Escape the city in a nearby forest
About ten minutes from central Aachen – whether you’re pedalling a bike or hopping on a local bus – the noise of the city fades fast when you enter the rural environs of Aachen Forest. A vast stretch of green, with winding trails shaded by beech trees and dotted with clearings, it’s the ideal antidote to the hustle and bustle just a few miles away. Joggers, walkers, cyclists and even horseback riders all come here in large numbers, with the fiery leaves of autumn a particularly popular time to visit. Whatever the season, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for old boundary stones or a deer slipping through the undergrowth.
Open all hours
The picturesque environs of Aachen Forest (Photo: Norbert Schnitzler via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Catch some live theatre
More than just a pretty neoclassical face, Aachen Theatre is the beating cultural heart of the city. Opened in 1825 in the city’s historic district, it’s seen everything from grand operas to gripping dramas, and continues to pack out seats with a busy programme of classical and contemporary performances to this day. Whether you’re here for the arias or the architecture, it’s certainly worth a visit. Guided tours are available too.
Theaterpl. 1