Join us in Aachen – a city located on the border of three countries: Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Once the centre of imperial power and the site of coronations, today it’s a lively university town full of students, bicycles and a relaxed atmosphere. Aachen offers a unique combination of cultural heritage and modern energy.
On the western edge of Germany, where the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands gently meet, lies a city with a rich past, a European spirit and a thermal heart – Aachen. Aachen is not just a place on the map – it is a symbol of the interconnection of cultures, ideals and traditions. This extraordinary city is located in the Federal Republic of North Rhine-Westphalia and has played an important role in the history of the European continent since the Roman Empire. Aachen is also a traditional spa town. The thermal springs that once attracted the Romans are now the basis of spa facilities such as the Carolus Thermen, where visitors can relax in healing waters with a history older than the German Empire itself.
The most important symbol of the city is the Aachen Cathedral (Aachener Dom) – a masterpiece of Carolingian architecture and one of the first monuments to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List (since 1978). Built by Charlemagne himself at the end of the 8th century, the cathedral is not only the spiritual centre of the region, but also the coronation site of German kings during the Middle Ages. It was here that more than thirty German kings were crowned over a period of almost 600 years. Inside the cathedral is the Cathedral Treasure (Domschatzkammer), one of the most valuable ecclesiastical treasures in Europe, which contains precious reliquaries, medieval liturgical objects, relics of saints and art-historical artefacts of great value. Many of these objects are inextricably linked to Charlemagne and continue to fascinate today for their precision, mysticism and historical significance. Charlemagne was even buried here and you can still see his sarcophagus.
Aachen’s historic centre is lined with narrow cobbled streets, colourful facades, cafés and ancient guild houses that breathe medieval atmosphere. The square in front of the cathedral, the Rathaus (town hall) with its Gothic towers and Baroque fountains complete the unique colour of the town. In the summer months, the streets turn into a lively stage with street musicians, craftsmen and markets reminiscent of the famous medieval fairs.
The area around Aachen is a paradise for nature lovers. The town is surrounded by gently rolling countryside and forests that invite for long walks, bike rides or picnics. The nearby Eifel National Park offers unspoilt nature, quiet lakes and views of volcanic hills. And just a few minutes from the city lies the unique Dreiländereck – a place where you can stand in three landscapes at once in just a few steps.
