Aachen is one of Germany’s most historically significant cities — the seat of Charlemagne’s empire and the location of the imperial coronation church for 600 years. It sits at the meeting point of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, making it naturally interesting for both history and border culture.
Getting There
Aachen is 45 minutes from Cologne by direct RE train. From Düsseldorf: about 1 hour 20 minutes. From Brussels (Belgium): 1 hour direct. The city is small enough to be thoroughly explored on foot in a day.
The Dom
Aachen Cathedral (Dom) is Germany’s oldest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Carolingian octagonal core (built 796–805 AD) is the centrepiece — its Byzantine-influenced architecture is extraordinary and surprisingly intimate given its historical importance. Charlemagne is buried here. The Treasury (Domschatzkammer) contains one of Europe’s most important collections of Carolingian artefacts, including the Cross of Lothar and the Bust of Charlemagne. Both require a small entrance fee and are worth it.
Carolus Thermen
Aachen sits on natural thermal springs — the same springs that attracted the Romans (they called the city Aquae Granni). Carolus Thermen is the modern thermal bath complex, offering indoor and outdoor pools with thermal water at 32–37°C. A visit pairs naturally with the cathedral.
Aachener Printen
Aachen’s local speciality is the Printen — a spiced gingerbread cake with a longer history than Nuremberg’s Lebkuchen. Available year-round in Aachen, not just at Christmas. The Printen Schmitz bakery and Leo Cürten (operating since 1912) are the classic addresses.
