Aachen located in the western part of Germany, is a city with a rich history that attracts tourists from all over the world. This is where German, Belgian and Dutch countries intersect, creating a unique atmosphere. The city is known primarily for the beautiful Aachen Cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The building witnessed the coronation of many German kings and emperors, and also impresses with its architecture and has a treasury where valuable relics and works of art are kept. Aachen is also famous for its historic thermal baths, which were already known in Roman times and still attract lovers of relaxation. Aachen is also famous for its many historical sites and fascinating museums to visit.
Aachen Cathedral
Aachen Cathedral (“Imperial Cathedral”) of Aachen, is a building of great historical, architectural and religious importance. Cathedral remains one of the oldest churches in Germany and contains a wealth of treasures from the early medieval period, including Charlemagne’s Throne (c.800), a golden altarpiece (c.1000), a golden pulpit (c.1020), the golden shrine of Charlemagne (1215), and the shrine of the Virgin Mary (1238). The last contains an impressive collection of relics and still attracts pilgrims. Still more treasures are on display in the magnificent Cathedral Treasury.
Aachen Cathedral Treasury
The Aachen Cathedral Treasury is recognized as one of the most significant ecclesiastical treasures in Europe. It houses a unique collection of precious objects from the Middle Ages, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can explore this vast collection, which offers a glimpse into the religious, artistic, and cultural practices of the past.
The treasures almost completely reflect the art epochs from the early Middle Ages to modern times. Their meaning is closely linked to the purpose they originally served: the furnishing of the Marienkirche founded by Charlemagne and the celebration of its liturgy.
Aachen Marketplace (Marktplatz)
Marktplatz is one of the primary city squares in Aachen. It’s located right in front of Town Hall and is within easy walking distance of all of the major sights in the town. The square is lined with small shops and cafes, many bars it’s the perfect meeting place in town.At the center of the square is an iconic fountain it is the city’s oldest fountain. Atop it stands a bronze statue of Charlemagne. The statue here is a duplicate since the 16th-century original is now housed in the Centre Charlemagne.
To the north of the square lies a building known as the Karlshof. In its courtyard, you’ll find another iconic Aachen fountain–the Karlshof Fountain. This fountain from 1969 depicts the Seven Free Arts from Roman antiquity. The seven arts were grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy.
Aachen Town Hall
Aachen Town Hall (German: Rathaus) is located opposite to the Aachen Cathedral and is one of the most striking structures in the Altstadt of Aachen. It is built in the Gothic architecture. Aachen Town Hall is a landmark of cultural significance. It was built in the Gothic architecture style in the first half of the 14th century.
From the cathedral side, the Town Hall of Aachen has the appearance of a medieval fortress, and from the Market Square it is richly decorated. On the facade there is a gallery of kings, where there are sculptures of about 50 German kings and electors.
Ludwig Forum for International Art
The Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst is a museum of modern art. It is located in a former industrial building that was once an umbrella factory, built in 1928. The museum contains exemplary major works of American pop art and photorealism. It also displays the development of European art from the early 1960s to the present day.
Its permanent collection includes works by Nam June Paik, Horst Antes, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jörg Immendorff, as well as a large collection of Cuban works. The museum also displays works by well-known contemporary artists, as well as hosting exhibitions of local artists, e.g. an exhibition about tiles in 2007.
Couven-Museum
The Couven Museum is situated in the city of Aachen. This location is significant as it places the museum in a region rich in history and culture, making it an interesting destination for tourists.
The Couven Museum provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the bourgeoisie of Aachen and its surroundings during the 18th and early 19th century. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, offering a dynamic and evolving experience for visitors. This makes the museum a valuable destination for those interested in history and culture.
Elisenbrunnen & Ancient Hot Springs
With its classical-style beauty, the Elisenbrunnen pump room in Aachen is an archi-tectural highlight in the imperial city. Its water from the “Kaiserquelle” imperial spring is said to have healing properties. Alongside the famous cathedral, the Elisenbrunnen is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Aachen, the westernmost major city in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is named after the crown princess Elisabeth (Elise) Ludovika von Bayern.
Built in the classical style, it above served a representational purpose. It stands first and foremost for the well-developed spa and bathing culture in the City of Aachen which, if it so wished, would have the right to call itself “Kurort Bad Aachen”, or “Aachen Spa”.
The Three Country Point NL / BE / DE
The border triangle of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany – the point where the borders of three countries meet: Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. It is located near the city of Vaals, west of Aachen, right next to the highest point of the Vaalserberg, the highest point in the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This unique geographic landmark not only allows visitors to be in three countries at once, but also serves as a wonderful park and museum area. As you wander through beautiful countryside, you’ll come across scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and spaces for relaxation and reflection. The park’s lush greenery and well-maintained paths encourage you to explore nature while enjoying the rich cultural background of this trinational meeting place.
Centre Charlemagne
Charlemagne Center – immerse yourself in the Carolingian era, you can try out many things together in the historical laboratory: How heavy was chain mail? What is the ink made of for great manuscripts? The starting point of the “Charlemagne Route” is definitely worth visiting!
Suermondt Ludwig Museum
The Suermondt-Ludwig Museum holds an collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings from the Middle Ages to the seventeenth century, as well as the biggest collection of southern Netherlandish sculptures in German museums. The medieval collection, including works by Joos van Cleve, Albrecht Bouts, Lucas van Leyden and Jacob Cornelisz. van Oostsanen, consists of ca. 60 paintings. The collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings of the seventeenth century includes around 300 works.
Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo
Learn about different species of animals and their habitat at the expansive Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo. This zoo is home to almost 250 species and encompasses 1700 animals. The focus here is introducing people to the unique world of animals and allow them to interact with them. It also features tours and special activities for kids on a regular basis.
International Newspaper Museum
The Internationales Zeitungsmuseum or Newspaper Museum is a space dedicated to the newspaper industry. It encompasses an exhaustive collection that is not only restricted to German language but covers international newspapers too. The permanent exhibit boasts of almost 200,000 items and features rare first editions too. Apart from that, it also hosts temporary expositions and other events on a regular basis. Check website for updates and other details.
Ponttor & Marschiertor: The Old City Gates
The Ponttor (known in the 17th and 18th centuries as the Brückenpforte or Brückenthor) is one of the two remaining gates of the original city wall of Aachen . The westernmost of the north-facing gates , the Ponttor was built in the 14th century and manned by soldiers and militia throughout the Free Imperial City of Aachen era. Today, the Ponttor is used by German Youth and Scout groups belonging to the German Scount Club (1945) and the German Scout Association Saint George.
The Marschiertor is a historic city gate located in Aachen. Dating back to the 13th century. The Marschiertor served as a critical point of defense and a symbol of the city’s strength. Its robust architecture showcases the Gothic style, featuring thick walls, towers, and a large, arched gateway.
