Aachen is a city best explored on foot. Over 1,200 years of history are condensed into a small area here – from the Carolingian imperial palace to the free imperial city and today’s modern university city. Anyone strolling through the old town literally walks through different centuries, often within just a few minutes.
Sights in Aachen
Discover Aachen on Foot
The Historic Heart: Cathedral, Town Hall and Katschhof
At the centre stands Aachen Cathedral – the oldest preserved domed building north of the Alps and Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. Right next to it is Aachen Town Hall with its famous Coronation Hall, connected by the Katschhof – one of the most beautiful squares in the old town. Those who want to delve deeper can visit the Cathedral Treasury with the famous Shrine of Charlemagne.
Fountains, Squares and Little Legends
Aachen is also a city of fountains and stories: the neoclassical Elisenbrunnen, the Karlsbrunnen on the market square and the playful Puppenbrunnen, whose figures can be moved.
If you like, follow the traces of Aachen’s legends – from the pact with the devil during the construction of the cathedral to the origins of the Lousberg.
In the Footsteps of Charlemagne
The Route Charlemagne connects eight historic stations across the old town – from the cathedral and town hall via the Centre Charlemagne to the Super C of RWTH Aachen University. An ideal red thread for anyone who wants to experience Aachen’s history in a single day.
More Than Just the Old Town
There is also plenty to discover away from the historic centre: the green local mountain Lousberg with panoramic views over the city, the unique Three-Country Point where Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet, and the medieval city gates Ponttor and Marschiertor.
