10 exceptional attractions in Aachen: a trip to the German city of culture

10 exceptional attractions in Aachen: a trip to the German city of culture

June 11, 2025

Aachen, a city located in the west of Germany, right on the border with Belgium and the Netherlands, is a true pearl of European culture and history. It is a place where the past meets the present, creating a unique atmosphere that attracts tourists from all over the world. Known for its impressive cathedral, hot springs and rich history associated with Charlemagne, Aachen offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. In this article, we'll take you on a tour of 10 of the most unique attractions in this fascinating city that will make your trip an unforgettable experience. From its majestic cathedral and charming museums to its charming fountains and historic gates, Aachen has something to offer for everyone, regardless of age or interests. Get ready to explore the cultural, artistic and architectural treasures that make Aachen one of the most interesting cities to visit in Europe.

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Cathedral, city hall and historical center

Our tour of Aachen begins with its most important monument - Aachen Cathedral. This impressive building, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a place of great historical significance. Built at the behest of Charlemagne in the 8th century, the cathedral was the site of the coronation of German kings for nearly 600 years. The interior of the cathedral impresses with a wealth of detail, including Charlemagne's famous throne and a huge chandelier donated by Frederick I Barbarossa. Note the beautiful stained-glass windows and mosaics, which give the interior an unusual character. The cathedral is open to the public every day, and admission is free, although for a small fee you can visit the cathedral treasury.

Right next to the cathedral is another architectural gem of Aachen - the City Hall Aachen, or City Hall. This Gothic building, built in the 14th century on the foundations of Charlemagne's palace, impresses with its monumental facade decorated with 50 statues of rulers. The interior of the town hall hides a coronation hall with beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from Charlemagne's life. The City Hall is open to the public, and its tower offers a beautiful view of the city.

For a better understanding of the city's history, visit Centre Charlemagne, a modern museum dedicated to the history of Aachen and its most famous resident, Charlemagne. Interactive exhibitions allow you to travel back in time and learn about life in medieval Aachen. The museum is family-friendly, offering many activities for children to learn history in an enjoyable way.

Situated close to each other in the center of the city, these three sites provide an excellent starting point for exploring Aachen. The cathedral impresses with its monumentality and spiritual atmosphere, the city hall impresses with its Gothic architecture and rich history, and Centre Charlemagne offers a modern approach to presenting the city's history. All of these sites are easily accessible on foot, making a visit to Aachen's historic center enjoyable and convenient for the whole family.

Fonts, gates and museums

Continuing our tour of Aachen, we can't leave out the city's famous fountains, which not only adorn the urban space, but also have deep historical significance. One of the most distinctive is the Elisenbrunnen, a neoclassical structure from the early 19th century. It is not only a beautiful architectural monument, but also a source of thermal water that can be tasted. The water has a distinctive sulfur smell and a temperature of about 53°C, making it one of the warmest in Europe. Elisenbrunnen is a great place to take a short break while sightseeing.

Another charming fountain that is sure to appeal to the little ones is the Puppenbrunnen, or Puppet Fountain. Created by Bonifatius Stirnberg in 1975, it features moving figures that can be rotated, making it great fun for children. The fountain symbolizes various aspects of city life and is a popular meeting point for locals and tourists.

Moving on to other attractions, look out for Ponttor - one of the surviving gates of the medieval city walls. This 14th-century structure combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, providing an impressive example of ancient defensive architecture. Ponttor is a testament to the city's turbulent history and a reminder of its strategic importance in the past.

For art and history lovers, Aachen offers several interesting museums. The Couven-Museum is a real gem, showcasing the interiors of bourgeois houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 18th century building and allows you to travel back in time, viewing furniture, paintings and everyday objects from the period. It's a great place to understand how the wealthy residents of Aachen lived in the past.

Another noteworthy site is the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum has collections of paintings, sculpture and handicrafts, including works by such masters as Albrecht Dürer and Lucas Cranach the Elder. The museum's modern and spacious interiors make visiting a pleasure for adults and children alike.

For those interested in media history, the International Newspaper Museum should be a must-see. This museum, unique in the world, presents the history of the press and journalism from their beginnings to modern times. Interactive exhibitions allow you to understand how the way information has been communicated has changed over the centuries.

These diverse attractions show just how much Aachen has to offer. From relaxing fountains to impressive architectural monuments to fascinating museums, there is something for everyone. It's worth planning your visit so that you have time to quietly savor the atmosphere of each of these unique places.

Entertainment for the whole family and a summary

To conclude our tour of Aachen, it's worth mentioning an attraction that is sure to please the youngest members of the family - the Aachener Zoo Euregiozoo. This is a place where nature meets education and entertainment. The Aachener Zoo, while not the largest in Germany, offers a fascinating experience for visitors of all ages. Over 1,000 animals representing some 200 species can be admired on an area of about 8.9 hectares. The zoo is famous for its endangered species conservation and environmental education programs.

Aachener Zoo Euregiozoo is especially friendly to families with children. It offers numerous playgrounds, educational trails and opportunities for close contact with animals in the mini zoo. Of note is the European animal section, where you can see species specific to our continent. The zoo is open year-round and ticket prices are affordable, making it a great option for a day trip.

As we conclude our tour of 10 unique attractions in Aachen, we can't help but notice how diverse and rich in history this city is. From its majestic cathedral and charming fountains to its modern museums and zoo, Aachen offers attractions for everyone.

It's worth noting that all the places described are relatively close to each other, making it easy to visit, especially with children. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, with many promenades and squares where one can relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

When planning a visit to Aachen, consider purchasing the Aachen Card, which offers discounts to many attractions and free public transportation. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is favorable for walking and sightseeing. However, Aachen also has its charm in winter, especially during the holiday season, when the city lights up with the lights of the Christmas market.

Aachen is a city that combines history, culture and modernity. It's a place where every step you take reminds you of its rich past, but at the same time it's teeming with the life of a modern European city. Whether you're a lover of history, art or simply looking for an interesting place for a family outing, Aachen will certainly not disappoint you. It's a city that stays in your memory for a long time and to which you want to return.

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