Aachen is located in the German region of North Rhine-Westphalia, near the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands. Known as Aix-La-Chapelle in French and in early English, it is a beautiful old city with marks of its long and well documented History visible at every corner of the historic city center but also a lively due to its high student population and dynamic economy. Being such a lively place, it is no wonder that one of the most important annual events in Aachen is the celebration of the town’s famous Carnival. Aachen’s citizens take great pride in this jovial happening , which rivals neighbouring Cologne in a region generally very fond of Carnival celebrations. Among the many traditions associated with the festivities is the the “Medal for Combating Deadly Seriousness” an award of international renown which distinguishes politicians, diplomats and lawyers across Europe for showing a sense of humour. Lastly, Aachen is also famous for its hot springs, which turned the city into a popular touristic destination since as early as the 16th Century. Today many tourists still visit the the many spas and thermal centers in town.
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The geographical area in which Aachen is included has been occupied by human settlements since Neolithic times and Celts and Romans were also among those who were attracted by the natural resources and hot springs of the region, but its most famous resident was the Charlemagne. Reports of his first visit date from the year of his coronation as “King of Franks” in 768. The Emperor returned to Aachen for various periods of time during his rule, always taking his court with him, which brought much prestige and influence to the city as a political center of the Carolingian Empire. The remainders of the Carolingian palace are buried under the gothic Town Hall, which was built on its foundation in the early 14th century, but the influience of Charlemagne is visible another one of Aachen’s main sites, the famous Aachen Catedral. This catholic church, whose built was initiated by Charlemagne in 792, has fortunately survived the passage of time and the destruction of several wars to become one of the city’s most famous attractions and Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Owner of a Germanic charm, close to Europe and filled with History, culture and tradition, Aachen demonstrates to be a delightful experience to every visitor that promises not to disappoint.
But for those staying longer in Aachen, the surrounding area is also interesting: not only are you close to the Liège, in Belgium and Maastricht, in the Netherlands, you can also benefit from the proximity to other Rheinland cities such as Düsseldorf, Cologne and former German capital Bonn.
But lively cities are not the only alternative when spending several days in the Aachen region: Aachen lies in the fertile and green region of the Eifel, a low mountain range that spreads along Werstern Germany and Eastern Belgium and was once a site of extensive volcanic activity and includes the Eifel Natural Park as well as lakes and castles and Germany’s most famous motor racing course,. the Nürburgring. The best way not to miss out on any of the area’s charming landscapes and magnificent views is to follow the Eifelsteig, a network of trails that spans for over 300 km.
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For more information please visit Aachen’s Tourist Service webpage.
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