Travel Guide Aachen

There are real treasures to be found in this student town with its well-preserved historic center and prestigious origins... With almost 260,000 inhabitants, Aachen is the most important city in the north-western part of North Rhine-Westphalia. Few German cities can boast such a central location in the heart of Europe, bordering on the Netherlands and Belgium. Its French name recalls the Pfalzkapelle of Charlemagne (Carlus Magnus in Latin, Karl der Grosse - or Karl der Große - in German), who chose this city as his capital. This small Gallo-Roman city became Frankish and thus the symbol of the Western Empire. Elements of this Carolingian splendor remain in the superb cathedral, which contains Charlemagne's tomb. It is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city as we see it today was shaped from the Baroque to the 20th century, and suffered the ravages of a great fire in 1656. It was also heavily damaged by bombing during the Second World War, but was then skilfully rebuilt. Aix's legendary springs are still at the heart of its prestige, attracting the Romans who turned the area into a spa town. They are the hottest in Central Europe (73°C). Charlemagne and Casanova, as well as many crowned heads, bathed here... The massive industrialization of the city's surroundings and the exploitation of nearby coal mines have not stopped the comings and goings of spa visitors, who continue to make the former Frankish capital a popular spa resort (without the panache of Baden-Baden). Very touristy, but also very lively, university, cultural, musical and sporting, Aachen is a charming city with a seductive historic center that's well worth a visit.