Location and Historical Background
Aachen lies in western Germany at the meeting point of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, surrounded by gentle hills, forests, and mineral-rich underground springs. The landscape is soft and green, but the ground beneath is warm—literally. Today, visitors are struck by the city’s intimate scale, academic atmosphere, and the unmistakable presence of history concentrated around a single cathedral.
Aachen was known already in Roman times for its hot springs, but its destiny changed dramatically in the late 8th century, when Charlemagne chose it as his imperial residence. Legend says he selected Aachen because warm baths, good hunting, and central geography made ruling Europe slightly more comfortable. From here, the idea of a unified Christian Europe began to take shape.
The Three Greatest Blows to the City
The Norman Raids (9th century)
After Charlemagne’s death in 814, Aachen lost imperial protection. During the 9th century, Norman raids threatened the region, disrupting trade and stability and marking the end of Aachen’s role as a permanent imperial capital.
The Great Fire of Aachen (1656)
In 1656, a catastrophic fire destroyed most of the medieval city. Churches, houses, and civic buildings burned, forcing Aachen to rebuild almost entirely in Baroque style. While devastating, the fire reshaped the city’s architectural character.
World War II and Frontline Fighting (1944)
Aachen became the first major German city captured by Allied forces in October 1944. Heavy bombardment and street fighting caused severe destruction, leaving much of the city center in ruins and deeply traumatizing the population.
The Golden Age of Aachen
Aachen’s golden age came during the reign of Charlemagne (late 8th – early 9th century). As the capital of the Carolingian Empire, Aachen was Europe’s political, cultural, and spiritual center. For centuries afterward, German kings were crowned here, preserving Aachen’s symbolic importance long after its political power faded.
Why Aachen Is Worth Visiting Today
Modern Aachen is thoughtful and international. Its university keeps the city young and innovative, while its historic core anchors it firmly in Europe’s past. Thermal baths, museums, cafés, and cross-border culture give Aachen a relaxed but intellectually charged atmosphere.
In summary, Aachen is not flashy—but it’s foundational. Visiting it feels like reading the opening chapter of European history rather than a footnote.
Tourist Information and Must-See Sights
Estimated Prices
- Average lunch: €11–15
- Mid-range hotel (per night): €85–140
- One beer (0.5 l): €4–5
- One coffee: €3–4
The most interesting areas include the cathedral quarter, old town, university district, and spa zones.
Must-Visit Places
Aachen Cathedral
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Charlemagne’s burial place, representing the birth of medieval Europe in stone and gold.
Elisenbrunnen
A symbol of Aachen’s spa tradition, where mineral water still flows—and smells exactly as history intended.
RWTH Aachen University
One of Europe’s leading technical universities, shaping Aachen’s modern identity as a city of innovation and research.
Final Summary
Aachen doesn’t try to impress you—it assumes you know why you’re here. Come for Charlemagne, stay for the ideas, and leave realizing that some cities don’t chase relevance—they invented it.
Tags: Germany • Netherland