Aachen
Discover the Most Enchanting Attractions in Aachen
Aachen is one of the most historic cities in Germany and offers visitors an impressive variety of cultural and historic attractions. Its sights reflect over 1,200 years of European history and make the city an essential destination. From the majestic cathedral to modern museums, Aachen combines past and present in a unique way.
Sights in Aachen: Aachen Cathedral as the Crowning Glory
Aachen Cathedral undisputedly tops the list of the city's sights. As the first German UNESCO World Heritage site and the coronation place of 30 German kings, it embodies European history like no other building.
Charlemagne's Palatine Chapel
The heart of the cathedral is the octagonal Palatine Chapel from the year 805. This architectural masterpiece impresses with:
- Byzantine mosaics from the 19th century
- The famous marble Throne of Charlemagne
- Ancient columns from Rome and Ravenna
- The unique dome construction
The Gothic Choir Hall
The choir hall, built in the 14th century, complements the Carolingian Palatine Chapel perfectly. Here you will find precious reliquary shrines and the famous Marienschrein.
💡 Tip: Book a cathedral tour to gain access to areas normally closed and to experience the fascinating history first-hand.
Top Attractions: The Cathedral Treasury
The Domschatzkammer, the cathedral treasury, is among the most important sights and houses one of the most valuable collections of sacred art north of the Alps.
Precious Exhibits
- The Lothar Cross from the 10th century
- The golden bust of Charlemagne
- Splendid liturgical vestments
- Medieval manuscripts and ivory carvings
Visitor Information
The treasury is open daily and offers audio guides in various languages. Admission costs €6 for adults.
The Historic Town Hall
Aachen's town hall is one of the most imposing sights and towers majestically over the market square. The Gothic building from the 14th century was built on the foundations of Charlemagne's palace.
The Coronation Hall
The famous Coronation Hall on the first floor impresses with:
- Wall frescoes on the history of Aachen
- Replicas of the imperial regalia
- Historic tapestries
- An impressive vaulted ceiling
Architectural Highlights
- The Gothic facade with 50 statues of German rulers
- The octagonal tower as a landmark
- The splendid rose windows
- The historic town hall staircase
💡 Tip: Visit the town hall during one of the regular tours to see the rooms that are not normally accessible as well.
Elisenbrunnen and Kurpark
The Neoclassical Elisenbrunnen from 1827 symbolises Aachen's tradition as a spa town and is among the most visited sights.
The Healing Thermal Springs
Aachen has more than 30 hot springs, which the Romans already used. The Elisenbrunnen makes this tradition tangible:
- Free tasting of the sulphurous thermal water
- An informative exhibition on the history of the baths
- A colonnade with historic inscriptions
- Direct access to the Kurpark
The Adjoining Kurpark
The sprawling Kurpark invites you to relax and offers:
- Well-kept green spaces and walking paths
- Playgrounds for children
- Regular concerts and events
- The modern Eurogress congress centre
Cultural Highlights: The Ludwig Forum
The Ludwig Forum für Internationale Kunst is establishing itself as one of the most important modern sights. The museum, in a former umbrella factory building, presents contemporary art of the highest standard.
The Ludwig Collection
The permanent collection includes works by major artists:
- Pop art by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein
- Works by Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall
- German post-war art
- International photography
Temporary Exhibitions and Events
The Ludwig Forum offers changing exhibitions, workshops and cultural events all year round. The annual "Lange Nacht der Museen" in particular attracts thousands of visitors.
Historic Highlights: The Pontstraße
The Pontstraße is the pulsating heart of Aachen's old town and links several important sights. This historic shopping street has existed since the Middle Ages.
Shopping and Dining
The Pontstraße offers a great mix of:
- Traditional Aachen shops
- Modern boutiques and department stores
- Cosy cafés and restaurants
- Historic buildings from different eras
Cultural Highlights
- The Haus Löwenstein with its baroque facade
- The St. Foillan church as a spiritual place of calm
- Regular street festivals and markets
- Close to the cathedral and town hall
💡 Tip: In one of the traditional cafés, try the famous Aachener Printen, a spiced gingerbread, the sweet trademark of the city.
For Families: The Centre Charlemagne
The Centre Charlemagne, the Neues Stadtmuseum Aachen, is among the most family-friendly sights. The modern museum brings 1,200 years of city history to life interactively.
Interactive Exhibitions
Across three floors, the museum offers:
- Multimedia presentations on city history
- Hands-on stations for children
- Reconstructions of historic rooms
- Regular special exhibitions
Educational Programmes
Families in particular benefit from:
- Special tours for children
- Workshops and holiday programmes
- Offerings for school classes
- Multilingual audio guides
Close to Nature: The Lousberg
The Lousberg rises as a green oasis above the city and offers one of the finest views of its sights. The 264-metre hill has been a popular destination for centuries.
Panoramic View and Relaxation
From the Lousberg, visitors enjoy:
- Spectacular views over Aachen
- A view as far as the Netherlands and Belgium
- Extensive walking trails and footpaths
- Historic monuments and viewpoints
The Salvatorberg
The Salvatorkirche on the Lousberg completes the experience with its Neo-Gothic architecture and peaceful ambience.
📍 Discover more: Explore further recommendations for Aachen on our city page.
Conclusion: Discovering the Sights
The sights offer a unique journey through European history. From the Carolingian Palatine Chapel to modern art museums, the city combines tradition and innovation in a fascinating way.
The key takeaways for your visit to Aachen:
- Allow at least two days for the main sights
- Book tours of the cathedral and town hall in advance
- Use the Aachen Tourist Card for discounts
- Combine culture with relaxation in the thermal springs
- Also discover the city's culinary specialities
Begin your journey of discovery today and let the fascinating sights of Aachen enchant you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sights in Aachen
What are the most important sights? The top attractions are Aachen Cathedral, the historic town hall, the Elisenbrunnen, the Ludwig Forum and the Centre Charlemagne. These five highlights should not be missing from any visit to Aachen.
How much time do you need for the sights? For the main sights you should allow at least two days. A weekend is enough to explore the cathedral, town hall, museums and old town at length.
Are the sights family-friendly? Yes, many sights offer special programmes for families. The Centre Charlemagne, the Lousberg and the Kurpark in particular are great for visits with children.
Which sights are free? The Elisenbrunnen, the Kurpark, the Lousberg and the Pontstraße are free to access. Viewing the cathedral and town hall from the outside costs nothing either.
When is the best time to visit? The sights are attractive all year round. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant for city walks, while winter appeals with the Christmas market and thermal springs.
Christina Becker
