There’s no better time to hit the road! 5,000 years of history are waiting to be explored by you in Aachen. The chronicle begins in the Neolithic period, when flint was mined in the area. With their thermal baths, the Romans established the tradition of Aachen as a spa and health resort – one of the hottest springs north of the Alps gushes out here at a temperature of 73° Celsius (163.4 F).

Just follow the “Charlemagne Route” and you’ll discover all the main attractions. The starting point is the “Centre Charlemagne”, Aachen’s new city museum that brings the history of the city alive with its exciting exhibition concept. The highlight on your route is, without a doubt, Aachen Cathedral. In 1978, it was the first German monument to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Together with the palatial city hall, it forms the heart of the picturesque old town.

The sensational octagonal architecture of the cathedral, which was completed in Charlemagne’s reign in 803, takes every visitor’s breath away. It is complemented by immeasurable art treasures that include the “Karlsthron”, which served as the coronation throne for no less than 30 Roman-German kings until 1531.