Aachen is full of little secrets and fascinating stories. Some are based on true events, others are completely made up. Stroll with us through the charming alleys of the Old Town and hear how the resourceful people of Aachen filled in the gaps in the city’s history with exciting myths and legends. True to the motto: You don’t have to know everything, but you have to be able to explain everything!  

During this entertaining tour, you’ll learn where Klappergasse got its name, where witches and the terrifying mythical creature Bahkauv used to wreak havoc, and what the coffee smuggling was all about. Many stories, however, also revolve around the devil, who was often blamed for misdeeds in Aachen but was (fortunately) outwitted by the people of Aachen. Charlemagne also appears time and again—from the legend of the cathedral’s construction to the Printen legend. You’ll also meet a bookseller who couldn’t read himself and didn’t always accurately convey the contents of his books, as well as William of Holland, who tried to flood Aachen.