Europaplatz is one of Aachen’s most striking arrival points. Where the roundabout once stood, you are now greeted by a spacious square dominated by the city’s largest fountain. Its mighty fountains have defined the scene since 1958, when the square was inaugurated after decades of planning. If you’re coming from Cologne, Belgium, or the Netherlands, this is where you’ll get your first impression of Aachen—a city that feels modern while also evoking the urban planning visions of the postwar era. The expansive water feature creates a moment of calm amid the traffic and gives the square a special atmosphere that many visitors notice the moment they arrive.