Burtscheid – Aachen’s spa district with charm and urban esprit

I begin my walk from the direction of the train station, passing one of my favorite bars. It's not a typical bar for drinks; no, it's a pizza bar . O'FRÀ invites you to linger and enjoy, because pizza is love, that's their philosophy . Antipasti and drinks are also a delight!

I stroll into the spa gardens . Not a spa garden from the past, no, Burtscheid a spa town . Burtscheid is bubbling with life – literally . Beneath the district lie some of the hottest thermal springs in Central Europe , which the Romans used for their bathhouses. The water rises to the surface at up to 74 degrees Celsius – perfect for spa treatments, back pain, and so much more.

I'm fascinated by the beautifully landscaped nature of the spa park , where a fountain, benches, walking paths, flowerbeds, meadows, and the rose spring the Belle Époque still wafts through the air.

St. Michael's Church has a magical attraction for me, not least because the path up the hill is a staircase, and stairs have always fascinated me. The church sits enthroned above Burtscheid , and the view down below, including houses from various eras, is mesmerizing . My path to Burtscheid's market square leads from the church's main portal down an ancient, stair-like path , and I wonder what these stones have seen.

My curiosity leads me to the side of the market . I'm fascinated by the impressive facades and gateways .

I'm drawn to an incredibly narrow street . Built like those we know from old towns in the deep south, it lets in as little sun as possible. My curiosity stops me, and I spot the street sign " Kaltbachgässchen ," named after a cold stream (around 11 degrees Celsius) that runs underground and ends in the valley outside Burtscheid . What a contrast hot springs that sprout in Burtscheid bubbling in a fountain just a few meters away .

The Burtscheid Market Square – a square and pedestrian zone pulsating with life . Children, spa guests, businesspeople, retirees, students, shoppers, and people milling about are all present. Really present; people aren't just "walking through"; they're consciously shopping , consciously enjoying a coffee , consciously talking. I can sense a subtle aura .

Urban coffee culture attracts me everywhere, and so I'm drawn to Leni's . A café with its own roastery and correspondingly delicious coffee specialties , with treats like breakfast and cakes , but also selling coffee beans and stylish mugs of its own label.

A few meters away is the traditional Lammerskötter confectionery guided tour and doubles as a shop and café with a lovely outdoor terrace, serving delicious Printen (printed gingerbread), chocolates, cakes, and savory dishes. A culinary delight , also available to take away, as Öcher Printe (printed gingerbread) is known to taste good all year round.

On Fridays, you stroll through the weekly market with all your senses . Vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, coffee, flowers . Simply a colorful mix of everyday necessities, yet a luxury to be able to shop in such a beautiful setting at the Burtscheid market . "Stay awhile, O moment" – a quote that's so wonderfully fitting for me.

Urban flair always has so many facets. Cafes, small green spaces, benches, and lovely shops are all part of it for me. And Burtscheid plenty of that to offer. But there's also the facet of local life , which, for me, is reflected in the facades of the buildings . And so I stroll through Burtscheid's , looking up into the sky, and can't get enough.