Burtscheid - Aachen's spa district with charm and urban esprit

I start my walk coming from the direction of the train station, passing one of my favorite bars. It's not a classic bar for a drink, no, it's a pizza bar. O'FRÀ invites you to linger and enjoy, because pizza is love, according to their philosophy. Antipasti and drinks are also a treat!

I take a walk in the spa gardens. Not a spa park from the past, no, even today Burtscheid is a spa town. Burtscheid is bubbling with life - in the truest sense of the word. Beneath the district lie some of the hottest thermal springs in Central Europe, which the Romans used for their bathhouses. The water comes to the surface at up to 74 degrees Celsius - perfect for a cure, your back and so much more.

I am fascinated by the beautifully landscaped nature of the spa gardens, in which a fountain, benches, footpaths, flower beds, meadows and the rose spring are harmoniously embedded. There is still a hint of the Belle Époque in the air.

The church of St. Michael magically attracts me, not least because the way up the hill is a staircase and stairs have always fascinated me. The church is enthroned above Burtscheid, the view down and of houses from different eras is fascinating. My route to Burtscheid market leads from the main portal of the church down an ancient staircase-like path and I wonder what these stones have been through.

My curiosity leads me along the side of the market. I am fascinated by the impressive facades and gateways.

I am attracted by an incredibly narrow street. Built in the same way as we know them from old towns in the far south, to let in as little sunlight as possible. My curiosity stops me and I discover the street sign "Kaltbachgässchen", named after a cold stream (around 11 degrees) that runs underground there and ends in the valley outside Burtscheid. What a contrast to the hot springs in Burtscheid, which bubble up in a fountain just a few meters away.

The Burtscheid market - a square and a pedestrian zone pulsating with life. Children, spa guests, business people, pensioners, students, shoppers and people whirling around are all present. Really present, people are not just "walking through", they are consciously shopping, consciously enjoying a coffee, consciously talking. I can sense a subtle aura.

Urban coffee culture attracts me everywhere and so I am drawn to Leni's attracted me. A café with its own roastery and correspondingly delicious coffee specialties, with treats such as breakfast and cakes, but also selling coffee beans and stylish cups from its own label.

A few meters further on is the traditional confectionery Lammerskötter, which doubles as a store and café with a beautiful outdoor terrace, delicious Printen, chocolates, cakes and hearty dishes. A treat for the palate, also to take away, because the Öcher Printe is known to taste good all year round.

Stroll with all your senses at the weekly market on Fridays. Vegetables, fruit, bread, cheese, coffee, flowers. Simply a colorful mix for everyday needs and yet a luxury to be able to shop in such a beautiful atmosphere at the Burtscheid market. "Linger a while, you moment" - a wonderfully fitting quote for me.

Urban flair always has so many facets. Cafés, small green spaces, benches and nice stores are all part of it for me. And Burtscheid has a lot to offer. But there is also the facet of local life, which for me is reflected in the facades of the houses. And so I stroll through the side streets of Burtscheid, look up and can't get enough.