The centrally located Elisenbrunnen is the starting point for the small old town guided tour . The Elisenbrunnen, built in 1822, is the symbol of the spa town of Aachen and has several fountains and mini springs from which the healing 52 degree thermal water bubbles out. If you are wondering what strange smell comes through your nose when you visit the Elisenbrunnen, it is the characteristic smell of the very sulphurous thermal water.

The second stop on the short Old Town guided tour is the Klenkes monument, cast from bronze sculpture. The raised little finger, called Klenkes, is the identifying symbol for Aachen residents who use it to greet each other outside of Aachen. This is a reminder of the needle industry that was formerly based in Aachen. Back then, bad and unusable needles were “notched out” by skilled workers with their little fingers.

The Bahkauv fountain is located on Büchel. According to an Aachen legend, the Bahkauv (Öcher Platt for stream calf) jumped onto the shoulders of revelers returning late and let them carry it to the front door. Maybe the Bahkauv will scare you when you visit Aachen at night?

The farm attracts Aachen residents and tourists with many restaurants, especially in summer, and is a popular meeting place with a Mediterranean flair. The Roman columns in the middle of the courtyard are parts of a replica portico that were found during excavations here. Take a break here on your next visit to Aachen, sit back and enjoy the slightly different view of Aachen Cathedral.

The Aachen town hall was built on the foundations of the Carolingian Palatinate from the 8th century. Replicas of the imperial regalia are now on display in the 1,000 square meter coronation hall, where the rulers ate their meal after their coronation. The Aachen Town Hall is not only a museum, but also the seat of the mayor. Maybe you too can shake the mayor's hand the next time you visit Aachen.

The Katschhof once served as a connection between Charlemagne's St. Mary's Church and his palace hall. Today, the town hall stairs - also known to Aachen residents as box seats - invite you to linger, especially in the summer months, with a gigantic view of Aachen Cathedral. The Katschhof shows its best side, especially at events. The unique setting – between the cathedral and town hall – probably plays a major role.

The foundations of Aachen Cathedral were laid around 768, until Pope Leo III finally laid them in 805. consecrated the church. In 1978, Aachen Cathedral was the first German architectural monument to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most famous monuments of Western architecture. When you visit, you should definitely take part in a cathedral guided tour , as this is the only way to get to the majestic throne of Charlemagne, which was built entirely out of marble.

The cathedral treasury is located in the heart of the historic city center in close proximity to Aachen Cathedral. The Aachen Cathedral Treasure is considered the most important church treasure north of the Alps. Here you can admire, among other things, the Proserpine sarcophagus, the bust of Charles and the Lothair cross.

From the cathedral courtyard you can see the impressive western building of Aachen Cathedral. What is striking is the large bronze portal through which visitors enter Aachen Cathedral. According to an Aachen legend, the devil's thumb can still be felt in the lion's mouth in this door.

In the Elisengarten you can escape the stress of the city center with an ice cream or the real Aachener Printen, especially in summer. In the middle of the Elisengarten you will see an archaeological showcase containing artefacts that were found during civil engineering work on the site.

The small guided tour of the old town ends in the tourist information office, which is located in the Elisenbrunnen building. Here you not only get information about everything worth knowing in and around Aachen, but also imperial souvenirs to give away and remember. If you enjoyed this tour, you can also purchase the short city guide "Kaiser Karl leads through Aachen" here for €3.95 or you can join one of our public Guided Tour .