Walks

The centrally positioned Elisenbrunnen is the starting point for the Guided Tour of the Old Town. The Elisenbrunnen, built in 1822, is the symbol of the spa town of Aachen. It has several fountains and mini-springs from which the healing thermal water gushes out at a pleasant 52 degrees. If you are wondering what the strange smell is when you visit the Elisenbrunnen, this is the characteristic smell of the sulphur-rich thermal water.

The second stop in the tour of the Old Town is the cast bronze sculpture Klenkes statue The raised little finger, called Klenkes, is the way in which the people of Aachen greet each other when they are away from Aachen. This is a reminder of the former needle industry based in Aachen. Skilled workers would “remove” worn and unusable needles with their little finger.

The Bahkauvbrunnen fountain is on Büchel Street. According to Aachen myths and legends, the Bahkauv (Aachen dialect for a mythical animal, the Bachkalb) would jump on the shoulders of drunk men returning home late and force them to carry them to the front door of their house. Maybe the Bahkauv will pounce on you too during an overnight stay in Aachen?

The Hof square is especially appealing to the residents of Aachen and tourists in the summer thanks to its numerous dining options and it is a popular meeting place with a Mediterranean feel to it. The Roman pillars in the middle of the Hof are parts of a portico replica found here during the excavations. Why not take a break on your next visit to Aachen, sit back and enjoy the slightly different view of Aachen Cathedral.

Aachen Town Hall was built on the foundation of the Carolingian Palatine dating back to the 8th century. Replicas of the imperial regalia are now on display in the 1,000 square-metre Coronation Hall, where the rulers would dine after their coronation. Aachen Town Hall is not only a museum, but also the seat of the Lord Mayor. Perhaps you can shake the Lord Mayor's hand as well when you next visit Aachen.

Once the Katschhof served as connection between Charlemagne’s St. Mary’s Church and his palace assembly hall. Today the stairway of the town hall – among Aachen people also known as box seats – in particular during summer months invites visitors to linger and enjoy a gigantic view of Aachen Cathedral. Especially when events are taking place, the Katschhof shows its best side. Probably the unique setting – between cathedral and town hall – plays a major role.

The foundations of Aachen Cathedral were laid in 768, until finally in 805 when Pope Leo III consecrated the church. In 1978, Aachen Cathedral was the first German monument to be included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites and it is one of the most famous monuments of Western architecture. You should not miss out on the tours of the Cathedral, as this is the only way to see the majestic imperial throne of Charlemagne, which was built entirely of marble.

The Cathedral Treasury is located in the heart of the historic city centre in close proximity to Aachen Cathedral. The Aachen Cathedral Treasury is considered to be the most important treasury of the church north of the Alps. Here you can admire the Proserpina Sarcophagus, a bust of Charlemagne and the Cross of Lothair.

From the Domhof square you can see the imposing west-annexe of Aachen Cathedral. The large bronze portal through which visitors enter the Cathedral is extremely striking. According to an Aachen legend, the left by the thumb of the devil can still be seen in the door.

In the Elisengarten you can escape the hustle and bustle of the inner city, especially in the summer, with an ice cream or some authentic Aachen Printen (gingerbread biscuits). In the middle of the Elisengarten you will see an Archaeology Showcase with finds that were discovered during the civil engineering work carried out on the site.

The Guided Tour of the Old Town ends at the Tourist Info office, which is in the Elisenbrunnen building. Here you will find not only information about everything worth knowing in and around Aachen but also imperial souvenirs that make great gifts or reminders of your time here. If you enjoyed this tour, you can also purchase the short city guide "Charlemagne guides you through Aachen" for just € 3.95.