A perfect day in Aachen

Do you know the feeling? There are days when I feel the same way. Those are the rare days when I can let myself drift.

Days that are a symbiosis of tranquillity, visual stimuli, a little culture or history, exercise and a delicious drink or treat. Pleasure for mind and soul. So beautiful! Let me tempt you a little to see Aachen with "relaxed" eyes.

Do you see it the same way? It doesn't always have to be something new and far away; even something close, perhaps even familiar, can be perfect with the right angle. Fancy a little visual journey through Aachen? I'll take you with me and show you my personal "perfect day in Aachen".

Why not go in the "other direction"? I start at the Church of St. James, which is the first stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela after Aachen Cathedral. Not out of town, which would also be possible via a road towards the Netherlands and Belgium, but into town. I find the idea exciting: where others start their pilgrimage, I start my perfect day walking in exactly the opposite direction.

My little historical tidbit of knowledge for you: At a height of 87 meters, St. Jacob's Church has the highest church tower in Aachen and rises imperially into the sky. When the sun shines and the sky is blue, the church spire shines green-bluish, decorated with a golden ball. Rare kestrels make their home here.

Take a look at the pilgrims' chapel to the side of the entrance or the small garden to the right of the church. Small, fine oases of peace await you.

My next little journey takes me down Jakobstraße, right across Stromgasse into the Rosviertel district, where I take a quick look at the small Roskapelle chapel. I stroll further along Rosstraße and come across an industrial monument with an incredibly interesting Aachen history: the Rosfabrik. Located in a backyard - you have to keep an eye out - this was once home to the company "Josef Zimmermann", which produced needles for the world market for 150 years. The baroque façade in the Couven style, the mix with modern renovated units of the production halls and the manor house are a great photo spot! Immerse yourself in Aachen's history as a "needle city"! Industrial style meets the present.

I stroll a few meters further and enter a charming little street in the old town.

One of Aachen's most beautiful streets for the locals. It is for me too. Like a beautiful avenue in the heart of Aachen, it leads you directly towards the cathedral. Annastrasse is lined with pretty little stores and picturesque houses. When the weather is nice, I love to turn left through an archway onto Hermann-Heusch-Platz just before the Annakirche (Aachen's oldest Protestant church). A little green urban oasis to take a deep breath. I am captivated by the Stelzenkinder, a life-size figure showing laughing children walking on stilts. At the sight of the happy faces, the children's laughter creeps into my ears and makes me smile.

I am often magically drawn to "A tavola da Giorgio" as I stroll along Annastrasse. A small and fine Italian delicatessen. An espresso at the counter or on one of the two little chairs in front of the window. A piece of cheese, parma or amarettini are welcome; perhaps for a little picnic at the end of the day, which can be finished off with culinary delights in perfection. Dolce Vita in my Aachen. Why not? Again and again. If you stroll through Aachen with your eyes open, you'll find so many Mediterranean-style spots.

Accompanied by the view of the cathedral, I stroll across the fish market through the Spitzgässchen. Got a sweet tooth on board? Then quickly pop into the legendary Domlädchen and immerse yourself in the aroma and taste of hundreds of fine sweets. I continue across Münsterplatz along the cathedral and find my "place to be" in Aachen's "Hof".

For me, this little spot in Aachen - the courtyard - is the perfect spot in the old town. Surrounded by impressive history - views of the cathedral, columns from the Roman past, Körbergässchen - I can end my little trip to the heart of Aachen here.

I enjoy delicious coffee and cake, an ice cream or a drink at Café Lammerskötter am Hof. Relax, enjoy, look at the people passing by or lingering, talk or read a book. Everything is possible in a relaxed atmosphere!

As a gourmet, I can highly recommend the wonderful variety of food in the courtyard. Pizza, pasta, salads, a freshly tapped beer.

The quote "There are days that are more beautiful than the world" by Christian Lenz is buzzing through my head again. My perfect day in Aachen.