The centrally located Elisenbrunnen is the starting point for the short tour of the old town. Built in 1822, the Elisenbrunnen is the symbol of Aachen as a spa town and has several fountains and mini-springs from which the healing 52-degree thermal water gushes out. If you're wondering what strange smell you smell when you visit the Elisenbrunnen, it's the characteristic smell of the very sulphurous thermal water.

The second stop on the short tour of the old town is the Klenkes monument, cast in bronze. The raised little finger, known as the Klenkes, is the identifying sign for Aacheners who use it to greet each other outside Aachen. This is a reminder of the needle industry that used to be based in Aachen. In those days, bad and unusable needles were "unclipped" by skilled workers with their little finger.

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

The courtyard attracts Aacheners and tourists with its 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 portico replica that were found here during excavations. Take a break here on your next visit to Aachen, lean back and enjoy the somewhat different view of Aachen Cathedral.

Aachen Town Hall was built on the foundations of the Carolingian palace from the 8th century. In the 1,000 square meter coronation hall, where the rulers dined after their coronation, replicas of the imperial regalia are on display today. Aachen Town Hall is not only a museum, but also the seat of the Lord Mayor. Perhaps you too can shake hands with the Lord Mayor on your next visit to Aachen.

The Katschhof once served as a link between Charlemagne's Marienkirche and his Palastaula. Today, the town hall steps - also known to Aacheners as the box seats - invite you to linger, especially in the summer months, with a gigantic view of Aachen Cathedral. The Katschhof is at its best during events in particular. The unique backdrop - between the cathedral and the town hall - probably plays a major role here.

The foundations of Aachen Cathedral were laid around 768 and the church was finally consecrated by Pope Leo III in 805. In 1978, Aachen Cathedral was the first German monument to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the most famous monuments of Western architecture. You should definitely take part in a guided tour of the cathedral during your visit, as this is the only way to reach Charlemagne's majestic throne, which was built entirely from marble.

The Cathedral Treasury is located in the heart of the historic city center in the immediate vicinity of Aachen Cathedral. The Aachen Cathedral Treasury is considered the most important church treasure north of the Alps. During a visit, you can admire the Proserpine Sarcophagus, the Bust of Charlemagne and the Lothar Cross.

From the cathedral courtyard, you can see the imposing west building of Aachen Cathedral. The large bronze portal through which visitors enter Aachen Cathedral is striking. According to an Aachen legend, you can still feel the devil's thumb 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 Aachen Printen, especially in summer. In the middle of the Elisengarten, you will see an archaeological display case containing finds that were discovered during excavation work on the site.

The short tour of the old town ends at the Tourist Info, which is located in the Elisenbrunnen building. Here you will not only receive information about everything worth knowing in and around Aachen, but also imperial souvenirs to give away and remember. If you have enjoyed this tour, you can also purchase the short city guide "Kaiser Karl führt durch Aachen" (Emperor Karl guides you through Aachen) for € 3.95 or join one of our public guided tours.