Extreme heat in Aachen – what now?

When the thermometer climbs above 30 degrees, many people just want to get out of the city. But that's precisely when it's worth taking a closer look. Aachen offers a surprising number of places to escape the heat - without a long journey. Between parks, cool churches, watering holes, museums, restaurants and cultural programs, summer is surprisingly easy to endure. Best of all, everything is easily accessible on foot or by bike.

So: grab a water bottle, don't forget your sunscreen - and off you go!

Sometimes the simplest solution is also the best: get out into the countryside. The Aachen Forest in the south of the city offers shady paths, soft forest trails and cool corners. Those who want to to the Dreiländerpunkt will be rewarded with far-reaching views - and perhaps even a fresh breeze.

But there are also green havens in the middle of the city. The Elisengarten (see photo) is an urban oasis and ideal for a short siesta in the shade or a chapter in the book you brought with you. Or you can pack a picnic blanket and provisions and head for the Westpark . This is where old trees meet slacklines and student flair meets relaxed summer beats.

No Mediterranean, of course. But there is still a bit of water. The Hangeweiher outdoor pool is Aachen's classic - with a large sunbathing lawn and shady trees. On hot days and during the summer vacations, however, it gets crowded, so it's best to swim a few laps early in the morning or in the evening.

Right next door is the Kaiser-Friedrich-Park - perfect for a pedal boat tour(see photo left). If you prefer to relax, head towards the Aachen Forestwhere small streams ripple - ideal for cooling your feet and switching off. Alternatively, you can enjoy a walk around the Kupferbach and Diepenbendenreservoirs the view of the cool water.

And even in the middle of the city there are little water tricks to combat the heat. Drinking fountains such as at the Hotmannspief, the Möschebrunnen or at the entrance to the Elisengarten provide fresh water to fill up - practical and often underestimated. An almost hidden highlight: the Johannisbach stream at Lindenplatz - a narrow, open watercourse in the shade of the trees, ideal for just dipping your feet in the water(see photo on the right).

If you’re looking for a change of pace, it’s worth planning your day strategically on hot days. In Aachen, the combination of heat and culture works surprisingly well. That’s because: The city’s museums and attractions along the Route Charlemagne are largely air-conditioned.

For me, one of the best summer hacks in town: air-conditioned spaces and curated inspiration. 

Especially recommended: the Centre Charlemagne(see photo left), where you can wander through Aachen's history in the cool. An alternative is the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum - a haven of peace with old masters and a relaxed atmosphere. And last but not least, the Ludwig Forum(see photo on the right). Not every room here is air-conditioned, but the mixture of industrial architecture and contemporary art rarely fails to impress.

When everything is shimmering outside, it suddenly becomes pleasant inside - even in Aachen's churches, which are then much more than spiritual places. Some of them are transformed into true architectural climate zones.

Above all the Aachen CathedralWorld Heritage Site - but also a place that can feel completely different. The thick walls, the subdued light, the cold stone underfoot - a break here is like a journey to a quieter moment in a noticeably cooler environment.

Also open all day is the City Church of St. Nicholas(see photo). It is located directly in the pedestrian zone like a haven of peace. The interior is wide and bright, with a Gothic hall structure - without benches, with plenty of air. Perfect for a ten-minute break, including listening to music.

And if you do want to get out of the city for a while: Drive to the monastery in Kornelimünsterwhere architecture and nature combine to create a kind of mini-retreat - ideal for clearing your head and forgetting the summer heat for a while.

Fresh aromas, airy terraces, a relaxed atmosphere - this is what summer tastes like. And sometimes a favorite spot is enough to make you feel like you're on vacation in the middle of the city. I'm often drawn to the old town at lunchtime. The Postwagen Zum Ratskellerwith a view of the cathedral and town hall, is almost like a small outdoor living room. The cuisine combines tradition with lightness - a summery Tafelspitz salad or goat's cheese au gratin with an ice-cold drink while life passes by on the square.

But sometimes a change of location is needed. In Burtscheid, a little away from the hustle and bustle, lies the Ferbers(see photo): lots of glass, greenery, clean lines and a menu to suit every taste - even a short visit here feels like a short trip every time. Cold, satisfying summer bowls, refreshing iced coffees or sparkling wine on ice with your best friend - that's all the summer feeling you need.

On the other hand, those looking for urban flair will find it at La Fabrik . Under the viaduct and in front of the old brick building, an urban setting meets beer garden charm. The menu is creative, international, and full of surprises—whether it’s an asparagus salad or melon gazpacho: here, summer isn’t just in the air—you can taste it, too. And to top it off, an ice-cold drink under the arched bridge? That’s big-city flair without even having to leave town. 

Quieter, almost hidden, is the Pepe Verde in the grounds of the Grün-Weiss tennis club. Here, everything feels a little slower - almost like in Italy: Pizza, pasta, antipasti - classic, relaxed and simply good. An espresso afterwards, perhaps a spritz or a limoncello - and the day can come to a relaxed end.

At some point along the way, the route naturally leads to ice cream, for example, to the ice cream shop Leana and Luise on Boxgraben. Whether you choose dragon fruit or streusel roll flavor—it’s all homemade, and every time you’re faced with the dilemma of choosing from too many delicious options. But it’s just the thing for a hot day in Aachen. 

As the sun gets lower, Aachen becomes softer. A stroll through the old town, a drink in the cathedral cellar or the view from the Lousberg at sunset - sometimes that's all you need.

Variety is offered by the city glowUntil August 17, the festival brings concerts, readings and performances to changing locations - outdoors, open and free of charge. A great opportunity to discover small stages of the independent scene. Afterwards the Kurpark Classix(see photo): From August 22 to 31, there will be open-air concerts by national and international stars in Aachen's Kurpark, whether you're into pop, rock or classical music!

And for those who love movies: the open-air cinema runs from August 1 to 10 in the CHIO dressage stadium, then at Burg Frankenberg and at the beginning of September in Kennedypark, provided the weather is good, of course. Screens under a starry sky - it couldn't be more summer!

- Klio Verigou