Aachen's most beautiful hiking routes - pure nature & exciting discoveries
When you think of Aachen, you immediately think of Charlemagnethe border triangle and of course the Aachen Cathedral come to mind. The famous Aachener Printen are also part of it - a specialty that not only tastes good at Christmas time, but can also be enjoyed at any time of year.
Aachen is a city where you can feel the spirit of the times. History comes alive here, while the art and culture scene flourishes. At the same time, Aachen offers space to slow down and reconnect with nature - because the city also allows you to escape into the countryside. When the sun's rays shine particularly warmly on the city, there are numerous hiking routeswhere you can simply turn your back on the city and stroll into the countryside.
Here are our highlights: idyllic, soothing and right on your doorstep.
1. urban escape with depth - from Burtscheid to the border region
Distance: 8.9 km
Duration: 2:30 h
Start your tour in the middle of Aachen, directly at the main train station, and quickly leave the stress of everyday life behind you. Your first stop is the Burtscheider Kurpark with baroque splendor and an exciting history- because the St. Johann Abbey Church tells of a time long past when Burtscheid was a town in its own right.
You will soon be immersed in green oases: The path follows the Gillesbach stream, which crosses the city and eventually disappears underground. As you continue towards the Aachen Forest, you walk past flowering meadows and fruit trees and can breathe in the fresh country air. At the Milchstübchen, you can tap fresh milk directly from the farmer and discover other regional products - a real experience! Cozy benches and a playground invite you to linger at the Kupferbachstauweiher pond. People even used to sail boats here!
The route then climbs gently uphill through the Aachen Forest to the Köpfchen border crossing. Nature, history and culture merge here: impressive sandstone cyclopean stones tell of the city's origins! On the way there, the cultural center with the KuKuK CaféBar invites you to take a relaxing break with coffee, delicious cake and a view of the forest.
You can find more information about the tour here.
2nd city walk with depth - from the Tuchwerk to Ponttor
Distance: 7.3 km
Duration: 2:08 h
This short but varied hike combines nature, history and urban landscape . The starting point is the Tuchwerk in the Soers(tip: use public transport: Buses run regularly to the "Soers" stop). Also ideal for anyone who wants to travel more sustainably. It is a creative place with industrial history and a cultural pulse. If you have a little more time or would like to return, you can visit exhibitions and theater performances or take part in inspiring workshops. From the Tuchwerk, head to Müschpark - a peaceful, green refuge with natural ponds and hidden paths.
The paths lead you up to the Lousbergwhere views, monuments and historical traces accompany you at every turn: the Tranchot obelisk, the Belvedere revolving tower, the legendary devil with the market woman - a place where myths seem to come to life. And if you like, you can swing in one of the hammocks on the Lousberg terrace with a view of the vast Soers.
Tip: Chill spot on the Lousberg - grab a book, have a little picnic or sketch the landscape - ideal for switching off and letting creative ideas sprout.
Finally, the route leads via the Salvatorkirche church down into the city - directly to the Ponttor, where history meets the living present. A tour for all those who want to stay curious and keep rediscovering their city.
You can find more information here.
3rd Iterbach tour - between stream and viaduct
Distance: 7.5 km
Duration: 2:30 h
The Itertal valley is a real gem for anyone who wants to experience history and nature up close. The approximately 8-kilometre route starts directly in the historic town center at Korneliusmarkt in Kornelimünster (tip: the SB66 bus from "Aachen Bushof" to "Kornelimünster" takes you there in 2 minutes). The tour takes you through green meadows, tranquil nature reserves and past a free-flowing stream - the perfect place to get away from it all. The area around Kornelimünster was popular for its natural resources over a thousand years ago: Benedict of Aniane looked for a plot of land here in 814 to found a monastery - and even the Romans left their mark on this landscape with their network of paths.
Tip: It could hardly be smaller - the narrowest house in Kornelimünster is located at Benediktusplatz 17 - it is just 2.42 meters wide!
As you slowly leave the settlement behind you, you walk along the Iterbach stream, which branches off from the Inde beforehand, across lush meadows where you will occasionally encounter animal inhabitants.
Today, you can feel the history of early industrialization as you look down from the valley heights over the gentle Münsterländchen and stroll through the tranquil nature reserve. Iron was once processed here and some traces of this time can still be discovered today... You will come across exciting highlights again and again: the imposing Vennbahn viaduct, old mills such as the Königsmühle and several vantage points with breathtaking views. A real highlight for the adventurous is crossing the stream on stepping stones.
You can find more information about this route here.
So what are you waiting for? Leave everyday life behind you, lace up your hiking boots and discover the natural beauty of Aachen!
