64km (40 miles) W of Cologne, 80km (50 miles) SW of Düsseldorf
The ancient Imperial City of Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle), at the frontier where Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands meet, is inseparably connected with Charlemagne. He selected this spot as the center of his vast Frankish empire. History is important here, but today there's also a youthful joie de vivre that attracts young people from all over the world. Visitors also come for the sulfurous hot springs and the magnificent cathedral.
Aachen has an even longer history as a spa than as an imperial city. Roman legionnaires established a military bath here in the 1st century A.D. By the end of the 17th century, Aachen was known as the "Spa of Kings" because royalty from all over Europe came here to take the cure. Its springs are among the hottest in Europe. The treatment includes baths and the Trinkkur (drinking the water). The spa gardens are the center of resort activity, with attractive ponds, fountains, and shade trees.
Aachen Travel Experiences
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Valkenburg: Early Morning Shopaholics
We made the decision last night to join the free optional excursion to Monschau, over the border in Germany. The coach driver had assured... Continue reading »
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Valkenburg: Christmas Caves and Hotel Antics
It was an uneventful drive back to Valkenburg. However it was slightly quicker, could it be our driver’s Sat Nav got it wrong on the way... Continue reading »
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Destination Valkenburg
Unusually this holiday started with me going to work. It had been organised by my union, so the coach was waiting for us outside the fron... Continue reading »
