Aachen is Charlemagne's former imperial capital and one of Europe's most historically significant cities. Day highlights include the UNESCO Aachen Cathedral with its Byzantine-domed chapel and magnificent Gothic choir, the Cathedral Treasury housing Charlemagne's relics, the 14th-century Gothic Rathaus, and the charming historic centre with its famous Printen gingerbread shops.
Aachen lies roughly 70km from Cologne and 80km from Düsseldorf in the westernmost corner of North Rhine-Westphalia, on the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands. Direct regional trains (RE1/RE9) from Cologne Hbf reach Aachen Hbf in about 50 minutes, making it an easy rail-only day trip with no car needed. From the station it is a 15-minute walk or short bus ride into the historic centre.
The day's centrepiece is the UNESCO-listed Aachen Cathedral, built on the order of Charlemagne around 796 AD as his palace chapel; its Byzantine-inspired octagonal dome sits alongside a soaring 14th-century Gothic choir hall lined with stained glass. The adjoining Cathedral Treasury holds Charlemagne's reliquary bust, the golden Karlsschrein shrine, and other Carolingian and medieval treasures. A short walk away, the Gothic Rathaus, built on the foundations of Charlemagne's palace, houses the Coronation Hall where 30 German kings were crowned. The surrounding old town is compact and walkable, with cobbled lanes, the Elisenbrunnen thermal spring pavilion, and shops selling the city's famous Aachener Printen spiced gingerbread.
A sensible itinerary starts with the Cathedral and Treasury in the morning, when tour groups are thinner, followed by the Rathaus and a stroll through the pedestrianised centre. Afternoon time suits the Elisenbrunnen, the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum, or simply wandering the lanes around Katschhof square. Cafés and bakeries cluster around the Markt and Büchel; a bowl of Aachener Sauerbraten or a Printen-based dessert makes for a filling regional lunch.
Aachen suits a visit in any season since the main sights are indoors, though spring and early autumn bring the most comfortable weather for walking the old town. Arriving by mid-morning avoids the worst of the day-tripper crowds around the Cathedral, which can back up by early afternoon in summer.
| Distance | 70km from Cologne / 80km from Düsseldorf |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 50 min by direct regional train from Cologne |
| Getting there | Regional train (RE1/RE9) from Cologne Hbf direct to Aachen Hbf; €14–18 return |
| Cost | €14 transport + €5 Cathedral Treasury + lunch €15 = ~€35 total |
| Difficulty | easy |
Highlights
- Aachen Cathedral (UNESCO)
- Cathedral Treasury — Charlemagne's throne and golden shrine
- Rathaus (City Hall) Coronation Hall
- Elisenbrunnen thermal fountain
- Aachener Printen shopping
Tips for visiting
- Take the direct RE1 or RE9 regional train from Cologne Hbf; it needs no reservation and runs roughly every 30 minutes.
- Buy Cathedral Treasury tickets on arrival rather than online; queues are rarely long outside July–August weekends.
- Cathedral nave entry is free, but the Treasury and guided choir hall tours carry a separate fee.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the old town's cobbled streets are compact but uneven underfoot.
- Skip a rental car — the historic centre is largely pedestrianised and parking is limited near the Cathedral.
When to visit
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid tour-group crowds around the Cathedral; spring and autumn bring the most comfortable temperatures for walking the old town.
Accessibility
The Cathedral nave and Rathaus ground floor are wheelchair accessible via ramps; some upper areas of the Treasury and Coronation Hall involve stairs with limited lift access.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aachen Cathedral free to enter?
Yes, general entry to the cathedral nave is free; the Treasury and guided tours of the choir hall charge a separate admission fee.
How long should visitors budget for Aachen?
A full day allows time for the Cathedral, Treasury, Rathaus, and a relaxed walk through the old town; the core sights can be covered in about four hours if time is tight.
Is Aachen accessible without a car?
Yes, direct regional trains run from Cologne and Düsseldorf, and the historic centre is small enough to explore entirely on foot from the station.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring and early autumn offer the most comfortable walking weather, though the cathedral and museums are indoor attractions suited to any season.