Aachen Introduction Walking Tour, Aachen

Audio Guide: Aachen Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Aachen

Welcome to Aachen, a city with roots stretching back to Neolithic times. For thousands of years, people have been drawn here by its mineral springs. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of settlements dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. In those ancient days, the Celts made their home here, likely to worship Grannus, the god of light and healing.

By the second century, the Romans had transformed Aachen into a spa resort. In 470, the Ripuarian Franks took control of the town. Its name, Aachen, comes from the German word “Aach,” meaning river or stream, a nod to the waters that shaped its history.

But the city’s most famous chapter began with Charlemagne, often called the Father of Europe, who united much of Western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire. After his coronation as King of the Franks in 768, he chose Aachen as his winter residence and the political heart of the new empire. It was Charlemagne who commissioned the Palatine Chapel, now the central part of Aachen Cathedral, an architectural treasure you can still visit today.

From 936 to 1531, Aachen was the coronation site for most German kings destined to rule the Holy Roman Empire. The remains of Charlemagne’s palace complex form the heart of modern Aachen, where you’ll find the cathedral, Town Hall, Centre Charlemagne, and Katshhof Square. Inside the Cathedral Treasury, you can marvel at artifacts and treasures from Charlemagne’s time.

As the 16th century progressed, Aachen’s influence began to wane. The imperial coronations moved to Frankfurt, religious conflicts flared, and a devastating fire in 1656 left its mark. Yet, Aachen remained a popular spa destination. At the Couven Museum, you can explore life in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the city was a resort hub. Don’t miss the Elise Fountain, a testament to the vital role of the city’s sulfur springs.

Today, Aachen’s vibrant streets-like Adalbert and Kramer Streets-are perfect for shopping and strolling. The city is also famous for its fountains, including the Market Fountain in Market Square and the whimsical Dolls’ Fountain near the cathedral.

With its rich history and lively modern charm, Aachen is a city worth exploring. Join us on a self-guided walking tour and discover why Charlemagne’s city continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
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Aachen Introduction Walking Tour Map

Guide Name: Aachen Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Germany » Aachen (See other walking tours in Aachen)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 11
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Author: DanaOffice
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Marktplatz (Market Square)
  • Rathaus (Town Hall)
  • Centre Charlemagne
  • Domschatzkammer (Cathedral Treasury)
  • Katschhof Square
  • Couven Museum
  • Krämerstraße (Kramer Street)
  • Puppenbrunnen (Dolls' Fountain)
  • Aachener Dom (Aachen Cathedral)
  • Elisenbrunnen (Elise Fountain)
  • Adalbertstrasse (Adalbert Street)
1
Marktplatz (Market Square)

1) Marktplatz (Market Square) (must see)

The Market Square has been an important meeting place since medieval times. People came here to buy and sell goods, hear news, and meet others. Public announcements, celebrations, and official events were also held in this open space. Because it sits at the center of the historic area, the square stayed busy over the centuries and is still used as a main gathering point today.

One side of the square is taken up by Aachen Town Hall. It was built in the 14th century on the remains of Charlemagne’s former palace and shows how important this place once was for political life. Close by is the Market Fountain from the early 1600s. On top stands a bronze figure of Charlemagne, reminding visitors of the city’s strong link to his rule.

Just north of the square, in the courtyard of the Karlshof building, stands the Karlshof Fountain, built in 1969. The fountain has seven sides. Each side shows one of the Seven Liberal Arts known in Roman times: grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. Its modern style clearly differs from the older buildings around it.

Today, the square is used in everyday life as well as for events. Cafés and small shops invite people to sit, talk, or take a short break. During the year, the space changes with markets and public events, including the Christmas market in winter. Even with these changes, the square still shows how public life has worked here for hundreds of years.
2
Rathaus (Town Hall)

2) Rathaus (Town Hall) (must see)

Built in the early 14th century, the Aachen Town Hall has long been used for local government. In the Middle Ages, it was closely linked to imperial ceremonies. After being crowned in the nearby cathedral, rulers came here for official banquets. Between 936 and 1531, 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned. The Coronation Hall is still one of the most important rooms, and visitors can see replicas of imperial objects such as the crown, sword, and gospel book.

The building stands on the remains of Charlemagne’s palace from the late 8th century. When the medieval town hall was built, parts of this earlier complex were reused. Some of this early stonework is still visible today, especially on the south wall, where older masonry survived later rebuilding. These remains link the building to both medieval rule and Charlemagne’s earlier imperial center.

Over the centuries, fires and changing tastes altered the town hall’s appearance. After a large fire in 1656, the roof and towers were rebuilt in baroque style. During the 18th century, many Gothic details were removed. In the 19th century, a neo-Gothic restoration brought back medieval elements and added wall paintings showing scenes from Charlemagne’s life, along with statues on the façade. The towers were badly damaged during the Second World War and rebuilt by the late 1960s.

Today, the town hall is also known for hosting the Charlemagne Prize ceremony, which honors efforts toward European cooperation. Past recipients include Pope John Paul II, Bill Clinton, and Angela Merkel, showing that the building still plays a role in international political life.
3
Centre Charlemagne

3) Centre Charlemagne

Located beside the Town Hall and overlooking Katschhof Square, Centre Charlemagne is a modern glass building that stands out among the older buildings around it. It is Aachen’s city museum and presents the city’s history in a clear timeline. The permanent exhibition is divided into six sections, covering the period from early settlements to the present day.

The exhibition moves from the first settlements to the time of Charlemagne, explaining why he chose Aachen in the late 8th century and how this increased the city’s importance. It then covers the Middle Ages, when Aachen became the main coronation city of the Holy Roman Empire. Between 936 and 1531, German kings were crowned here, including Charles V in 1520, showing the lasting role of Charlemagne’s legacy.

Beyond history, the museum is also known for its modern architecture. The building was originally constructed between 1957 and 1960 as an administrative office and later renovated in 2009 with a large glass façade. Inside, the foyer features a triangular design linked to Aachen’s street layout, with clean lines and subtle lighting that give the space a contemporary feel.
4
Domschatzkammer (Cathedral Treasury)

4) Domschatzkammer (Cathedral Treasury) (must see)

Inside the Cathedral Treasury, one of Europe’s most extraordinary church treasure troves awaits. The collection, rumored to have begun with Charlemagne’s spoils from Jerusalem and Constantinople, is so impressive it secured the very first German spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list, along with Aachen Cathedral itself.

This treasure chest of history includes relics and artifacts from the late antique, Carolingian, Ottonian, Staufian, and Gothic eras. Since its grand redesign in 1995, the Treasury showcases over 100 dazzling works of art across five themed sections, all spread out over a space larger than six tennis courts.

The first section highlight the Cathedral as Charlemagne’s personal church. Here, you’ll find a silver and gilded bust of the emperor (post-1349) taking center stage. Next come Aachen’s liturgical roots, featuring the ornate Lothar Cross (circa the year 1000) and the so-called Aachen Altar (circa 1520). Another collection showcases ceremonial pieces tied to royal coronations held here between 936 and 1531, like an exquisite ivory holy water vessel. Elsewhere, Marian devotion and the city’s storied pilgrimages come to life through reliquaries, Hungarian donations, and breathtaking sculptures of the Virgin Mary.

Downstairs, a rotating display of the Cathedral’s textile treasures surrounds the legendary coronation mantle, the “Cappa Leonis,” from the early 16th century. It’s all a testament to Aachen’s centuries-long place at the crossroads of religion, art, and history.
5
Katschhof Square

5) Katschhof Square

Katschhof Square is a wide open space between the cathedral and the former town hall. For centuries, it has served as a shared public area for religious life, city administration, and daily activity. Its name comes from a medieval court once located nearby, and the decision to keep the area open shaped the square as it is today.

The square is flat and open, with clear views of the surrounding buildings. On one side is the cathedral, showing building stages from early medieval to Gothic periods. On the other side stands the town hall, built on remains of Charlemagne’s palace and linked to political history. The simple layout makes the relationship between these buildings easy to understand.

Katschhof Square is often used for public events. Weekly markets set up stalls with food, flowers, and local goods, and in winter the area becomes part of the Christmas market with temporary stands and lights. At other times, concerts and public gatherings are held here. On regular days, people mainly walk across the square, take short breaks, or stop briefly for photos.
6
Couven Museum

6) Couven Museum

Couven Museum gives a down-to-earth view of middle-class life in Aachen from the 18th to the early 19th century. Instead of glass cases, the museum uses fully furnished rooms. These spaces show how people lived, worked, and spent their free time during the Rococo, early Classicism, Empire, and Biedermeier periods.

The rooms are filled with Aachen–Liège furniture, porcelain such as pieces from Meissen, and everyday silverware, all reflecting local craftsmanship. A key highlight is the historic Adler Pharmacy. In 1857, an Italian chocolatier working here made some of the first chocolate bars produced in Germany.

The museum is located in Haus Monheim, built around 1662 after a major city fire and redesigned in 1786 by Jakob Couven, the son of Johann Joseph Couven. The museum first opened in 1929 at a different site and moved here in 1958 after wartime damage. Alongside the permanent rooms, temporary exhibitions are held regularly, including a costume display from Theater Aachen running until April 2026.
7
Krämerstraße (Kramer Street)

7) Krämerstraße (Kramer Street)

Krämerstraße is a narrow pedestrian street with a medieval layout. Its name comes from Krämer, meaning small traders, reflecting its long role in everyday trade. The short length and narrow width show how people once moved through the old town.

Most buildings stand on very old plots, but their façades come from different periods. Some houses follow traditional shapes with steep roofs and narrow fronts, while others show simpler designs from later rebuilding phases. War damage and earlier fires led to reconstruction, especially in the mid-20th century, so styles vary from building to building. This mix gives the street a layered look rather than a single, planned design.

Today, the ground floors are used by small shops, cafés, and service places. Bookshops, boutiques, and souvenir stores are close together, which keeps the street busy during the day. Because the street is narrow, people usually pass through rather than stay long. In the evening it becomes quieter, but lighting and nearby restaurants keep it active and easy to walk through.
8
Puppenbrunnen (Dolls' Fountain)

8) Puppenbrunnen (Dolls' Fountain) (must see)

The Dolls’ Fountain is a small bronze fountain with movable figures. It was created by local sculptor Bonifatius Stirnberg and installed in 1975. At first glance, it looks like a typical decorative fountain, but its design quickly sets it apart from others.

Unlike most public fountains, the figures are not fixed in place. Many arms, heads, and other parts can be turned by hand. Visitors are encouraged to touch the sculptures, which is unusual for outdoor artworks. Children are often the first to notice that the figures move, but adults usually stop as well, either to help or to try it themselves. This direct interaction makes the fountain feel open and easy to approach.

Each figure represents a part of local history or everyday life. A market woman stands for trade and daily work that once shaped the economy. A horse and rider refer to riding events and tournaments from earlier times. A professor wearing a monocle points to education and learning, which still play an important role today. At the top, a rooster adds a playful detail and is sometimes linked to music or to the French period. A small doll refers to textile production, while masks and a clown reflect carnival traditions and public celebrations.

People often pause here to move the figures, take photos, or talk about what the characters might mean. Because the figures can be repositioned, the fountain never looks exactly the same twice. This constant change turns it into more than decoration. It becomes a simple, hands-on way to experience local history through movement, touch, and curiosity, even during a short stop.
9
Aachener Dom (Aachen Cathedral)

9) Aachener Dom (Aachen Cathedral) (must see)

Aachen Cathedral, also known as the Imperial Cathedral, was built in the late 8th century on the orders of Charlemagne. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe and became the first German site added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1978. From the start, the building was meant to express political authority as well as religious power.

At the center of the complex is the Palatine Chapel, completed around 805. Its octagonal plan reflects strong Byzantine influence, especially the church of San Vitale in Ravenna. The number eight had Christian meaning, linked to resurrection and renewal. The design also follows strict proportions: both the dome height and the diameter measure 100 Carolingian feet. In medieval thinking, multiples of ten symbolized order and completeness, reinforcing the chapel’s role as a sacred and carefully planned space.

After Charlemagne’s death, the chapel became his burial place. Over time, the cathedral gained major political importance. Between 936 and 1531, 31 German kings and 12 queens were crowned here, making it a central stage for imperial ceremony in the Holy Roman Empire.

The cathedral’s Treasury is one of the most important church treasuries in Europe. Its objects include the Throne of Charlemagne, the four large Aachen relics-among them a cloth linked by tradition to the Virgin Mary-and the Pala d’Oro, a gold altar screen decorated with detailed metalwork.

The building did not remain unchanged. Later centuries added new structures around the original chapel. The most striking addition is the Gothic choir hall from the 13th century, built with tall walls and large stained-glass windows. Its height and light contrast clearly with the solid, compact form of the Carolingian core, showing how the cathedral reflects many phases of European history within a single structure.
10
Elisenbrunnen (Elise Fountain)

10) Elisenbrunnen (Elise Fountain) (must see)

The Elise Fountain is one of Aachen’s most famous landmarks, a neoclassical masterpiece that has been drawing visitors since 1827. With its grand colonnade and two charming pavilions, it exudes an air of old-world elegance.

Named after Princess Elisabeth Ludovika of Bavaria-later the Queen of Prussia-who visited Aachen in her younger years, the fountain sits atop the city’s legendary hot springs. These springs have been bubbling away since Roman times, celebrated for their therapeutic properties. Inside, two fountains still flow with that famous mineral-rich water. A quick warning, though: the distinct sulfur aroma might not be to your taste, and officially, the water is considered a medicinal product, so no casual sipping unless you’ve got a prescription!

Back in the 19th century, this was the go-to hangout for Europe’s upper crust-royalty, politicians, and artists flocked here to “take the waters” and rub elbows. Over the years, the fountain has become a proud symbol of Aachen’s spa tradition and its reputation as a cultural meeting point.

Although it suffered damage during World War II, the structure rose from the ashes and was carefully restored. Today, it remains a popular gathering place in the city center. Snap a photo against its stately colonnade, or peek inside to see those famous thermal waters.
11
Adalbertstrasse (Adalbert Street)

11) Adalbertstrasse (Adalbert Street)

Adalbert Street is a pedestrian-only shopping street with steady foot traffic throughout the day. It brings together international chain stores, smaller independent shops, cafés, and bakeries, making it a common place to walk, shop, or take a short break. Outdoor seating is frequent, and the atmosphere shifts from busy shopping hours to quieter evening strolls.

Along the street stands Adalbert Church, dedicated to Saint Adalbert. The church was consecrated in 1005 and is the city’s second-oldest church. The current Neo-Romanesque building dates from the 19th century and stands out with its tall façade and rounded arches. Inside, the space is quiet and simple, contrasting with the busy street outside.

At one end of the street is Aquis Plaza, a modern shopping center with four retail levels and a food court. Near the middle of the street stands the Kugel Fountain, a metal sculpture created in 1977 by Albert Sous. The fountain slowly opens and closes like a flower in a regular cycle, drawing attention as people pass by.

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles