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.