🕍 Aachen: A City of History, Hot Springs & Charm

#centraleurope Aachen, near the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, is a city full of history and culture. The highlight is without doubt the Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the resting place of Charlemagne. Walking inside, I was amazed by the octagonal Palatine Chapel with its golden mosaics — it feels like stepping into medieval Europe. The city is also famous for its thermal springs. I visited the Carolus Thermen spa, where you can soak in warm mineral waters — a perfect way to relax after sightseeing. Don’t miss the old town with its narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses, and cozy cafés. Try the local specialty, Aachener Printen (a spiced gingerbread), especially if you’re there around Christmas. Tips: The city is compact and easy to explore on foot. A day trip from Cologne, Düsseldorf, or Maastricht is very doable. If you have more time, combine Aachen with a visit to nearby Monschau, a picture-perfect German village. 📍 Location: Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany 🕒 Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for walking tours, December for Christmas markets #aachen #aachencathedral #germanytravel #charlemagnecity #unescoworldheritage #thermalspas #hiddengermany #europeanhistory#travel #historicallandmarks