Self guided audio tour in Aachen

Besides our audio guides, there are many other ways to discover Aachen. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit:

• Aachen Cathedral Treasury - Housing one of Europe's most important church treasuries, this collection includes priceless religious artifacts and Charlemagne's relics. The treasury complements perfectly what you'll learn on self-guided tours Aachen offers.

• Carolus Thermen Spa - Experience Aachen's thermal tradition firsthand at this modern spa complex. Relax in various thermal pools and saunas, continuing the bathing culture that dates back to Roman times.

• Aachen Town Hall (Rathaus) - Explore this Gothic masterpiece built on the foundations of Charlemagne's palace. The coronation hall upstairs features impressive frescoes depicting scenes from Aachen's imperial history.

• Couven Museum - Step into 18th-century bourgeois life in this beautifully preserved townhouse museum, one of the must-see places in Aachen for those interested in historical interiors and daily life.

• Elisenbrunnen - Sample the famous thermal water at this neoclassical pump room. While the sulfurous taste might be surprising, drinking from these springs is a quintessential Aachen experience.

• Aachen Chocolate Factory Tour - Discover the sweet side of the city with a guided tour of a local chocolate manufacturer. Learn about production processes and enjoy delicious samples.

• Three-Country Point - Visit the unique spot where Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands meet. Just a short trip from the city center, it's one of the hidden gems in Aachen that offers a fun photo opportunity and beautiful forest walks.

• Aachen Christmas Market - If visiting in December, don't miss one of Germany's most charming Christmas markets set around the cathedral and town hall. The festive atmosphere and regional specialties make this a seasonal highlight.

• Guided E-Bike Tour - Explore Aachen and its beautiful surroundings on an e-bike tour that takes you through the city and into the rolling countryside. Perfect for seeing more in less time.

Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures for exploring Aachen on foot. Summer can be busy with tourists, especially during the CHIO equestrian festival in July. Winter visitors will enjoy the enchanting Christmas Market (late November to December 23rd), considered one of Germany's best.

Accessibility
Aachen is easily reached by train, with direct connections from Cologne (1 hour) and Brussels (1.5 hours). The historic center is compact and best explored on foot. Public buses connect major attractions outside the center. If arriving by car, use one of the park-and-ride facilities as parking in the center is limited and expensive.

Opening hours and holidays
Most shops in Aachen open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00, with major stores staying open until 20:00. Museums are typically closed on Mondays. Note that Germany observes numerous public holidays, including regional holidays specific to North Rhine-Westphalia such as Corpus Christi and All Saints' Day.

Comfortable on the go
Wear comfortable shoes as Aachen's historic center features cobblestone streets. The city's proximity to the Eifel mountains means weather can change quickly, so a light raincoat is advisable even in summer. Don't forget to bring a water bottle that you can refill at one of the thermal water fountains.

Local customs and etiquette
Germans appreciate punctuality and directness. When entering smaller shops, it's customary to greet with "Guten Tag." Tipping in restaurants is typically 5-10% by rounding up the bill. In cafés, try the local specialty "Reisfladen" (rice pudding cake) with your coffee.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Aachen?
Plan a full day for our Aachen city tour. The complete audio tour takes about 3-4 hours of actual walking time, but you'll want extra time to visit the Cathedral interior, enjoy the thermal fountains, or sample local specialties like Printen gingerbread. Aachen's compact historic center makes it possible to see most highlights in one day.

What makes Aachen different from other cities in Germany?
Aachen's unique position at the border triangle of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands gives it a distinctly international character. Unlike other German cities, Aachen combines Roman thermal bath heritage, Carolingian imperial history, and Gothic architecture in one compact center. With over 50,000 students, it balances historical significance with youthful energy not found in other historic German towns.

Why choose an audio tour instead of a guided tour in Aachen?
An audio tour gives you the freedom to explore Aachen at your own rhythm. You can spend extra time admiring the Cathedral's stunning mosaics or take a longer break at the Elisenbrunnen thermal fountain without feeling rushed. With our audio guide, you'll still get expert commentary but can customize your experience to match your interests and energy level.

Do I need internet while walking?
No, once downloaded, our Aachen tour works completely offline. All maps, audio files, and navigation function without an internet connection, making it ideal for international visitors concerned about roaming charges. Just download the tour via WiFi at your hotel before heading out.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children will enjoy discovering Aachen's fascinating history. The stories of Charlemagne, medieval coronations, and thermal springs appeal to young imaginations. The compact city center with numerous fountains, ice cream shops, and open spaces makes it family-friendly. For younger children, consider breaking the tour into smaller sections.

Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Absolutely! We offer attractive group discounts for families and groups visiting Aachen together. Everyone can listen simultaneously on their own devices, making it easy to share the experience while maintaining individual freedom to explore.

What are other nice things to do in Aachen?
Beyond our audio tour, you can relax in the Carolus Thermen spa, visit the Three-Country Point where Germany meets Belgium and the Netherlands, explore the Centre Charlemagne museum, or take a day trip to nearby Monschau in the Eifel mountains. Check our "What to Do in Aachen" section for more inspiration.

Is there a free tour in Aachen?
There is no free tour of comparable quality available in Aachen. While some basic free walking tours operate during summer months, they lack the depth, historical accuracy, and flexibility of our audio tour. For a modest fee, you get comprehensive coverage of Aachen's 2,000 years of history with professional narration.

Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of historians, local experts, and storytellers passionate about bringing Aachen's rich history to life. Our content creators include specialists in Carolingian history and local guides who know every corner of the city. We create authentic experiences based on historical research and local knowledge, ensuring you discover the real Aachen beyond tourist clichés.

"De tour door de stad van Karel de Grote was fascinerend! Ik vond het geweldig hoe ze de link legden tussen de thermale bronnen en de ontwikkeling van de stad. Het gedeelte over de kathedraal was bijzonder leerzaam." — Maria, Nederland

"Perfect way to explore Aachen at our own pace. We paused the tour to enjoy Printen with coffee, then continued without missing anything. The stories about the coronation traditions were highlights!" — Thomas, USA

"Als iemand die vlakbij de grens woont, ben ik vaak in Aken geweest maar kende ik deze verhalen niet. De audiotour liet me een heel nieuwe kant van de stad zien." — Lena, België