Car Hire Aachen - Mini guide to Aachen
The ancient imperial city of Aachen, at the frontier where Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands meet, is inseparably connected with the famous Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne.
Topping the list of sights not to be missed is the Imperial Cathedral. Within its walls stands Charlemagne's marble throne, one of the most venerable monuments in Germany. Holy Roman emperors were crowned here from 936 to 1531. The wealth and importance of the church can be seen in the treasury and Henry II’s pulpit, which is studded with precious gems.
Away from the cathedral, a walking tour of the old town and its central marketplace reveals many ancient structures, including the 14th century Rathaus. This palace is adorned with the statues of 50 German rulers and contains the Imperial Hall, where coronation banquets took place from 1349 to 1531. Also in this area is the Couven Museum, which recreates 18th century life and has a chocolate factory on its ground floor.
There are at least half a dozen lively and atmospheric bars around the old marketplace, many of them offering live music. Food is influenced by all the surrounding countries and the beer is plentiful and of top quality. Classical music lovers can catch concerts in the town's convention centre, while Theatre Aachen houses many plays.
Nearby Cologne is a treasure trove of history, from the towering Gothic cathedral to the restored buildings of the Aldstadt. It is also a bustling modern city with a thriving nightlife and restaurant scene where you can view the old Roman towers before refreshing yourself with wine from the Rhine.
By car, access is via the A4 autobahn east or west, or the A44 north or south. Driving time from Cologne is roughly one hour. The Hauptbahnhof at Aachen receives some 200 trains a day from all parts of Germany and from Paris, with easy connections to nearby Cologne (45 minutes). Once you arrive in Aachen, a regional bus service is provided by BVR Busverkehr Rheinland GmbH.
