Sightseeing Tour in Aachen

A Personalized 2-Hour Tour of Aachen’s Historic and Cultural Highlights

This private sightseeing tour in Aachen offers a focused, engaging exploration of the city’s most notable sites within approximately 2 hours. Priced at $186.10 per group (up to 15 people), it provides a flexible, personalized experience led by guides speaking Dutch, German, or English. The tour departs from the Elisenbrunnen and is ideal for individuals or small groups seeking an intimate look at Aachen’s rich history, architecture, and local traditions.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its combination of historic monuments, local specialties, and intriguing stories, all within a compact time frame. With the option to start at 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM, the tour accommodates different schedules. One of its strengths is the customizable nature, including the possibility of similar tours in nearby Belgian and Dutch cities like Liege, Heerlen, or Maastricht, just upon request.

While the tour primarily focuses on Charlemagne’s legacy, it also delves into Aachen’s industrial past and the significance of RWTH University, providing a well-rounded snapshot of the city’s evolution. A highlight is the inclusion of Aachener Printen tasting, offering a taste of local tradition. For those interested in history, architecture, and regional culture, this private tour stands out for its personalized approach and depth of storytelling.

Key Points

• Private, customizable 2-hour sightseeing experience for groups up to 15
• Includes visits to the Aachen Cathedral, Rathaus, and Elisenbrunnen
• Guided in Dutch, German, or English
• Price of $186.10 per group, with bookings made on average 318 days in advance
• Taste Aachener Printen, the regional specialty, included in the tour
• Starts at Elisenbrunnen, with flexible start times

Meeting Point at Elisenbrunnen: The Historic Gateway to Aachen

The tour begins at the Elisenbrunnen, a neoclassical pavilion built in 1827. This site is famous for its two sulphurous drinking fountains, and the admission ticket is included. It serves as a central and accessible meeting point, providing a picturesque introduction to Aachen’s thermal bath tradition. The Elisenbrunnen stands as a symbol of Aachen’s identity as the ‘Bad der Koningen’, or thermal baths where royalty once relaxed.

From this starting point, the guide introduces the city’s thermal bathing history, setting a tone of wellness and historical significance. The 10-minute visit here allows guests to appreciate the architecture and the story behind Aachen’s reputation for healing waters.

Discovering the Elisabethhalle: A Gem of Art Nouveau Architecture

Next, the tour visits the Hallenbad Elisabethhalle, an indoor swimming pool designed in Art Nouveau style. Built between 1908 and 1911 for 900,000 marks, it remains one of the few surviving swimming pools from the era still in use today. Located near the Aachen Cathedral, this site provides insight into early 20th-century leisure architecture.

While the admission to the Elisabethhalle is not included, the exterior and its history make for an interesting visual and cultural stop. The guide explains its significance and architectural features, highlighting how such facilities reflect Aachen’s urban development during the Art Nouveau period.

The Mythical Bahkauv: Aachen’s Legendary Creature

The tour features the Bahkauv, a mythical creature from Aachen’s folklore. This scaly, calf-like figure with sharp teeth is said to inhabit the drainage channel of the Am Büchel thermal spring. The 10-minute stop offers a glimpse into local legends and adds a fun, mythical dimension to the tour.

This free stop is perfect for those interested in Aachen’s folklore and offers an opportunity for photos and storytelling about the creature that has fascinated locals for generations.

The Printenmadchen Sculpture: Celebrating Aachen’s Regional Sweets

A visit to Büchel-Körbergasse features the Printen-Girl bronze sculpture, created by Hubert Löneke in 1989 as a donation from Leo van den Daele. This 10-minute stop celebrates Aachen’s famous Printen, a traditional gingerbread-like regional specialty.

The sculpture serves as a symbol of Aachen’s confectionery tradition and provides a cultural photo opportunity. The guide shares stories about the Printen’s history and its importance to the city’s identity.

Exploring the Aachen Cathedral: The Oldest Cathedral in Northern Europe

A major highlight is the Aachen Cathedral, which dates back to 796. It features Charlemagne’s palatial chapel as its core and has been expanded through the Gothic period. Recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the cathedral showcases a blend of early Christian and Gothic architecture.

The 20-minute visit includes entry tickets and allows visitors to appreciate the imposing structure, intricate mosaics, and historic relics. The guide emphasizes Charlemagne’s influence and explains the cathedral’s role as a royal and religious center for centuries.

Aachen Town Hall: A Historic Seat of Power

Directly opposite the cathedral stands the Aachen Town Hall, a building with origins in the 14th century. One of its towers dates back to Charlemagne’s time, and the building hosted coronations of Roman-German kings in the Coronation Hall.

During a 20-minute visit, the guide explores the architectural evolution of the town hall and shares stories about its role in Aachen’s political and ceremonial history. It’s a key site illustrating the city’s importance as a royal capital in medieval times.

Pontstraße: A Medieval Royal Road

The tour continues along Pontstraße, a historic street connecting Ponttor to the market square in front of the Aachen Town Hall. Known as part of the royal road used by medieval kings, the street has been called “platea que punt appelatur” as early as 1232.

The 15-minute walk reveals well-preserved medieval street scenes and offers insight into Aachen’s medieval royal traditions. Walking along Pontstraße emphasizes the city’s long-standing importance as a crowned kings’ route.

Local Food and Cultural Insights

Throughout the tour, guests are offered a taste of Aachener Printen, a regional specialty. The included sample provides a delicious connection to local culinary traditions, complementing the tour’s historical narrative. The guide shares stories about how Printen became a symbol of Aachen’s confectionery craft.

This focus on regional food enhances the cultural experience, giving visitors a tangible taste of Aachen’s heritage.

Flexibility and Additional Options

While the standard tour starts at 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM, the schedule remains flexible, allowing adjustments based on guest preferences. Plus, similar tours can be arranged in Liege, Heerlen, or Maastricht, broadening the exploration of the region’s historical sites.

The tour’s private nature ensures personalized attention, making it suitable for small groups, families, or individuals seeking an in-depth, tailored sightseeing experience.

Practical Details: Booking, Accessibility, and Cancellation

Reservations are typically made 318 days in advance, reflecting strong interest and demand. The tour includes a mobile ticket and is organized by Maastricht Promotion. It is accessible for most travelers, and service animals are allowed.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility in case plans change. The activity operates year-round during daylight hours, with start times of 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, or 7:00 PM, ensuring flexibility for different schedules.

Final Thoughts on the Aachen Private Tour

This 2-hour private tour of Aachen offers a well-balanced overview of the city’s historic sites, local traditions, and mythology. Its personalized approach, guided by knowledgeable storytellers, is especially suitable for visitors wanting an intimate experience with deep contextual insights.

While it covers key highlights like the Aachen Cathedral and Town Hall, it also includes unique stops such as the Printen sculpture and mythical Bahkauv, adding variety to the experience. The inclusion of regional Printen tasting enriches the cultural flavor.

This tour is an excellent choice for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, or foodies seeking a focused, flexible exploration of Aachen’s most significant sites without the rush of larger group tours. The price and duration make it a convenient and meaningful introduction to the city, especially for those interested in Charlemagne’s legacy and Aachen’s medieval past.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2 hours, offering an in-depth but manageable sightseeing experience.

What is included in the price?
The sightseeing walking tour and 1 Aachener Printen tasting are included. Entry tickets for the Krönungssaal in the Rathaus are not included.

Can I choose the start time?
Yes, the tour can start at 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM, with flexibility based on your preference.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility-impaired visitors?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is suitable for those with normal mobility. Service animals are allowed.

Can I book a similar tour in nearby cities?
Yes, similar private tours are available in Liege, Heerlen, or Maastricht upon request.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is this a group or private tour?
This is a private tour, exclusively for your booked group, providing a personalized experience.

How many people can join?
Groups are limited to up to 15 persons, ensuring intimate engagement and personalized attention.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Elisenbrunnen in Aachen, with no additional transport needed.

Are there options for additional stops or customization?
Yes, the tour is flexible and can be tailored, including arrangements for similar experiences in other nearby cities.