Aachen is the best single-city day trip from Cologne, and it lies close to the Dutch and Belgian borders. It was the favoured residence of Charlemagne, who was buried here in 814, and its cathedral, whose octagonal Palatine Chapel dates from his time, was the first German monument to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Inside, the golden shrine of Charlemagne and the marble throne where German kings were crowned for centuries make it one of the great historic interiors of northern Europe. Around the cathedral, the old town offers a compact walk through the Rathaus, the market square, fountains and cafés, and the city is also known for Printen, its spiced gingerbread, and for its thermal springs, which the Romans enjoyed. A guided walking tour makes the most of a limited day by tying these threads together, and the tour linked here covers the top sights and hidden corners of the city. Aachen suits history lovers, couples and anyone who wants a calm, walkable contrast to the bigger city of Cologne.
How to get there
Regional trains run from Cologne Hauptbahnhof to Aachen, and the journey takes around an hour. The walk from the station to the cathedral is a short stroll through the old town. A guided walking tour starts in Aachen, so allow for the journey and arrive in good time for the meeting point, which is shown when you book.
What to expect
A walking tour through the old town, with stops at the cathedral square, the Rathaus, historic streets and fountains and stories from the Roman and medieval city. Visiting the interior of the cathedral may depend on services and opening hours, so check in advance and dress respectfully. Allow time for a stop at a bakery for Printen, and plan to be back at the station before the evening.
Making the most of it
Leave Cologne in the morning, take the guided tour first and spend the afternoon on your own in the old town, with a visit to the cathedral treasury if you want a deeper look at the medieval collection. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbles, and bring a raincoat, as the weather in the region can change quickly. If you have extra time, you can add a visit to the thermal baths, which offer a relaxing way to end the day before the train home.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walking tour of Aachen’s old town and cathedral area, reached by regional train from Cologne.
Best time
Mornings, so you have time for the tour and the cathedral; Aachen is also pleasant in the Advent season.
How long
A full day including an hour each way by train.
Tips
Check cathedral visiting hours, wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles and try Printen gingerbread.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers who want a second historic city within easy reach of Cologne.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the stories of Charlemagne and the fountains in the old town.
- Couples
- A relaxed, walkable day with a café stop and a visit to the cathedral.
- Pair with
- A Cologne evening with the Kölsch brewery tour, or the Romano-Germanic Museum for the Roman story.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How do I get from Cologne to Aachen?+
Regional trains run from Cologne Hauptbahnhof to Aachen, and the journey takes about an hour.
Why is Aachen Cathedral famous?+
It was Charlemagne’s church, and its Palatine Chapel is the first German monument to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. It holds the shrine of Charlemagne and the throne where German kings were crowned.
What is Printen?+
Printen is Aachen’s spiced gingerbread, sold at bakeries throughout the old town. It makes a good souvenir or snack between sights.
Is a day enough for Aachen?+
Yes, the old town is compact, and a guided tour, a cathedral visit and a bakery stop fit comfortably into one day.
Does the tour include the cathedral interior?+
Cathedral access depends on services and opening hours, so check the booking page and the cathedral’s own hours before you go.
