{"id":41231,"date":"2026-08-06T13:37:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T11:37:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/niet-gecategoriseerd\/green-aachen-city-trip\/"},"modified":"2026-08-13T15:17:05","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T13:17:05","slug":"green-aachen-city-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/germany\/eifel\/green-aachen-city-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Green Aachen: A City Trip Featuring a Forest, an Organic Garden, and Charlemagne"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aachen Off Track: A Green City Trip Featuring a Forest, an Organic Garden, and Charlemagne<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A city with an imperial history, surrounded by forests stretching all the way to the Belgian and Dutch borders. Aachen cannot be taken in at a single glance: its historic center, home to Charlemagne\u2019s cathedral, is within walking distance of hammocks in the forest, an organic garden in the heart of the city, and the tripoint.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I set out to see just how green this German college town really is, armed with the new free app<strong>\u201cAachen Off Track\u201d<\/strong>(in German), which guides you to lesser-known spots.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Aken off track: dit mis je als je alleen de Dom bezoekt\" width=\"563\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Il00650y_XU?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aachen Off Track: Discover the City Through Your Ears<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The free audio tour begins at Centre Charlemagne, a city museum on the Katschhof featuring a concise exhibition on Charlemagne\u2019s role in Aachen and Europe, supplemented by rotating exhibits. From here, the audio tour takes you <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aachen-tourismus.de\/en\/aachen-entdecken\/fuehrungen-rundgaenge\/aachen-off-track-audiotour-durch-aachen-entdecken\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aachen Off Trac<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aachen-tourismus.de\/en\/aachen-entdecken\/fuehrungen-rundgaenge\/aachen-off-track-audiotour-durch-aachen-entdecken\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>takes<\/strong><\/a> takes you past places that most visitors skip. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41184\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6018.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Puppenbrunnen sculpture - animated sculpture\" class=\"wp-image-41184\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6018.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6018-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41128\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5909-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - audio tour - Aachen Off Track\" class=\"wp-image-41128\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41141\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DSC_0018_1-1-1-e1785677933722-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Lousberg - Pillars\" class=\"wp-image-41141\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/centre-charlemagne.eu\/?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/centre-charlemagne.eu\/?lang=en\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Centre Charlemagne<\/a><\/strong> , the history of Aachen and Europe converges in a single figure: Charlemagne. For nearly twenty years, Aachen was the center of the Carolingian Empire. Charlemagne had the royal palace, the Pfalz, expanded into a powerful administrative center and commissioned the construction of St. Mary\u2019s Church, the core of today\u2019s cathedral.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With his coronation as emperor in Rome on Christmas Day of the year 800, he restored the Western Roman Empire as ruler of the Frankish Empire. Charlemagne is regarded today as the mythical forefather of Europe and the founder of two nations: France and Germany. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exhibition at the museum features the original bronze statue of Charlemagne\u2014the statue that most visitors know only as the replica on the fountain in the town square.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41126\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5889-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Centre Charlemagne - Statue of the Emperor\" class=\"wp-image-41126\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41127\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5884-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Centre Charlemagne - globe\" class=\"wp-image-41127\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"810\" data-id=\"41124\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DSC_0009-e1785676828291.jpg\" alt=\"Centre Charlemagne - Official Statue of Charlemagne\" class=\"wp-image-41124\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DSC_0009-e1785676828291-540x551.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DSC_0009-e1785676828291-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 540px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best way to explore Aachen is on foot: the city center is compact and a bit hilly in places. With the audio tour, you\u2019ll hear interesting facts about the sights along the way, and clear directions on where to go next. It\u2019s also a location-based service, so you can\u2019t get lost.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cLousberg Off Track\u201d route passes, among other places, over the Lousberg, a substantial hill with varied woodland, a statue of the devil and the market woman, and the \u201cHangmatten am Lousberg\u201d: a few hammocks offering a view of the city, ideal for a short break.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the top of the mountain, you\u2019ll find stately columns, also known as the Aachen Acropolis. These are the remains of the Belved\u00e8re, which was built here in the early 19th century through a citizens\u2019 initiative as a gathering place for spa and health resort guests. The columns are the only remaining reminder of the Belved\u00e8re, which was bombed during World War II. Next to it is now a Kneipp bath\u2014a refreshing water bath for the summer.     <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41136\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5914-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Lousberg - Market Woman and the Devil\" class=\"wp-image-41136\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41133\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5941-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Lousberg - small swimming pool\" class=\"wp-image-41133\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41132\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5931-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Lousberg Hammocks\" class=\"wp-image-41132\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Legend of the Devil and the Market Woman<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s an old Aachen legend associated with the statue on the Lousberg. The devil once wanted to bury the city in sand, out of revenge for losing his thumb when the townspeople had outwitted him at the cathedral door. On his way to Aachen, he ran into a market woman who tricked him with a ruse. Startled, the devil dropped his sack of sand, right in front of the Aachen valley. According to legend, that mound of sand is the Lousberg as we know it today.    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aachen, a Student City<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caf\u00e9 Kittel, located on Pontstra\u00dfe since 1977, is a regular stop on the Aachen Off Track tour. The caf\u00e9 is considered an institution in Aachen\u2019s student scene: generations of students, from the 1980s to the present, still return there. On the terrace is a mural by artist Klaus Paier, which now has protected status and symbolizes the alternative, creative character of the place. Caf\u00e9 Kittel is a caf\u00e9, bar, and pub all in one, with a large beer garden right in the heart of the city.   <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41131\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5905-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Cafe Kittel - Pontstrasse\" class=\"wp-image-41131\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41182\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6015.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Aachen City Hall\" class=\"wp-image-41182\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6015.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6015-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41210\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6021-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Elisenbrunnen - statue\" class=\"wp-image-41210\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6021-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6021-480x854.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 576px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the evening, Pontstra\u00dfe is the heart of Aachen&#8217;s student life, with outdoor cafes and a lively atmosphere. For dinner, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goldener-schwan.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.goldener-schwan.com\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Goldener Schwan<\/a><\/strong> on the market square is highly recommended, offering friendly service in a building right in the heart of the historic center. The Lebanese restaurant AKL is also a great choice for dinner.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For coffee or lunch on the go, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baristinho.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.baristinho.de\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Caf\u00e9 Baristinho<\/a><\/strong> in the city center is a great spot.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41143\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5951.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Cafe Baristinho - atmosphere, large table\" class=\"wp-image-41143\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5951.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5951-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41147\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5945.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Cafe Baristinho - Cafe Latte - Iced\" class=\"wp-image-41147\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5945.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5945-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41146\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5949.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Cafe Baristinho - barista\" class=\"wp-image-41146\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5949.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5949-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Frankenberger Viertel and the Hirschgr\u00fcn Organic Garden<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just outside the city center, toward the Frankenberger Viertel, Aachen becomes noticeably quieter and greener. The neighborhood is considered trendy and is a great place to wander around without a set route, with Frankenberger Park and a castle at its center. It\u2019s about a 20-minute walk from Elisenbrunnen (the tourist information office in the city center).  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41191\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6089-2-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Frankenberger Quarter - Architecture\" class=\"wp-image-41191\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6089-2-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6089-2-480x854.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 576px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41186\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6087.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Frankenberger District - Frankenberg Castle\" class=\"wp-image-41186\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6087.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6087-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41180\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6093.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Frankenberger Viertel - bike path\" class=\"wp-image-41180\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6093.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6093-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Along the way and nearby is the Hirschgr\u00fcn ecological garden, which covers about 1,400 square meters and is fully accessible to hikers. The garden was designed with biodiversity in mind and showcases just how diverse urban nature can be: from herb beds to habitats for insects and birds. You can find information about Hirschgr\u00fcn and the Frankenberg Viertel in the <strong>Frankenberg Off Track audio tour<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41167\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6052.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Hirschgr&#xFC;n Organic Garden - Wooden Artwork\" class=\"wp-image-41167\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6052.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6052-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41188\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6046.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Hirschgr&#xFC;n Organic Garden - Explanation\" class=\"wp-image-41188\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6046.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6046-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41173\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6047.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Hirschgr&#xFC;n Organic Garden - Flowers\" class=\"wp-image-41173\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6047.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6047-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Charlemagne Prize: A Prize for Europe<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the Grashaus on the Fischmarkt\u2014a building that over the centuries has served as a prison, a place of execution, the city archives, and is now an EU office\u2014everything revolves around the Charlemagne Prize these days. This international prize has been awarded annually in Aachen since 1949 to an individual who has dedicated themselves to the unification of Europe. The prize was established after the war by Kurt Pfeiffer and has grown to become one of Europe\u2019s most respected awards.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41162\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6061.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Grashaus - Exhibition\" class=\"wp-image-41162\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6061.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6061-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41169\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6062.jpg\" alt=\"Gold medal with a yellow ribbon\" class=\"wp-image-41169\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6062.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6062-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"41192\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6065-576x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Charlemagne Prize - Zelensky\" class=\"wp-image-41192\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6065-576x1024.jpg 576w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6065-480x854.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 576px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The list of laureates is impressive: Pope Francis, Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron, Zelensky, and Simone Veil\u2014the first female winner\u2014are among those who have ever received the prize. Ursula von der Leyen received it in 2025, and Mario Draghi in 2026. In the chapel of the Grashaus, there is an exhibition on the history of the prize, where visitors can submit their own nominations for the next edition. It\u2019s a small exhibition in the building\u2019s chapel, but still well worth a quick look because the Charlemagne Prize plays such an important role in Europe.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/grashaus-aachen.eu\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/grashaus-aachen.eu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grashaus<\/a> is open Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41178\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6040.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen Baker\" class=\"wp-image-41178\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6040.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6040-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41185\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6075.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - cathedral - dome\" class=\"wp-image-41185\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6075.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6075-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41190\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6041.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - florist\" class=\"wp-image-41190\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6041.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6041-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">To the tripoint via Vaals<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Elisenbrunnen in downtown Aachen, buses 25, 35, or 55 will take you to Vaals, just across the Dutch border, in about twenty minutes. From there, walk through the woods to the tripoint, where <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/category\/germany\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/category\/duitsland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Germany<\/a><\/strong>, Belgium, and the Netherlands meet. There are several routes to choose from; the hike I took was about 6 kilometers, mostly through beautiful woods.  <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41183\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5959.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Sign for the Three-Country Point Hiking Trail\" class=\"wp-image-41183\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5959.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5959-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41165\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5970.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - tri-border area - flagpoles\" class=\"wp-image-41165\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5970.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5970-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41163\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5975.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Three-Country Point - Highest Point in the Netherlands\" class=\"wp-image-41163\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5975.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_5975-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Aachen Forest: woods, trails, and a forest restaurant<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aachen borders a vast forested area, the Aachener Wald. The \u00d6cher B\u00f6sch trail starts at Eupener Stra\u00dfe 420, which can be reached by taking bus 14 toward Eupen Bushof and getting off at the Altes Zollamt stop. The route winds through dense forest, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Halfway through or after the walk is <a href=\"https:\/\/gut-entenpfuhl.de\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/gut-entenpfuhl.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Gut Entenpfuhl<\/strong><\/a> is a great place to stop: a Biedermeier-era country house that has served as a forest restaurant since 1898; Lisa and Nico have been running it since 2026. This historic location on the edge of the forest features a terrace and a cozy interior, with friendly service. <\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"960\" data-id=\"41189\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6098.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Aachen Forest - Hiking Trails\" class=\"wp-image-41189\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6098.jpg 540w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6098-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 540px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"567\" height=\"1008\" data-id=\"41158\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6104.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Gut Entenpfuhl - terrace\" class=\"wp-image-41158\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6104.jpg 567w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6104-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 567px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"567\" height=\"1008\" data-id=\"41160\" src=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6110.jpg\" alt=\"Aachen - Gut Entenpfuhl - coffee\" class=\"wp-image-41160\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6110.jpg 567w, https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG_6110-480x853.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 567px, 100vw\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and is closed on Thursdays. Aachen is known as the home of Germany\u2019s oldest coffee roastery, and a cup of coffee at Gut Entenpfuhl is a great way to round off a walk in the woods. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More to discover: The Frankenberg Tour and the Cyclops Stones<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aachen-tourismus.de\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aachen-tourismus.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aachen Tourist Service<\/a> offers a second tour as part of the Aachen Off Track program: the Frankenberg Tour, which includes a visit to Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. At the border near the tri-border area, you\u2019ll also find the <strong>Cyclops Stones<\/strong>, a unique spot to stop for a walk if you venture off the beaten path. <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#eeeee8\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Accessibility: Aachen <\/strong>is located right on the border with the Netherlands and Belgium and is easily accessible by car or train.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Getting around the city: on <\/strong>foot; the city center is compact and hilly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aachen Off Track app:<\/strong> available for free download in the App Store. Multiple routes available. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Three-Country Point: Take bus <\/strong>25, 35, or 55 from Elisenbrunnen to Vaals (about 20 minutes), then walk about 6 kilometers through the woods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>\u00d6cher B\u00f6sch Trail: Start <\/strong>at Eupener Stra\u00dfe 420; take bus 14 toward Eupen Bushof and get off at the Altes Zollamt stop.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Grashaus (Charlemagne Prize Exhibition): Thu\u2013Sat <\/strong>12:00 p.m.\u20135:00 p.m., Sun 11:00 a.m.\u20134:00 p.m., free admission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gut Entenpfuhl: Open <\/strong>11:30 a.m.\u20138:30 p.m., closed on Thursdays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Best time to visit: all year round <\/strong>; the hiking trails and the Aachen Forest are easy to explore even outside the high season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions About a Green City Trip to Aachen<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is Aachen a good choice for a city trip that includes nature?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. The center of Aachen borders directly on a forest, and places like Frankenberger Park, the Hirschgr\u00fcn ecological garden, and the Aachener Wald are within walking distance or a short bus ride from downtown. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the Aachen Off Track app?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aachen-tourismus.de\/en\/aachen-entdecken\/fuehrungen-rundgaenge\/aachen-off-track-audiotour-durch-aachen-entdecken\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.aachen-tourismus.de\/en\/aachen-entdecken\/fuehrungen-rundgaenge\/aachen-off-track-audiotour-durch-aachen-entdecken\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Aachen Off Track<\/strong><\/a> is an audio tour from Aachen Tourist Service that takes you on a walking tour through the city, passing by lesser-known spots such as the Lousberg and the hammocks with a view of Aachen.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How do I get to the tri-border area from Aachen?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Elisenbrunnen in the city center, buses 25, 35, or 55 take about twenty minutes to reach Vaals. From there, you walk through the woods to the point where Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands meet. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the Charlemagne Prize?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Charlemagne Prize is an international award that has been presented annually in Aachen since 1949 to individuals who have worked toward the unification of Europe. Past winners include Angela Merkel, Pope Francis, Zelensky, and Ursula von der Leyen. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is the Aachen Forest easy to explore on foot without a car?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, the forest is easily accessible by public transportation. The \u00d6cher B\u00f6sch trail starts at Eupener Stra\u00dfe 420, which can be reached by taking bus 14 from downtown. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Aachen Off Track: A Green City Trip Featuring a Forest, an Organic Garden, and Charlemagne A city with an imperial history, surrounded by forests stretching all the way to the Belgian and Dutch borders. Aachen cannot be taken in at a single glance: its historic center, home to Charlemagne\u2019s cathedral, is within walking distance of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":41235,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[319,213,197],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41231","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eifel","category-green-travel-tips","category-germany"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41231"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41231\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41235"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturetravellab.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}