14 Activities
A Day in Charlemagne’s Shoes (Or Rather, Sandals)
Starts from
Brussels
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
14
Duration
12 hours
Length
36 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Brussels
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
12 hours
Length
36 mi
Virna de Bonis Loureiro
Travel Expert
- Take a bath in the emperor's hot springs.
- Discover the line that united Germany from East to West after the fall of Berlin Wall.
- Explore the vibrant German city of Aachen.
Visit a German city that was the favourite one of this famous Roman emperor because of its healing waters. But before getting there, you will go to a Belgium city, where the French Revolution hit hard and where Roman remains are still coming to light to astonish everyone.
In one day you'll be able to see and visit places full of charm, history and be amazed by the wonders that are hidden in some places. Thermal waters will renew your body and your energy. Temples and buildings will leave you breathless. You'll see treasures that you can't even imagine, visit halls and places where history will involve you and transport you to another time. You will enjoy beautiful promenades and unique fountains.
You will taste the best delicacies of German cuisine and feel like a king at the end of a day full of fabulous experiences.
Don't forget to pack your swimming costume, towels and flip-flops! You will need them.
I also recommend you to read all the proposals in advance to make your reservations beforehand and travel with peace of mind.
Have no doubt that it will be an unforgettable day.
Shall we?
In one day you'll be able to see and visit places full of charm, history and be amazed by the wonders that are hidden in some places. Thermal waters will renew your body and your energy. Temples and buildings will leave you breathless. You'll see treasures that you can't even imagine, visit halls and places where history will involve you and transport you to another time. You will enjoy beautiful promenades and unique fountains.
You will taste the best delicacies of German cuisine and feel like a king at the end of a day full of fabulous experiences.
Don't forget to pack your swimming costume, towels and flip-flops! You will need them.
I also recommend you to read all the proposals in advance to make your reservations beforehand and travel with peace of mind.
Have no doubt that it will be an unforgettable day.
Shall we?
Categories
Visit a German city that was the favourite one of this famous Roman emperor because of its healing waters. But before getting there, you will go to a Belgium city, where the French Revolution hit hard and where Roman remains are still coming to light to astonish everyone.
In one day you'll be able to see and visit places full of charm, history and be amazed by the wonders that are hidden in some places. Thermal waters will renew your body and your energy. Temples and buildings will leave you breathless. You'll see treasures that you can't even imagine, visit halls and places where history will involve you and transport you to another time. You will enjoy beautiful promenades and unique fountains.
You will taste the best delicacies of German cuisine and feel like a king at the end of a day full of fabulous experiences.
Don't forget to pack your swimming costume, towels and flip-flops! You will need them.
I also recommend you to read all the proposals in advance to make your reservations beforehand and travel with peace of mind.
Have no doubt that it will be an unforgettable day.
Shall we?
In one day you'll be able to see and visit places full of charm, history and be amazed by the wonders that are hidden in some places. Thermal waters will renew your body and your energy. Temples and buildings will leave you breathless. You'll see treasures that you can't even imagine, visit halls and places where history will involve you and transport you to another time. You will enjoy beautiful promenades and unique fountains.
You will taste the best delicacies of German cuisine and feel like a king at the end of a day full of fabulous experiences.
Don't forget to pack your swimming costume, towels and flip-flops! You will need them.
I also recommend you to read all the proposals in advance to make your reservations beforehand and travel with peace of mind.
Have no doubt that it will be an unforgettable day.
Shall we?
Virna de Bonis Loureiro
Travel Expert
- Take a bath in the emperor's hot springs.
- Discover the line that united Germany from East to West after the fall of Berlin Wall.
- Explore the vibrant German city of Aachen.
Day Itinerary
14 Activities
Day 1
36 mi2 mi
The Emperor’s Favourite City
This will be a memorable day, full of unique and magnificent sights.
You'll visit a city where the Romans left traces that continue to be discovered and surprise even today. A place where the French Revolution wreaked havoc.
Then you'll cross the border to Germany to discover the great city chosen by Emperors to reside and rule. A city that will amaze you with its buildings, its monuments and the history behind them. There you`ll meet the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe where a throne made from pieces of the Holy Sepulchre rests.
You will see treasures that defy the imagination, magnificent fountains and sculptures with a hidden legend. You will feel part of the nobility walking through the halls where nobles sat for centuries to toast their new kings and queens. You'll bathe in the healing waters that rise from the depths and have captivated Romans, emperors and kings since ancient times.
Then you'll cross the border to Germany to discover the great city chosen by Emperors to reside and rule. A city that will amaze you with its buildings, its monuments and the history behind them. There you`ll meet the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe where a throne made from pieces of the Holy Sepulchre rests.
You will see treasures that defy the imagination, magnificent fountains and sculptures with a hidden legend. You will feel part of the nobility walking through the halls where nobles sat for centuries to toast their new kings and queens. You'll bathe in the healing waters that rise from the depths and have captivated Romans, emperors and kings since ancient times.
10:305 min
The Palace of the Prince Bishops
Palace
Open Details
Welcome to Liège!
I'll suggest to start this route in a place that caught my attention in this city: Saint Lambert square.
Right above the car park is this square that has iron columns as a sign where one of the most imposing Gothic cathedrals in Europe once stood, which was completely dismantled after the French revolution because it was considered a symbol of the prince-bishop's power.
I'll suggest to start this route in a place that caught my attention in this city: Saint Lambert square.
Right above the car park is this square that has iron columns as a sign where one of the most imposing Gothic cathedrals in Europe once stood, which was completely dismantled after the French revolution because it was considered a symbol of the prince-bishop's power.
0.2 mi
5 min
10:4045 min
Archéoforum
Sights
Open Details
Underneath the Saint Lambert square is this very interesting exhibition.
Here you'll get to know the Roman traces that have remained in this city. It's amazing all the things that have been found here and are still coming to light.
Here you'll get to know the Roman traces that have remained in this city. It's amazing all the things that have been found here and are still coming to light.
0.5 mi
10 min
12:0030 min
St. Paul's Cathedral in Liege
Church
Open Details
I'll recommend you to make a brief stop here to appreciate the marvel that is today the current cathedral of Liège.
When the old cathedral was destroyed, this collegiate church became St. Paul's Cathedral. Some of the treasures salvaged from the old cathedral were brought here.
When I first saw it, it seemed a very beautiful cathedral, and being here, I made an effort to imagine the dimensions and magnitude that its predecessor might have had, if it is true that this one is a more modest construction.
After visiting this magnificent Cathedral, return to pick the car and continue on the route!! A great city awaits you..
When the old cathedral was destroyed, this collegiate church became St. Paul's Cathedral. Some of the treasures salvaged from the old cathedral were brought here.
When I first saw it, it seemed a very beautiful cathedral, and being here, I made an effort to imagine the dimensions and magnitude that its predecessor might have had, if it is true that this one is a more modest construction.
After visiting this magnificent Cathedral, return to pick the car and continue on the route!! A great city awaits you..
33.6 mi
1 hr
13:305 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Welcome to the beautiful Aachen!
Aachen has several car parks around the old town, but this one, in my opinion, is the best one.
Aachen has several car parks around the old town, but this one, in my opinion, is the best one.
0.2 mi
5 min
13:451 hr
Hanswurst
German Restaurant
Open Details
First things first!! Before getting to know the great places this city has to show you, it's time to have lunch. A very nice one!
When my husband suggested eating here I rolled my eyes and thought...sausage again.... (we had been travelling through Germany for almost 2 months).
In the end I gave in and agreed.
And it turned out that I was wrong, it wasn't "sausage again" it's The Queen of Sausages.... Just fantastic! It's like a fast food but with a variety of delicious sausages and various delicious dishes like few times I've eaten in Germany. With their beer on tap, which was also very tasty, by the way!
Of course there are other options but this place, if you are only in Germany for a day, concentrates all the flavour of German cuisine you could ask for.
When my husband suggested eating here I rolled my eyes and thought...sausage again.... (we had been travelling through Germany for almost 2 months).
In the end I gave in and agreed.
And it turned out that I was wrong, it wasn't "sausage again" it's The Queen of Sausages.... Just fantastic! It's like a fast food but with a variety of delicious sausages and various delicious dishes like few times I've eaten in Germany. With their beer on tap, which was also very tasty, by the way!
Of course there are other options but this place, if you are only in Germany for a day, concentrates all the flavour of German cuisine you could ask for.
0.1 mi
5 min
14:5045 min
Aachen Cathedral
Church
Open Details
Impressive cathedral commissioned by the great Charlemagne some 1200 years ago, where he wanted to materialise the Heavenly Jerusalem, as a rapprochement between the earthly and the divine.
And I feel that he succeeded... at least with me... It overwhelmed my soul to see such a marvel, it is unbelievable.
It is considered the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe, here is the tomb of the great Charlemagne and his coronation throne made of marble taken from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in the year 800.
A jewel in every sense of the word that never ceases to amaze anyone!
It is considered the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe, here is the tomb of the great Charlemagne and his coronation throne made of marble taken from the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in the year 800.
A jewel in every sense of the word that never ceases to amaze anyone!
0.1 mi
5 min
15:4015 min
Die Route Charlemagne
Sights
Open Details
Here runs a route linking the easternmost German city of Görlitz to the westernmost German city of Aachen. This path was created in 1990, after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The truth is that, apart from this curious fact, this square, with the Rathaus at one end and the Palatine Cathedral at the other, is one of the most beautiful and emblematic corners of this city. If you have the chance to see it at night, with the buildings lit up, you will see that it is a spectacle worth admiring.
The truth is that, apart from this curious fact, this square, with the Rathaus at one end and the Palatine Cathedral at the other, is one of the most beautiful and emblematic corners of this city. If you have the chance to see it at night, with the buildings lit up, you will see that it is a spectacle worth admiring.
0.2 mi
5 min
16:0030 min
Aachen Town Hall
Sights
Open Details
Charlemagne originally built his huge palace on this sit in the year 800 and ruled from here for several years. Later, in the 13th century, this baroque palace was built (re-constructed and re-built on several occasions along the years), on which the town halls in other countries were based.
For me it is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen in a German city, it is magnificent and impressive. I really enjoyed visiting the different rooms inside, including the coronation hall, where the banquets were held after the coronations. Very beautiful!
For me it is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen in a German city, it is magnificent and impressive. I really enjoyed visiting the different rooms inside, including the coronation hall, where the banquets were held after the coronations. Very beautiful!
0.1 mi
5 min
16:3510 min
Statue of Charlemagne
Sights
Open Details
Imagine standing in the heart of Aachen, surrounded by centuries of history and culture. Before you stands a majestic statue, a tribute to none other than Charlemagne himself, the great ruler of yesteryears. This remarkable public sculpture is a symbol of Aachen's deep-rooted connection to its past.
In 1620, the first rendition of this awe-inspiring statue graced the Marktplatz, right in front of the iconic Aachen Town Hall. It was an integral part of the grand Karlsbrunnen fountain, a masterpiece of its time. Today, a meticulous 1969 replica adorns the Karlsbrunnen, captivating visitors with its regal presence.
Yet, the true gem lies nearby, at the Centre Charlemagne museum since 2014. Here, you can behold the original statue, preserved for all to appreciate. It's no wonder that this image of Charlemagne, the monarch who chose Aachen as his capital, has become an iconic symbol and a must-see for tourists exploring this historic city.
In 1620, the first rendition of this awe-inspiring statue graced the Marktplatz, right in front of the iconic Aachen Town Hall. It was an integral part of the grand Karlsbrunnen fountain, a masterpiece of its time. Today, a meticulous 1969 replica adorns the Karlsbrunnen, captivating visitors with its regal presence.
Yet, the true gem lies nearby, at the Centre Charlemagne museum since 2014. Here, you can behold the original statue, preserved for all to appreciate. It's no wonder that this image of Charlemagne, the monarch who chose Aachen as his capital, has become an iconic symbol and a must-see for tourists exploring this historic city.
0.1 mi
5 min
16:5045 min
Cafe Extrablatt Aachen
Café
Open Details
If you feel like sitting down for a good coffee and maybe indulging in a sweet treat, this is the place I recommend. I loved the coffee here and, although I only tried one chocolate dessert (which was really tasty), everything they had on offer looked delicious!
0.3 mi
10 min
17:5010 min
Elisenbrunnen
Sights
Open Details
Step into the heart of Aachen and behold the Elisenbrunnen fountain, a symbol of this spa city!
The Elisenbrunnen, boasting an open foyer and two pavilions, is famous for its unique thermal waters, which come with a distinctive, albeit not-so-pleasant, scent. Don't be put off, though; this warm, sulphurous water flows from two drinking fountains at a toasty 52°C, and rumor has it, it packs some healing magic. Ready for a sip?
But there's more! Right by the entrance to the Tourist Information office, you'll find a nifty model of the Elisenbrunnen fountain. So, whether you're a seeker of healing waters or just curious about Aachen's spa heritage, the Elisenbrunnen invites you to take a closer look and maybe a sip!
The Elisenbrunnen, boasting an open foyer and two pavilions, is famous for its unique thermal waters, which come with a distinctive, albeit not-so-pleasant, scent. Don't be put off, though; this warm, sulphurous water flows from two drinking fountains at a toasty 52°C, and rumor has it, it packs some healing magic. Ready for a sip?
But there's more! Right by the entrance to the Tourist Information office, you'll find a nifty model of the Elisenbrunnen fountain. So, whether you're a seeker of healing waters or just curious about Aachen's spa heritage, the Elisenbrunnen invites you to take a closer look and maybe a sip!
0.3 mi
10 min
18:105 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Time to return to the car to go and relax in the hot springs of Aachen... Ahhh.....!
2 mi
15 min
18:302 hrs
Carolus Thermen
Spa
Open Details
Welcome to Paradise!!
After enjoying these hot springs, I understood Charlemagne better... hahaha!
No, seriously speaking, these waters worked wonders for me, with my husband we spent 2 hours and they were more than enough for me to leave renewed!!!
I recommend you to bring, in addition to your swimming costume, towels, flip flops and whatever you need to clean yourself afterwards. If you haven't brought them you can rent them here, but they are not included in the ticket price. Hair dryers are available for free use.
Depending on how long you want to stay and what you want to do, there are different packages or offers, which vary throughout the year.
No, seriously speaking, these waters worked wonders for me, with my husband we spent 2 hours and they were more than enough for me to leave renewed!!!
I recommend you to bring, in addition to your swimming costume, towels, flip flops and whatever you need to clean yourself afterwards. If you haven't brought them you can rent them here, but they are not included in the ticket price. Hair dryers are available for free use.
Depending on how long you want to stay and what you want to do, there are different packages or offers, which vary throughout the year.
0 mi
20:301 hr 30 min
KOCHKULTUR
Restaurant
Open Details
In the same complex where the hot springs are located, there is this restaurant with real delicacies and a first class ambience.
As it was getting dark we took the opportunity to dine here and it was a great choice.
They have a very varied menu and the service was excellent. If you come out of the hot springs relaxed and serene, I think it is the best option to end the day pleasantly.
As it was getting dark we took the opportunity to dine here and it was a great choice.
They have a very varied menu and the service was excellent. If you come out of the hot springs relaxed and serene, I think it is the best option to end the day pleasantly.