Aachen - city of Charlemagne and city of Europe
The German city of Aachen lives and breathes Europe. It feels like a miniature of Europe. Aachen, at the border with Belgium and the Netherlands, has engulfed the spirit, values and ideals of Europe since the days of Charlemagne. He died and was buried in Aachen 1.200 years ago (exactly). Nowadays the
Youth Hostel in Aachen is a meeting point for young people from all over Europe.
Aachen Cathedral is both a local landmark and a monument to Europe's illustrious past. The Cathedral began as the imperial palaces chapel in 800 AD (the year of Charlemagne's coronation). Upon completion the building became the first cathedral in northern Europe. It served for many centuries as the church of coronation for nearly every German king.
The term 'completion' is open to interpretation. However, since the cathedral has been extended numerous times, including than addition of the great chancel in 1414 – a Gothic masterpiece whose windows reach an impressive 27 metres in height, making them the tallest ever at that time. The cathedral's treasury is the most important north of the Alps. It features precious artefacts such as the Cross of Lothair, a silver and gold bust of Charlemagne and the shrine in which Charlemagne was supposedly interred in 814 AD.
Cosmopolitan flair
Aachen is also renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, best experienced on a stroll through the historical streets. There is a charming contrast between the grand old buildings scattered along the Charlemagne route and the lively buzz supplied by 45,000 students from all corners of the globe. This gives the city a vibrant yet laid-back character everyone seems to be enjoying wherever you look around. Evidence of Aachen's cosmopolitan flair and another reason to wander around is the city center, a mirror through the centuries.
Town Hall
Aachen Town Hall, built on the site of the old imperial palace in the 14th century, is another firm favorite with sightseers. It was converted into a grand baroque palace during the city's prosperous heyday. Inside the Grosses Haus – believed to be the oldest residential quarter in Aachen – you will find the International Newspaper Museum featuring many fascinating exhibits. The museum now explores the wider media. Its collection includes more than 200,000 newspapers and other printed matter from all over the world written in (almost) every language. This demonstrates the transience of history and how today's headlines become tomorrow's chip papers.
Art
Whereas at the Ludwig Forum for International Art, the works on display are always contemporary, with genres ranging from pop art to photorealism. Throughout the ages, however, one thing has remained constant in Aachen: its European ethos. You cannot fail to notice that while arriving in Aachen, you are arriving in Europe.
Aachen Cathedral
Aachen Cathedral was the very first site to be granted UNESCO world heritage status in Germany. This happened with good reason: built in around 790 to 800, the Cathedral is of world importance in terms of the history of art and architecture. It is one of the great examples of church architecture. Being the final resting place of Charlemagne, it was also where German emperors were crowned for 600 years. This makes every visit to the former imperial city of Aachen a memorable one.
Welcome to Youth Hostel Aachen
The Youth Hostel Aachen is a modern, attractive building within a quiet surrounding. It is a meeting point for people from all over Europe. Guests can have a coffee break in the (inhouse) bistro, on the terrace or in the meeting rooms.
There are 180 beds in 55 bedrooms, 18 with showers. Eight sleeping rooms are suitable for wheelchair users. It is also possible to eat all the meals in the hostel, the meals are healthy, light and diverse. Vegetarian food can also be served.
Especially groups can choose between ten meeting rooms. Cyclists are welcome.
The historical part of the town is only 2.5 kilometres away.
