10 facts about Aachen you didn't know

Aachen Uncovered: 10 Astonishing Facts You Never Knew About Germany's Historic Gem

Hey there, history buffs and curious travelers! Get ready to have your mind blown as we take you on a wild ride through the hidden gems and jaw-dropping secrets of Aachen, Germany. This charming city nestled in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia is about to reveal its most fascinating and lesser-known facts that'll make you see it in a whole new light. Trust us, you won't find these tidbits in your average guidebook!

Aachen, also known as Aix-la-Chapelle in French, is a city steeped in history and bursting with surprises. From its roots as a Roman spa town to its pivotal role in the Holy Roman Empire, this place has seen it all. But forget about the typical tourist traps - we're diving deep into the quirky, the unexpected, and the downright awesome aspects of Aachen that'll make you the ultimate trivia champion at your next dinner party.

Buckle up, folks! Did you know that Aachen was home to the hottest natural spring in all of Germany? Or that it played host to some of the most crucial peace conferences in European history? How about the fact that it's got a bizarre mythical creature lurking in its streets? Oh, and let's not forget about its connection to a certain world-famous chocolate treat! Intrigued yet? Well, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Get ready to dive into ten mind-blowing facts about Aachen that'll make you wonder why you haven't booked your ticket there already!

1. The Hottest Spring in Germany

Let's kick things off with a sizzling fact that'll make you sweat - Aachen is home to the hottest natural spring in all of Germany! We're talking about the Schwertbad-Quelle in the suburb of Burtscheid, where the water temperature reaches a scorching 169°F (76°C). That's hot enough to boil an egg! This isn't just some lukewarm puddle, folks - it's a full-on thermal extravaganza that's been attracting visitors for centuries. The Romans were the first to discover these steamy springs, and they wasted no time in building luxurious bathhouses around them. Fast forward to today, and you can still take a dip in these healing waters at various spas around the city. So, next time you're feeling chilly in Aachen, just remember - you're sitting on top of Germany's very own natural hot tub!

2. The Coronation Capital of Europe

Hold onto your crowns, because Aachen was once the go-to spot for royal coronations in Europe! From 936 to 1531, a whopping 31 German kings and 12 queens were crowned in Aachen Cathedral. That's right - this unassuming city was basically the red carpet of the Middle Ages. The cathedral's Throne of Charlemagne, a simple marble chair, was the hot seat where these monarchs officially became rulers of the Holy Roman Empire. Imagine the drama, the pageantry, the medieval paparazzi! And get this - the tradition was so important that even when Aachen became too far from the center of power, they'd still trek all the way here for the ceremony. Talk about commitment to tradition! So next time you're strolling through Aachen, remember - you're walking in the footsteps of some of Europe's most powerful rulers.

3. The Bahkauv: Aachen's Mythical Monster

Forget the Loch Ness Monster - Aachen's got its own legendary creature, and it's way cooler! Meet the Bahkauv, a mythical beast that's said to have terrorized the city's streets in medieval times. Picture this: a creature with the body of a dog, the tail of a lizard, and - wait for it - saber teeth! Legend has it that this bizarre beast would lurk near the city's thermal springs, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting drunkards stumbling home from the taverns. But here's the kicker - the Bahkauv wasn't all bad. It was said to punish only those who had indulged a bit too much, teaching them a lesson about the dangers of excessive drinking. Today, you can spot a statue of this peculiar creature near the Hof fountain, serving as a quirky reminder of Aachen's folklore. So, next time you're out for a night on the town in Aachen, maybe think twice before that last beer - the Bahkauv might be watching!

4. The Printen Connection

Attention, sweet tooths! Did you know that Aachen is the birthplace of one of Germany's most beloved Christmas treats? We're talking about Aachener Printen, a type of lebkuchen (gingerbread) that's been tantalizing taste buds since the 15th century. But here's the twist - these aren't your average cookies. Originally, Printen were made with sugar beets instead of sugar, giving them a unique flavor that's hard to resist. The best part? They were originally stamped with intricate designs, turning them into edible works of art. Today, Printen come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional rectangles to festive Christmas shapes. And get this - they're so important to Aachen's identity that they've been granted protected geographical status by the EU. That means genuine Aachener Printen can only be made in and around Aachen. So, when you bite into one of these spicy-sweet delights, you're literally tasting a piece of Aachen's history!

5. The Peace Conference Capital

Hold onto your history books, because Aachen isn't just a pretty face - it's been the stage for some major historical peace talks! This unassuming city has hosted not one, not two, but three significant peace conferences that shaped European history. First up, the 1668 conference that ended the War of Devolution between France and Spain. Then, in 1748, Aachen was the site of negotiations that concluded the War of the Austrian Succession. But wait, there's more! In 1818, Aachen hosted a conference of European powers aimed at restoring order after the chaos of the Napoleonic wars. Talk about punching above its weight! These conferences put Aachen on the map as a neutral ground where nations could hash out their differences. So next time you're strolling through Aachen's peaceful streets, remember - you're walking on ground where some of Europe's most crucial peace deals were struck. Who knew this charming city was such a diplomatic powerhouse?

6. The First German City to Fall

Brace yourselves for a bit of World War II trivia that'll knock your socks off. Aachen holds the distinction of being the first large German city to fall to Allied forces during World War II. On October 20, 1944, after a grueling battle, U.S. troops captured the city. But here's the kicker - Hitler had signed a "death sentence" for Aachen, ordering the troops defending it not to surrender under any circumstances. Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place! The battle left much of the city in ruins, but amazingly, the cathedral survived with relatively little damage. Even more incredible? The city's reconstruction began almost immediately after the war ended. Today, you'd hardly know that Aachen was once a battleground. It's a testament to the resilience of the city and its people. So when you're wandering through Aachen's beautifully restored streets, take a moment to appreciate the phoenix-like rebirth this city has undergone.

7. The Charlemagne Connection

Alright, history buffs, this one's for you! Aachen wasn't just any old city to Charlemagne - it was his favorite residence. That's right, the man who united most of Western Europe in the 9th century chose Aachen as his home base. But here's where it gets really interesting - Charlemagne didn't just live here, he died here too. And get this - he was buried in the Palatine Chapel, which is now part of Aachen Cathedral. But the story doesn't end there! In 1165, Charlemagne was canonized (that's saint-speak for "made a saint"), and suddenly Aachen became a major pilgrimage site. People would flock from all over Europe to see Charlemagne's remains. And if that wasn't enough, in 1349, the city started a tradition of displaying Charlemagne's relics every seven years. Talk about a long-lasting legacy! So next time you're in Aachen Cathedral, remember - you're standing in the final resting place of one of Europe's most influential rulers. How's that for a brush with greatness?

8. The Movable Puppet Fountain

Get ready for a dose of whimsy, because Aachen's got a fountain that'll make you do a double-take! Meet the Puppenbrunnen, or Puppet Fountain, a quirky masterpiece that's more than just a pretty face. This bronze beauty features a cast of characters including a professor, a knight, a market woman, and even a rooster. But here's the kicker - these aren't just static statues. Oh no, these puppets move! That's right, at certain times of the day, you can watch these bronze figures come to life, twisting and turning in a delightful dance. The best part? Each figure represents a different aspect of Aachen's history and culture. It's like a history lesson and a puppet show rolled into one! So, next time you're in Aachen, make sure to swing by the Puppenbrunnen. Who knows? You might catch these bronze celebrities in the middle of their performance. It's a sight that's sure to bring out the kid in everyone!

9. The UNESCO Double Whammy

Listen up, culture vultures, because Aachen's got not one, but two UNESCO World Heritage sites! First up is the Aachen Cathedral, which was one of the very first sites to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list back in 1978. But Aachen didn't stop there. In 2014, the city scored another UNESCO win when its town hall was included as part of the "Routes of Santiago de Compostela" World Heritage Site. That's right, this unassuming city is part of the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. But here's the real kicker - Aachen is one of only a handful of cities in the world to have two separate UNESCO World Heritage sites within its borders. It's like hitting the cultural jackpot twice! So when you're exploring Aachen, remember - you're not just walking through any old city. You're strolling through a place that UNESCO has deemed so important, they had to recognize it twice. Now that's what we call bragging rights!

10. The Equestrian Capital of Germany

Saddle up, folks, because we're about to gallop into Aachen's unexpected claim to fame - it's the equestrian capital of Germany! Every year, this city hosts the World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen, one of the most prestigious horse shows in the world. We're talking Olympic-level riders, top-notch horses, and competitions in dressage, show jumping, and more. But here's the real shocker - this isn't some newfangled event. The CHIO has been happening in Aachen since 1924! That's almost a century of horsemanship right in the heart of this historic city. And get this - the main stadium can hold up to 40,000 spectators. That's bigger than some football stadiums! So whether you're a horse enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, the CHIO is a spectacle you won't want to miss. Who would have thought that this city of hot springs and imperial history would also be a mecca for horse lovers? Aachen, you never cease to amaze us!

And there you have it, folks - ten mind-blowing facts about Aachen that prove this city is so much more than meets the eye. From its steamy springs to its imperial past, from its mythical monsters to its equestrian prowess, Aachen is a city of surprises waiting to be discovered. So the next time someone asks you about Aachen, you can wow them with your insider knowledge. Better yet, why not plan a trip and experience these wonders for yourself? Trust us, once you've explored the hidden depths of Aachen, you'll never look at this charming German city the same way again. Now go forth and spread the word - Aachen is the ultimate destination for history buffs, culture lovers, and curious travelers alike!