Desperate for a weekend getaway to get some peace and quiet, a colleague of mine suggested Aachen. Aachen, I said? Where? As it turns out, this quaint getaway – perched precariously on the German, Dutch, and Belgian borders – was once the political centre of an empire and more recently caught in the crossfire of World War II. Today it’s a sleepy German village with some wonderful and inexpensive sightseeing. My favourites include:

• Cathedrals: lavish furnishings and geometric stained glass reflect the storied history of Aachen; the main cathedral was the first German building to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Cathedral stained glass window copyright Andrew Hayes

• Public Art: the city is dotted with a number of public art installations and fountains, from the whimsical to the bizarre. Try walking the city centre and see how many you can find.

Public Art Scene in Aachen copyright Andrew Hayes

• Baths: the Romans bathed here, and so can you. There are a number of spas located in or near the city, each with various types of spa offerings. I chose the Carolus Therme with its multitude of themed sauna rooms, indoor/outdoor pools, and sunbathing garden. It is an excellent way to spend a morning or afternoon. Be forewarned: most spas have nude-only areas!

Aachen is easily accessible via car or train from nearby cities Maastricht, Dusseldorf, Cologne, or Liege. Whether it’s just for a relaxing weekend or a stopping point, it is definitely worth a closer look. Find out more about Aachen on the city’s website.

Tips for What to Do in Germany

We’ve lots of travel tips for what to do in Germany.