← Maastricht Marathon·2 nights

Aachen: Charlemagne's Chapel and Thermal Baths After Maastricht

A German border city with the throne of Charlemagne, hot springs in the town and a gingerbread called Printen.

Duration2 nights
TransitTrain or regional bus from Maastricht to Aachen, about 1 hour
DepartsMaastricht Centraal

After the Maastricht Marathon: Aachen

The Route: Maastricht → Aachen → Düsseldorf Airport Logistics: Train via Heerlen or a regional bus, about 1 hour. Check the current timetable, since cross-border services change. Aachen Hauptbahnhof is a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. Marathon Month: May Duration: 2 nights

Maastricht ──(about 1h, train or bus)──> Aachen
                                            │
Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) <──(about 1h15, DB)──┘

Charlemagne was buried in Aachen in 814, and the octagonal chapel he built is still the core of the cathedral. His marble throne stands on a gallery up a flight of steps, with a view down to the altar. The cathedral is the reason to come, and it is a calm place to sit for an hour after a marathon.

A ticket across the border can be booked with DB or NS, and some local services are covered by a regional ticket. Check the current timetable.

May in Aachen: highs of 16°C to 19°C, with sun and showers. The city lies in a shallow valley, with hot springs under the old town. Check opening days, because Monday closures are common.

Night One: Aachen

The cathedral interior is level, and the throne gallery is visited on a guided tour. Entry to the main nave is free, and the treasury has a small fee. Check the current opening and tour times.

The Elisenbrunnen, a colonnaded fountain hall, delivers warm sulphurous spring water that you can taste for free. It tastes of eggs. The pedestrian streets around the Markt and the town hall are flat, with benches and cafés.

Hotel Drei Könige, on the Büchel in the old town, is a short walk from the cathedral. Confirm lifts and breakfast times when you book.

Dinner is simple: schnitzel, local beer and a Printen, the spiced gingerbread, for dessert. Reserve on weekends.

Night Two: The Baths

The Carolus Thermen, a thermal spa on the edge of the old town, has warm indoor and outdoor pools fed by the hot springs. A soak is a gentle recovery. Check the current prices and rules, including the swimwear policy and sauna areas, and book if you want a time slot.

The Westpark and the city's green belt are flat for a short walk.

Getting to Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)

Aachen to Düsseldorf Airport takes about 1 hour 15 minutes by train, often with a change at Düsseldorf or Cologne. Check the DB planner. The airport station is a short walk from the terminals.