Why not go in the “other direction” for a change? I start at St. Jakob Church, which is the first stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela after Aachen Cathedral when leaving the city. My route does not lead out of the city, which would also be possible via a road towards the Netherlands and Belgium, but into the city. I find the idea exciting: where others start their pilgrimage, I start my perfect day walking in exactly the opposite direction.

Here's a little historical tidbit for you: at 87 meters, St. Jakob's Church has the highest church tower in Aachen and rises majestically into the sky. In sunshine and blue skies, the spire shines greenish-blue, adorned with a golden ball. Rare kestrels have made their home here.

Take a look inside the pilgrims' chapel to the side of the entrance or the small garden to the right of the church. Small, delightful oases of peace await you.

My next little trip takes me down Jakobstraße, right across Stromgasse into the Rosviertel district, where I take a quick look at the little Roskapelle chapel. I continue strolling through Rosstraße and come across an industrial monument with an incredibly interesting history in Aachen: the Rosfabrik. Located in a backyard—you have to look specifically for it—this was once the site of the Josef Zimmermann company, which produced needles for the global market for 150 years. The baroque facade in the Couven style, the mix with modern renovated units of the production halls and the mansion are a great photo spot! Immerse yourself in the history of Aachen as the “needle city”! Industrial style meets the present.

I stroll a few meters further and immerse myself in a charming little street in the old town.

For the people of Aachen, this is one of the most beautiful streets in the city. I agree. Like a beautiful avenue leading to the heart of Aachen, it takes you straight to the cathedral. Annastraße is lined with lovely little shops and picturesque houses. When the weather is nice, I love to turn left just before St. Anna's Church (the oldest Protestant church in Aachen) through an archway onto Hermann-Heusch-Platz. It's a small green oasis in the city where you can take a deep breath. I am captivated by the stilt children, a life-size figure showing laughing children walking on stilts. The sight of their happy faces brings the sound of children's laughter to my ears and makes me smile.