Summer oasis

Summer oases

Summer enjoyment in the shade of Aachen's oases

Sun on your skin, feeling the warmth, a subtle sense of not being dazzled by the sun, a little shade, fresh air of lush greenery. A paradisiacal idea beyond a hot day in the middle of the city, noisy traffic and unpleasant odours. Surreal? Not at all. My beautiful Aachen offers so many facets of ‘shady oases’ to enjoy the summer days.

I suggest we listen to the beautifully melodic summer classic ‘Summer in the city’, but indulge in one or two oases. ‘Hot town, summer in the city, Back of my neck gettin′ dirt and gritty, Been down, isn't it a pity?’ - Let's escape ...

Monheimsallee spa gardens - Güldenplan cemetery

Lovers of quiet and somewhat mystical places will find a special form of peace and relaxation in this spot. The old Güldenplan cemetery is located on the edge of the Monheimsallee spa gardens. As Aachen's first Protestant cemetery, it has beautiful monumental gravestones with interesting inscriptions, ancient trees, meadows and shade. There is no sepulchral atmosphere, because the flora and fauna of the Kurpark in all its facets - fountain with large fountain, small bridges, rose garden... - exudes an immense vitality. And yet I am always surrounded by a special calm at the cemetery. Perhaps it is the positive energy of life that can also be felt here when you indulge in the stories that can be read from the gravestones.

Ferber Park

Parkanlage mit dichten Bäumen, durch die ein Kiesweg führt.

This small oasis on the edge of the Burtscheid district is perfect for lovers of more lively oases. Benches, playgrounds, a basketball court, great restaurants and a large meadow for relaxing, picnicking and playing between the old trees offer plenty of space for young and old. For me, it's the perfect place to recharge my batteries and enjoy the shade between shopping trips and appointments!

Van-Halfern-Park

If you love peace and space, head to the south-west of the city towards Belgium. The Van Halfern Park merges into Aachen's city forest, offering boundless variety and relaxation. I really love this park, which was once laid out in the style of an English landscape garden. Trees up to 200 years old from different continents tell wonderful stories and take me on a botanical journey. Relaxing and feeling the energy of the trees is the order of the day here. Mossy grottos, little temples, steps and figures are reminiscent of the idea of Aachen cloth manufacturer Gustav van Halfern. He planned a weekend residence for his family, his son refined the idea and had a park laid out in the style of an English country garden.

Lousberg

The Lousberg is just outside the city centre, but still within easy walking distance. My ‘place to be’ is on the centre plateau, where I can breathe in history. Old pillars, an elegantly protruding pavilion, meadows, ancient trees and a treading pool are the fragments of a small world that I highly recommend if you are looking for a creative break. The special aura of the ‘Aachen Acropolis’, which is a relict of the Belvedere society centre, lures creativity and happiness. Reading, picnicking, refreshing your feet. Simply beautiful.

Kaiser-Friedrich-Park, also known as Hangeweiher

Once a public park, the Kaiser-Friedrich-Park offers a number of attractions such as pedal boating on the Hangeweiher pond, an outdoor pool and playgrounds. But that's not all that I find attractive and beautiful about this park. On warm days, I'm always drawn to a slightly elevated spot above the pond: the water cascade of the Pau stream. This is where the small stream runs into the pond. The rippling of the water, the high oxygen content, higher humidity and the old trees create a wonderful form of relaxation in me within a few minutes. It is usually empty here; sometimes curious children explore the stream and the cheerful laughter of children is infectious.

Witches' forest

Around three kilometres south of the district, the Hexenwald forest is a great place to cool off, hike and relax. The hornbeams that were once planted on the former border wall between Kronenberg and Preuswald in the direction of the Netherlands have grown into gnarled tree figures. A whimsical natural backdrop. Go for a walk, maybe climb a little, touch the trees, look at them, relax.
My personal tip: The walk along the Hasselholz estate is already a beautiful path and a short break at the farm with its farm shop and snack/drink vending machine is perfect.

Summer relaxation in Aachen's multifaceted oases: Pure pleasure!

I love my Aachen!