As soon as the sun comes out, everyone wants to get outside to enjoy the fresh air, spend time with friends and family and get active. Especially for these sunny days, our team has put together a few inspirations for you. The activities are suitable for young and old and can be enjoyed together or alone - and with each of them, only the sky's the limit! Be assured: there is something in it for everyone!
The sky's the limit
for young and old!
Don't look down!
Have you ever dreamed of swinging through the trees like Tarzan and Jane or climbing ropes like Spider-Man? In Aachen's Climbing Forest you can experience just that and have an exciting time at airy heights! It's the perfect place for adventurers, big or small, who love fun and thrills.
With 17 climbing courses of varying degrees of difficulty, the Kletterwald offers exciting challenges - from simple, child-friendly elements to dizzying heights. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, everyone will find the right challenge here. As soon as you enter the Climbing Forest, you will be greeted by the experienced guides who will provide you with all the important information and the necessary safety equipment. Then the adventure can begin!
The small shop in the climbing forest offers drinks, ice cream and sweets. If you need a break, you can relax at the picnic tables, drink or eat something and enjoy nature to the fullest.
Wanna play and romp around three countries at one day? Here's your perfect place!
The Vaalserberg is one of the most popular destinations in the Euregio. The reason is simple: on top is the "Dreiländereck", the point where the borders of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium meet. On the extensive grounds you can not only enjoy the beautiful view, but also have a fun time. Like for example, can you find your way through the largest labyrinth in the Netherlands to the heart of this green paradise without getting lost?
The view of the region around Aachen from the border triangle is extraordinary: you can see three countries at the same time! Surrounded by nature, the highest point of the Netherlands awaits you with several hiking and cycling routes and, on the Belgian side, the famous 50-metre-high Balduin Tower, an observation tower with the border stone of the three countries at its feet. Can't get enough of heights? Then head for another vantage point, the 35-metre-high Wilhelmina Tower, which stands about 700 metres further north on Dutch soil. The highlight of the 464,000-kilo colossus of steel, concrete, natural stone and wood is the skywalk, reaching out six metres with a floor of gratings and glass.
Children particularly enjoy the adventure playground and the large hedge maze at the Dreiländereck, where families can test their orientation skills on winding paths that lead deeper and deeper into the heart of the labyrinth. The riddle questions to get the code to the secret door are also exciting. Have you made it out of the labyrinth? Then get ready for the water play area right next to it on hot summer days. How long will you manage to avoid the fountains before you get soaking wet?
At the adventure playground, the little ones can climb, swing and slide. Excitement, action and lots of fun for the kids are guaranteed and free of charge! Meanwhile, parents can watch and relax while enjoying savoury delights from a handful of gastronomic establishments on the generously laid-out tourist border area.
Through the Wolf Gorge to the highest point of Aachen Forest
Did you know that there is a Wolf Gorge in Aachen? The name alone is worth a trip! We love the Aachen forest at any time of year, but especially on sunny summer days, the winding paths between the awesome old trees are a special treat.
This 8.1 km hike takes you up to the highest point in the "Öcher Bösch". There, at Steineknipp, once stood a lookout tower with an excursion restaurant, the Pelzerturm. It was destroyed at the end of the Second World War, so today, only the ruins can be discovered along the way. But Aachen's surroundings have even more history to offer: If you look closely, you might discover another thousands of years old relic on your path from Klausberg to Steineknipp. In the Bronze Age (between 1,000 and 100 B.C.!), local settlers chose this spot for burial mounds.
If you want to combine nature and history with fun and enjoyment, make a half-day trip out of the hiking tour and have a longer break at Gut Entenpfuhl. The forest restaurant not only offers a beautiful terrace and delicious food; the kids will also be happy with donkeys, tame ducks, a playground and mini-golf!
Airy heights and a day full of fun for young and old alike
Looking for a place nearby that is ideal for a day full of variety with children? Then why not visit the Indeland, 25 km away, offering a fascinating mix of technology, nature and leisure fun. Highlight is the 36-metre-high Indemann observation tower, a symbol of the structural change in the lignite mining area.
The Indemann has several platforms, consists of 20,000 individual steel parts and weighs 280 tonnes. For your climb - by taking 192 steps or by lift -, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view. Are you free from giddiness? Then you should also walk along the robot-like arm of the Indemann, 12 metres long. The architectural landmark is also fascinating in the dark, when the 40,655 LED lights create a play of light in changing colours.
Lofty heights are not your favorit? Or do you want to experience more after the climb? Then take advantage of the leisure activities around the Indemann with your family. Along the plateau, for example, routes that lead through the forest of the Goldsteinkuppe and to another open-cast mining lookout point invite you to go hiking and cycling.
In addition, young and old can play football golf with 18 holes, kicking the ball into the hole with as few shots as possible. There is also a free bocchia alley. You can get the silver balls at the info point or at the reception of the football golf for a small fee. Furthermore, you can play mini-golf at the course next door, which also has mini-lanes for children.
While the little ones romp around the large, freely accessible pirate playground, adults can take a break. Hungry or thirsty? Then visit the Indemann 1 restaurant, where you can enjoy the view and recharge your batteries.