Extreme heat in Aachen – what now?

When the thermometer climbs above 30 degrees, many people just want to get out of the city. But that's exactly when it's worth taking a closer look. Aachen offers a surprising number of places to escape the heat – without having to travel far. Between parks, cool churches, water features, museums, restaurants, and cultural programs, summer is surprisingly bearable. The best part: everything is easily accessible on foot or by bike.

 

So grab a water bottle, don't forget your sunscreen, and let's go!

Under trees – green retreats

Belebter Elisengarten mit Beeten, grüner Wiese, großen Bäumen unter blauem Himmel.

Sometimes the simplest solution is also the best: get out into nature. The Aachen Forest in the south of the city offers shady paths, soft forest trails, and cool corners. Those who take the path to the Dreiländerpunkt (Three Countries Point) will be rewarded with a panoramic view—and perhaps even a fresh breeze.

But there are also green escape routes in the middle of the city. The Elisengarten (see photo) is an urban oasis and ideal for a little siesta in the shade or a chapter in the book you brought with you. Or pack a picnic blanket and provisions and head to the West Park. There, old trees meet slacklines and student flair meets relaxed summer beats.

Water is good for you – even without a coastline

Ein Weg verläuft mit einem Grünstreifen an einem See entlang. Im Hintergrund befinden sich Tretboote unter einer Überdachung
An einem kleinen Bach entlang einer Straße spielt ein Kind. Rechts befindet sich ein Sandkasten.

No Mediterranean Sea, of course. But there is still a little water. The Hangeweiher outdoor pool is Aachen's classic – with a large sunbathing lawn and shady trees. However, it gets crowded on hot days and during the summer holidays, so it's best to swim a few laps early in the morning or in the evening.

Right next door is Kaiser-Friedrich-Park – perfect for a pedal boat ride (see photo on the left). If you prefer to relax, head towards Aachen Forest, where small streams babble – ideal for cooling your feet and unwinding. Alternatively, enjoy the view of the cool water while walking around the Kupferbach and Diepenbenden reservoirs.

And even in the middle of the city, there are little water tricks to beat the heat. Drinking fountains such as those at Hotmannspief, Möschebrunnen, or at the entrance to Elisengarten provide fresh water for refilling—practical and often underestimated. An almost hidden highlight: the Johannisbach at Lindenplatz—a narrow, open watercourse in the shade of the trees, ideal for simply dipping your feet in the water (see photo on the right).

Art & Coolness – Culture with a Climate Bonus

Glasfront des Centre Charlemagne mit grünen Bäumen davor.
Innenraum eines Museums mit einigen farbenfrohen Ausstellungsstücken.

If you're looking for something different, it's worth planning your hot days strategically. In Aachen, the combination of heat and culture works surprisingly well. That's because when temperatures exceed 30 degrees, the city's museums and Route Charlemagne institutions open their doors free of charge.

For me, this is one of the best summer hacks in the city: free admission, air-conditioned rooms, and curated inspiration.

I particularly recommend the Centre Charlemagne (see photo on the left), where you can stroll through Aachen's history in the cool. An alternative is the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum – a haven of peace with old masters and a relaxed atmosphere. And last but not least, the Ludwig Forum (see photo on the right). Not every room is air-conditioned here, but the mixture of industrial architecture and contemporary art rarely fails to make an impression.

Cold stone & silence – churches as places of refuge

Von der Sonne angestrahlte Kirche mit Bäumen im Vordergrund unter blauem Himmel.

When everything outside is shimmering, it suddenly becomes pleasant inside—even in Aachen's churches, which are then much more than spiritual places. Some of them are transformed into veritable architectural climate zones.

First and foremost is Aachen Cathedral: a World Heritage Site—but also a place that can feel completely different. The thick walls, the subdued light, the cold stone under your feet – taking a break here is like traveling to a quieter moment in a noticeably cooler environment.

The City Church of St. Nicholas (see photo) is also open all day. Located directly in the pedestrian zone, it is a haven of peace. The interior is spacious and bright, with a Gothic hall structure – no benches, lots of air. Perfect for a ten-minute break, including music to listen to.

And if you do want to get out of the city for a bit, head to the monastery in Kornelimünster, where architecture and nature combine to create a kind of mini-retreat – ideal for clearing your head and forgetting the summer heat for a while.

Refreshment on your plate – food with summer flair

Weg mit grünen Bäumen und einer Wiese an der Seite. Links befindet sich eine Gastronomie mit Außenplätzen.

Fresh flavors, breezy terraces, relaxed atmosphere — that's what summer tastes like. And sometimes, all it takes is a favorite spot to make you feel like you're on vacation in the middle of the city. At lunchtime, I'm often drawn to the old town. The Postwagen Zum Ratskeller, with its view of the cathedral and town hall, is almost like a small outdoor living room. The cuisine combines tradition with lightness – a summery boiled beef salad or goat cheese au gratin accompanied by an ice-cold drink, while life passes by on the square.

But sometimes you need a change of scenery. In Burtscheid, a little away from the hustle and bustle, is Ferbers (see photo): lots of glass, lots of greenery, clean lines, and a menu for every taste – even a short visit here feels like a little getaway every time. Cold, summer bowls, refreshing iced coffees, or sparkling wine on ice with your best friend – often that's all you need to feel the summer. 

Those looking for urban flair will find it at La Fabrik. Under the viaduct and in front of the old brick building, urban setting meets beer garden charm. The menu is creative, international, and surprising—whether it's grilled watermelon or melon gazpacho: summer is not only noticeable here, but also tasteable. And how about an ice-cold drink under the arch bridge? That's big-city flair without really having to leave.

Quiet, almost hidden away, Pepe Verde is located in the grounds of the Grün-Weiss tennis club. Everything here feels a little slower – almost like in Italy: pizza, pasta, antipasti – classic, relaxed, and simply good. An espresso afterwards, perhaps a spritz or a limoncello – and the day can come to a relaxed end.

At some point in between, the path naturally leads to ice cream, for example to the Leana and Luise ice cream manufactory on Boxgraben. Whether dragon fruit or salty caramel – homemade and always a difficult choice between too many good flavors. But just right for a hot day in Aachen.

Finally evening! Golden hour, cooler spots

Unter freiem Abendhimmel ist eine Bühne aufgebaut, auf der ein Konzert stattfindet und viele Besuchende davor sitzen.

When the sun is lower in the sky, Aachen becomes more relaxed. A stroll through the old town, a drink in the Domkeller, or watching the sunset from Lousberg—sometimes that's all you need.

“Stadtglühen” offers variety: until August 17, the festival will be hosting concerts, readings, and performances at different locations—outdoors, open to the public, and free of charge. A wonderful opportunity to discover small stages on the independent scene. Then it's time for the Kurpark Classix (see photo): from August 22 to 31, there will be open-air concerts by national and international stars in Aachen's Kurpark, whether you're into pop, rock, or classical music!

And for those who love movies: The open-air cinema will be running from August 1 to 10 at the CHIO Dressage Stadium, then at Burg Frankenberg and at the beginning of September at Kennedypark, weather permitting, of course. A screen under the stars – summer doesn't get any better than this!

 

– Klio Verigou