The train station in Aachen.
Even stepping off at the train station, it’s immediately clear that Aachen is something special. Most famous as the final resting place of Charlemagne and a sobering site of heavy WWII combat, the city today feels peaceful, vibrant, and surprisingly lush.
A Landscape Reclaimed by Nature
Nestled into rolling forested hills, the landscape here is a bit more robust than the flatter stretches of nearby Belgium. As I walked, I noticed hints of orange and yellow appearing in the trees—autumn in Germany is officially in the air.
History and Beauty Intertwined
Aachen serves as a beautiful reminder that history—even the "bloody" chapters of the Battle of Aachen—is eventually reclaimed by the quiet beauty of the seasons. Whether you are here for the Aachen Cathedral or a scenic hike, the city offers a unique blend of somber reflection and natural splendor.