For those of you who don’t know, I’m a history buff, particularly World War 2. Growing up as a little girl I was always fascinated by the examples of humanity that came out of inhumane situations like war and much of the personal stories I would read always reminded me that there is so much beauty and light in this world, even in during the most dark of times. So ever since reading those stories as a small girl Europe has always held my fascination – it’s always been the far away land that maybe one day I would get the opportunity to travel to. And if I’m lucky, maybe I’ll get to go there twice!

Well, in 2009 when I was diagnosed with cancer the very first item to go on my bucket list was “visit Germany” and the plan was hatched. In 2010, I boarded a plane from Brisbane and went on my first (ever) overseas adventure, first stop Germany (Frankfurt to be precise). We were spending 2 weeks in Euope, with most of the time spent doing a road trip from Frankfurt to Stuttgart, Dachau, Aachen to Villigen-Schwennigen (with a small detour to Paris for Christmas with the family along the way).

To this day, whenever someone tells me they’re going to Germany I always say “If you’re going to go to any small town in Germany, you need to make it Aachen”.

Aachen is located on the tri-border of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in the most western part of Germany. If you’re a WW2 enthusiast like I am, you will also know that a lot of Aachen was destroyed during the Battle of Aachen during September- October 1944. Remnants of the war can still be found, with large cement anti tank barriers, known as Dragon’s teeth, easily found near the outskirts of the town.

What I loved the most about Aachen was the beautiful and lively atmosphere of this town – we walked down cobbled streets, we ventured into the city to go out to a German dance bar and had late night cheesy and gravy filled hot chips (fries for my American friends) with some Aachen locals.

What to do

3 country border

I don’t know about you, but I live on a continent, surrounded by a lot of water. Yeah, we’re kind of like an island. So when I got the chance to go and check out the 3 country border I thought “heck yeah” – how could I give up a once in a lifetime opportunity like this?!

In Germany it’s known as Dreiländereck, but believe it or not, it’s not actually located IN Aachen – it’s located in a cute little dutch town called Vaals (Which was literally a 5 minute drive from my friends house in Aachen). Fun fact, the Dutch call the 3 country border Vaalserberg and it’s also the highest Dutch mountain SO you’re technically visiting the 3 country border AND the highest point in the Netherlands – can anyone say ‘killing two birds with one stone?!’

Markt

I’m not sure what the markt is like during the other seasons of the year, but when I was there in Christmas the markt was the most cosy, fun and the number one spot for mulled wine! Be sure to find so many last minute Christmas presents and delicious snacks for Christmas day. Soak up the Christmas spirit

Rathaus Aachen (City Hall)

If you’re a history fan, than the Rathaus Acahen is a MUST see for you. Built in the 14^th century, the town hall has survived a fire and being bombed in ww2. You can still see some remnants of its history on its walls.

Go to a Dance Party

It may have been 8 years since I was in Aachen but I still remember the most epic nights out at a local nightclub and bars with some awesome German people – some I only met that night! I might not remember the names of the places we went to (though I do remember one had stripper poles on raised platforms), but I do highly recommend getting a little footloose with the locals.  For an idea of the types of nightclubs and bars in Aachen, do a trusty google search and Yelp and Tripadvisor reviews come up to help you decide which club dancefloor you’ll be getting your happy dance on.

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There is so much more to do in Aachen than what is on my list, but it’s a start. So if you’re planning your first or second trip to Germany, be sure to add Aachen to your list of must visit towns.

Until next time my friends, get outside and explore! To keep up with all of my adventures, follow me on instagram @therosenomad

Much love,
Lara X

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