Charlemagne's spectacular capital hosts a charming, very traditional German Christmas market.
School trips to Aachen offer a fantastic introduction to Germany and, in particular, make for a fantastic end-of-term festive treat!
Most groups that arrange an educational tour to Aachen do so as a Christmas markets or primary languages school trip. But whatever your reasons for visiting, we’ll tailor-make your school trip to Aachen to ensure that it suits your curriculum and learning objectives.
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Why visit Aachen?
Charlemagne’s imperial capital
The city of Aachen is centred around its spectacular medieval cathedral, which was built by order of Charlemagne in the 8 th century.
The city was the favoured residence of Charlemagne, the ‘Father of Europe’ and became his imperial capital. Until the 16 th century, most of the kings of Germany who went on to become Holy Roman Emperor were crowned in the cathedral.
Close to the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, Aachen was well placed strategically as the capital of Charlemagne’s European empire. And it still has a very international atmosphere that your students will love to explore. They’ll be able to test their German skills with native speakers to discover more about the local history and culture.
The historic centre is incredibly attractive, with its important historic monuments and wells and baths that sit over the hottest natural springs in Europe. Your students will love the bustling activity in the streets and squares, as well as the cultural diversity here.
A real festive treat!
Most groups choose to visit Aachen in the winter, to explore the magical Christmas markets and practise their German skills while doing so!
Each year, the squares and streets around Aachen’s town hall are transformed into a paradise of festive lights and seductive smells. A German school trip to Aachen’s Christmas markets is the perfect festive treat to get your German students talking!
Your Christmas market school trip to Aachen wouldn’t be complete without trying the local delicacy, Aachener Printen. A type of Lebkuchen, similar to gingerbread, this sweet treat can only be made in and around Aachen and has become a symbol of the city’s Christmas markets.
Get your younger students talking!
Aachen makes a great choice for a shorter school trip by coach as it is Germany’s westernmost city. In fact, it’s even possible to visit Aachen on a school day trip.
The short journey times also make Aachen a great choice for a primary school languages trip.
FAQs
How long should we spend in Aachen on a school trip?
We would recommend spending at least 2 days in Aachen on your school trip, in order to take advantage of all that Aachen has to offer.
What's the best time to visit Aachen on a school trip?
You can visit Aachen at any time of the year, but the city really comes alive in the lead up to Christmas, when the Christmas markets spring up. In fact, most of our groups choose to visit Aachen during the Christmas period as this is a fun, festive way to immerse students in the German language and culture.
What's the best way to get around Aachen?
Aachen is a relatively compact city and so it is very easy for school groups to get around on foot.
Which visits are a must on a school trip to Aachen?
On a school trip to Aachen, you must make sure you visit the cathedral and treasury. The cathedral is one of the oldest in Europe and was built by Charlemagne, who was also buried here. The cathedral's treasury is home to one of the most important collections of medieval religious art in Europe. If you're travelling in December then, of course, you mustn't miss a visit to the fantastic Christmas markets. And your students will love a visit to the vast Lindt factory shop, where you'll be able to pick up some real bargains.
Are there any free things to do in Aachen?
Yes, the Christmas markets are, of course, completely free to visit, although we can't guarantee that you won't want to spend your money on some of the delicious treats available, including the iconic Aachener Printen. It's also free to visit Aachen Cathedral, although donations are welcome.
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