Discover Aachen – where History meets Technology
Aachen is international, open-minded and the most western city in Germany – this is where more than 2,000 years of history meet 60,000 students. RWTH Aachen University, the central location in the middle of Europe and its welcoming atmosphere attract in addition innovative companies to Aachen. However, Aachen has a lot to offer not only as a business location, but also culturally.
Experience Internationality in the Heart of Europe
Aachen‘s historical significance dates back to the days of Charlemagne, the „father of Europe“. He made it his main imperial residence, the first capital of his European empire. Aachen cathedral, the first German building to be listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the gothic city hall, and the cathedral treasury give testimony to the city‘s cultural heritage and beauty.
Only a few kilometers from the city center, one can find the Border Triangle where the frontiers of Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany meet. The attraction of living in this area includes a colorful mix of languages and people as well as short travel distances to cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne or even Paris.
The hilly Eifel landscape with its streams, dams and forests offers a picturesque countryside right on the city's doorstep and invite you to hike and relax.
High-tech Location for Research Institutions and Innovative Start-ups
Close cooperations between universities, research institutions and companies has turned Aachen into one of the most important high-tech locations in Europe. The RWTH Aachen campus is becoming one of Europe's largest science parks.
Campus Melaten, where RWTH International Academy is also located, brings the knowledge of thematic clusters and research facilities of various institutes and companies together – especially in engineering science courses. The nearby University Hospital covers the entire medical spectrum in teaching and research with its 36 specialist clinics, 28 institutes and 6 interdisciplinary units.
In addition, the region is attractive for renowned international companies, for example: Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, FEV Europe GmbH, Lindt & Sprüngli AG and more.
Aachen is the place to be to build a strong innovative future through collaboration and research. Successful start-ups have emerged from the RWTH's entrepreneurship scene. To assist new growing companies, there are many support associations in Aachen.
RWTH Innovation start-up Center offers all the required resources and knowledge to help entrepreneurs grow their companies. The digitalHUB Aachen creates an ecosystem for digital innovations through information, education and consulting as well as networking and co-working.
World Cultural Heritage and Culinary Specialties
Aachen’s historic center around the distinctive cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage site, is characterized by its student life. In the old town center, with its pubs, restaurants and shops, one can literally touch European history. Despite the city‘s advanced age of more than 2,000 years, Aachen is a young and vibrant city with around 20% of the population being students. Currently Aachen counts 250,000 residents from more than 160 nations which turns living in Aachen into a vibrant and unique experience.
Sightseeing Spots
- UNESCO World Heritage Aachen Cathedral
- Visit to the cathedral treasury
- Historic town hall
- Elisenbrunnen with its healing springs
Event Highlights
- CHIO – World Equestrian Festival
- Award of the Charlemagne Prize
- Öcher Bend and September Special
- Aachen Christmas Market
A wide range of leisure and cultural activities with restaurants, cafés, museums and clubs make Aachen an attractive, pleasant and culturally open city. Moreover, it also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine: Anyone who is in Aachen should definitely try the Aachener Printen, a special kind of gingerbread.