Würselen (distance 4.5 km)

The Wurmtal nature reserve in Würselen is ideal for leisure activities – whether on foot, by bike or on horseback. Beyond that, the town offers many possibilities: shopping in the town center or in the commercial areas, culture and first-class entertainment at the Burg Wilhelmstein open-air stage.

Bus line 51 takes you directly from Allianz Park to Würselen in about 30 minutes.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Stolberg (Rhineland) (distance 12 km)

Stolberg is a historic copper town in the northern Eifel and offers an impressive mix of medieval flair and industrial history. Top highlights include the castle of Stolberg towering above the old town, the Zinkhütter Hof museum and the historic Kupferhof Rosental, as well as a large number of listed buildings.

You can reach Stolberg from Aachen main station with the RE 1, RE 9 or RB 20 in about 10 minutes, with trains running four times an hour during the day.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Eschweiler (distance 16 km)

Eschweiler offers a mix of industrial heritage, nature and historic castles. Highlights include the Blausteinsee lake, the Indemann viewing tower, the town forest and various castles such as Burg Weisweiler and the moated castle Haus Kambach. As a carnival town and industrial location in the Aachen city region, it combines tradition with leisure value.

You can reach Eschweiler from Aachen main station with the RE 1, RE 9 or RB 20 in about 20 minutes, with trains running four times an hour during the day.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Roetgen (distance 22 km)

Roetgen, the “gateway to the Eifel”, lies on the border with Belgium and is known for its natural surroundings, the Struffelt nature reserve and the Dreilägerbach dam. Popular activities include hiking on the Eifelsteig and cycling, often along the historic Vennbahn route.

By public transport you have to change twice and the journey takes around one hour and 20 minutes.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Jülich (distance 27 km)

Jülich offers a mix of historical fortifications such as the Jülich Citadel, one of the largest interdisciplinary research centers in Europe – known for its supercomputers such as the exaflops computer “Jupiter” – and the family-friendly Brückenkopf Park.

By public transport you need to change once from bus 51 to bus 220 or SB 20 and the journey takes around one hour and 15 minutes.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Simmerath (distance 32 km)

The municipality of Simmerath in the Eifel offers a combination of breathtaking nature around the Rursee lake and historic charm. The region is characterized by forests, hills and lakes and offers many opportunities for leisure activities such as hiking, cycling and water sports. A large part of the surrounding area belongs to Eifel National Park.

By public transport you need to change once from bus line 51 to SB 63, and the journey takes around one hour and 45 minutes.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Düren (distance 35 km)

Düren lies between Cologne and Aachen on the edge of the Eifel and is often referred to as the “gateway to the northern Eifel”. The city has a long history dating back to Roman times and is now an important economic and educational center in the region. With its cultural institutions, the Birkesdorf Paper Museum and numerous leisure opportunities, Düren offers a successful combination of tradition, culture and quality of life.

By train you need about 25 minutes to Düren with the RE 1 or RE 4. Both lines run every half hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Monschau (distance 36 km)

The town of Monschau lies near the Belgian border and is known for its medieval center with over 300 listed half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Sights include Monschau Castle with its towers overlooking the town, the Red House, the historic mustard mill and the Monschau glassworks.

By public transport you need to change once from bus line 51 to SB 66, and the journey takes around one hour and 30 minutes.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Heinsberg (distance 50 km)

Heinsberg is a charming district town in the west of North Rhine-Westphalia and stands out with its historic old town featuring Heinsberg Castle and the church of St. Gangolf. Surrounded by idyllic countryside, the town combines tradition and nature and at the same time offers a high quality of life.

By train you can reach Heinsberg in 40 to 50 minutes. The RB 33 runs every hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Bergheim (distance 60 km)

Bergheim lies in the heart of the Rhein-Erft district and has transformed itself from a brown coal center into a conveniently reachable local recreational destination. The town offers an attractive old town, a wide range of leisure and sports facilities and idyllic countryside around the Erft meadows.

By train you can reach Bergheim in 60 minutes with the RE 9 in combination with the RB 38 or with the RE 1 and bus 975. You can take a train connection approximately every half hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Erftstadt (distance 65 km)

In the middle of the Rhein-Erft district, Erftstadt offers a successful mix of rural charm and urban proximity. The various districts delight with historic sights, idyllic landscapes and a vibrant club and cultural life. The Erft river and numerous local recreation areas invite you to trips into the countryside.

By train you can reach Erftstadt in 50 minutes with the RE 9 and RE 22 or with the RE 1 and bus line 955. You can take a train connection approximately every half hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Frechen (distance 65 km)

Frechen is located right on the outskirts of Cologne and combines urban diversity with green quality of life. The town is known for its traditional ceramics, its charming old town and numerous leisure facilities. Parks, forests and cycle paths invite you to relax, while cultural events and cosy cafés provide variety.

By train you can reach Frechen in 50 minutes with the RE 1 and RE 9 and onward travel with the S12 (light rail). You can take a train connection to and from Frechen twice an hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Mönchengladbach (distance 70 km)

Mönchengladbach is one of the largest cities on the left bank of the Lower Rhine. Historic buildings such as Rheydt Castle, lively shopping streets and numerous parks and gardens shape the cityscape. The city is also well known for football – the club Borussia Mönchengladbach inspires fans far beyond the region. Whether culture, leisure or sport, Mönchengladbach offers a wide range of opportunities.

By train you can reach Mönchengladbach in 50 minutes with the RE 4 or RB 33. You can take a train connection approximately every half hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Cologne (distance 70 km)

Cologne is the largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia and is known for its impressive cathedral, its Rhenish carnival and its open, friendly atmosphere. The city combines history, culture and modernity and, as an important media and economic center, is one of the most significant metropolises in Germany.

By train you can reach Cologne in 50 minutes with the RE 1 or RE 9. Trains run every half hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Neuss (distance 71 km)

Neuss and its surroundings offer a varied mix of Roman history – such as the Quirinus Minster and the Obertor – as well as attractive excursion destinations in the green, for example the botanical garden. A harbor promenade also invites you to linger.

With the trains RB 33 or RE 4 you need about one hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Düsseldorf (distance 80 km)

Düsseldorf, the capital of North Rhine-Westphalia, is known for its lively old town, often referred to as the “longest bar in the world,” and for the elegant Königsallee with its exclusive shops. The city combines tradition and modernity and delights with a diverse art and cultural scene.

By train you can reach Düsseldorf in one hour and 25 minutes with the RB 1 or RB 4. You can take a train connection every half hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Bonn (distance 95 km)

The former federal capital Bonn lies on the Rhine and offers major sights such as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, the venerable town hall and the impressive Museum Mile. Bonn offers numerous green spaces, attractive shopping options and a wide range of cultural activities.

By train you can reach Bonn in one hour and 25 minutes with the RE 1 or RE 9 with one change to the RE 5. You can take a train connection approximately every half hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

Kerkrade (distance 10 km)

Kerkrade lies directly on the border with the German town of Herzogenrath. The town is known for its close cross-border cooperation with Germany and cultural highlights such as the World Music Contest, which every four years attracts musicians from all over the world. With GaiaZOO, one of the most beautiful zoos in the Netherlands, and Abdij Rolduc, an impressive 12th-century abbey, Kerkrade offers a diverse mix of culture, history and nature.

By train you can reach Kerkrade in 40 minutes with the RE 18 and RS 18 or with the RB 20 and bus 27. There is a connection every half hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Vaals (distance 12 km)

Vaals is a charming Dutch municipality located directly on the border with Germany and Belgium. The village is especially known for the Three-Country Point, where the borders of the three countries meet. With its hilly landscape, historic buildings and immediate proximity to the city of Aachen, Vaals offers a beautiful base for your visit.

From the showgrounds you can reach Vaals within 40 minutes with bus 51 and onward travel with lines 350, 33, 55 or 25.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Heerlen (distance 18 km)

Heerlen belongs to the Dutch province of Limburg and is considered one of the street-art capitals of Europe. All over the city you will find huge murals by international artists. The Thermenmuseum is one of the city’s main attractions, where you can see the largest Roman bath complex in the Netherlands. The ruins date back to the time when Heerlen was a Roman settlement called Coriovallum.

From Aachen main station you can reach Heerlen within 30 minutes with the RE 18.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Valkenburg (distance 28 km)

Valkenburg is one of the most charming places in South Limburg and delights with its historic flair, lively streets and a landscape that is unique in the Netherlands. The famous marl caves, the medieval castle ruins and numerous cozy restaurants invite you to enjoy both the town and the surrounding countryside.

You can reach Valkenburg by train in 43 minutes with the RE 18.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Maastricht (distance 35 km)

Maastricht lies in the south of the Dutch province of Limburg and is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. The city impresses with its historic old town, charming alleys and impressive buildings such as the Basilica of Saint Servatius and the Sint Janskerk. In addition to its rich history, Maastricht is today an important cultural and economic center.

You can reach Maastricht in 55 minutes by train with the RE 18. The train runs every half hour.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Sittard (distance 38 km)

Sittard is a historic small town with a cozy, largely car-free old town, a lively marketplace with many cafés and terraces, as well as noteworthy churches and alleys. Surrounded by parks, stream valleys and lots of greenery, Sittard combines urban flair with rural tranquility and the typical Limburg way of life.

You can reach Sittard by train in around 45 to 50 minutes from Aachen main station, with one change (for example in Heerlen) on the RE 18 route Aachen–Maastricht.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Roermond (distance 60 km)

Roermond is a lively city on the river Maas that ideally combines a historic old town, water landscapes and shopping. Around the market square and the imposing Munsterkerk, old alleys, cafés and terraces invite you to stroll around, while the Maasplassen – the largest connected water sports area in the Netherlands – invite you to boat trips and activities on the water. Just outside the town there is also a large designer outlet that attracts many visitors.

You can reach Roermond from Aachen main station in about one hour by train with one change in Heerlen.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

Kelmis (distance 12 km)

Kelmis is a small border municipality in East Belgium with village charm and an interesting history – known for the former microstate Neutral Moresnet and historic zinc mining. Around the town center there are quiet residential streets, fields and forests, which are well suited for short walks and trips to the Three-Country Point.

You can reach Kelmis from Aachen main station in eight minutes by S41.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Welkenraedt (distance 21 km)

Welkenraedt is a small town in East Belgium that combines urban proximity and rural calm. Around the station and the town center there are some shops, cafés and typical residential buildings, while just a few minutes’ walk away you reach fields, hills and forests – a good starting point for excursions towards the High Fens and the Ardennes. Due to its location on the Liège–Aachen railway line, Welkenraedt is also a convenient starting point for day trips in the region.

You can reach Welkenraedt from Aachen main station in 15 minutes with the S41.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Eupen (distance 23 km)

Eupen is the capital of the German-speaking Community of Belgium and lies picturesquely at the edge of the High Fens–Eifel nature park. The town has a compact, historic core with town houses from the cloth-making era, churches, small shops and cafés. Just a few minutes outside begins a wooded hilly landscape with a dam and hiking trails – ideal for trips into nature.

You can reach Eupen from Aachen main station by bus in 30 minutes with line 14.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Raeren (distance 25 km)

Raeren is a quiet municipality in East Belgium, nestled in forests and meadows on the edge of the Eifel. The place is known for its historic Raeren Castle with pottery museum and lies directly on former railway lines and cycle paths (Vennbahn/RAVeL), which invite you to extensive walks and bike tours. Village life is tranquil, with a few cafés and typical quarry stone houses – ideal if you want to combine nature, peace and a bit of history.

By bus you can reach Raeren from Aachen main station in around 30 to 50 minutes with one change in Eynatten Merols (lines 14/722).

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Verviers (distance 45 km)

Verviers is a former cloth-making and industrial town in the valley of the Vesdre in the province of Liège. The center around Verviers-Central and Verviers-Palais offers historic town houses, several squares with cafés and shops; at the same time, you can clearly sense the town’s industrial character and transition. Along the Vesdre and in the surrounding hills you can take walks with views of old factory buildings, bridges and residential districts – more “authentically Belgian” than polished for tourists.

You can reach Verviers from Aachen main station directly in about 30 minutes with the S41.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Spa (distance 53 km)

Spa is a traditional spa town in the Ardennes and gave its name to “spas” worldwide. The town lies nestled in wooded hills and is known for its historic thermal baths, elegant architecture, parks and promenades. In the surrounding area, hiking trails through the Ardennes landscape beckon, and just a few kilometers away lies the famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, one of the most legendary Formula 1 racetracks in the world.

You can reach Spa from Aachen main station by train and bus, usually with a change (mostly in Verviers), in around one hour and 15 minutes (S41/388).

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Liège (distance 54 km)

Liège is a lively city on the river Meuse in Wallonia, with a mix of historic industrial architecture, baroque churches and modern urban development. The route into the city center with shops, cafés and typical Belgian brasseries begins around Liège-Guillemins station (designed by Santiago Calatrava). Along the riverbank, in the old town and at the markets (e.g. Marché de la Batte), Liège presents itself as very “urban-Belgian”: somewhat rough but full of character, with lots of street life, culture and gastronomy.

You can reach Liège from Aachen main station directly in 25 minutes with the ICE/Eurostar or in one hour with the S41.

Further information and contact details can be found here.

 

Malmedy (distance 62 km)

Malmedy is a picturesque little town in the Ardennes on the river Warche, with a compact historic town center, the cathedral, small squares, cafés and typical quarry stone houses. The surroundings are characterized by forests, valleys and plateaus – an ideal starting point for hikes and bike tours in the High Fens and the Ardennes; it is also not far from the Spa-Francorchamps race track.

You can reach Malmedy from Aachen main station by train and bus, usually with a change (mostly in Verviers), in around one hour and 30 minutes (S41/E21).

Further information and contact details can be found here.