Aachen: the Historic City of Aachen

Aachen, located in the westernmost corner of Germany near the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands, is a city rich in history, culture, and academic excellence. Known for its thermal springs and its significance during the reign of Charlemagne, Aachen offers a unique blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy.

A City Steeped in History

Aachen was once the center of the Holy Roman Empire under Charlemagne, who made the city his imperial residence. Today, you can still admire the majestic Aachen Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe.

• Aachen Cathedral: Burial place of Charlemagne
• Town Hall: A stunning example of Gothic architecture
• Medieval old town: Cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and cafes

Academic & Technological Hub

Aachen is also home to RWTH Aachen University, one of Europe’s most renowned technical universities. The presence of this institution contributes to a youthful and international atmosphere in the city.

• Over 47,000 students
• Strong focus on engineering and innovation
• Numerous tech startups and research centers

Quality of Life in Aachen

The city offers a high standard of living, combining urban amenities with green parks and access to nature. Aachen’s residents enjoy:

• Relaxing thermal spas and wellness centers
• Extensive cycling and walking paths
• A lively cultural scene with museums, concerts, and festivals
• Excellent public transportation

Real Estate and Living

Aachen provides a range of residential options, from historic apartments in the city center to family homes in quieter districts like Laurensberg and Brand. The city’s real estate market is affordable compared to nearby metropolises like Cologne or Düsseldorf.

Popular Residential Areas:

• Laurensberg: Family-friendly, green, and peaceful
• Burtscheid: Known for its spa culture and historic charm
• Frankenberg: Trendy and close to the city center

Real Estate Highlights:

• Moderate property prices and rental rates
• Stable demand due to student and research population
• Growing interest from investors and young families

Why Visit or Live in Aachen?

Whether you're a tourist, a student, or someone looking for a beautiful place to live, Aachen has something for everyone. Its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and strategic location in the heart of Europe make it a truly unique city.

From Roman baths to modern innovation, Aachen is a city where the past and future meet.

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The Most Popular Neighborhoods in Aachen and the Real Estate Market

Aachen, a vibrant city at the western edge of Germany, combines a rich historical background with a strong academic presence. As the home of RWTH Aachen University and a thriving technology sector, the city continues to attract students, professionals, and families alike. Its diverse neighborhoods each offer their own character, atmosphere, and living experience.

Popular Districts in Aachen

Aachen is divided into several districts, each catering to different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you're looking for historical charm, green spaces, or modern infrastructure, the city has a place that fits your needs.

1. Laurensberg

Laurensberg is one of the most sought-after residential areas in Aachen. Located to the northwest of the city center, this district is popular among families and professionals for its peaceful environment and good infrastructure.

• Quiet, residential character
• Good schools and kindergartens
• Proximity to RWTH Aachen and University Hospital
• Detached and semi-detached houses dominate the market

2. Burtscheid

Burtscheid is a historic district known for its spa culture and beautiful architecture. Its central location and wellness offerings make it attractive to both young professionals and retirees.

• Historic townhouses and apartments
• Close to thermal baths and parks
• Lively yet relaxed atmosphere
• Popular among long-term residents

3. Frankenberg

Frankenberg is an increasingly trendy district, especially among students and young creatives. The area is known for its artistic flair and the iconic Frankenberg Castle.

• Vibrant, youthful atmosphere
• Mixture of renovated old buildings and modern flats
• Popular cafés and cultural venues
• Strong rental demand

4. Brand

Brand is a spacious district in the southeast of Aachen, appreciated for its green spaces and family friendly layout. It offers a suburban feel while remaining well connected to the city center.

• Predominantly single-family homes
• Quiet streets and access to nature
• Well-developed local amenities
• Ideal for homeowners seeking more space

The Real Estate Market in Aachen

The real estate market in Aachen remains relatively stable and affordable compared to larger cities like Cologne or Düsseldorf. Due to its academic and technological appeal, there is consistent demand for both rental and owner-occupied properties.

Key Market Characteristics:

• Moderate purchase prices with potential for long-term appreciation
• High rental demand, particularly in student-populated areas
• Attractive for investors seeking stable yields
• Low vacancy rates across most districts

Rental Market Insights:

• One-bedroom apartments near the university are in high demand
• Larger properties in outer districts offer better value for families
• Well-maintained and energy-efficient buildings are increasingly favored

What the real estate agents say

Aachen offers a wide range of residential options in neighborhoods that suit various lifestyles. Whether you are investing, relocating, or simply looking for a vibrant city with a historical heart and modern living standards, Aachen’s real estate market provides solid opportunities. The combination of academic influence, cultural depth, and quality of life makes it a promising location for property ownership.

Land Values (Bodenrichtwerte) for Residential Land in Aachen (€/m²) by Borough

Borough (Stadtbezirk)	Approx. Average BRW (€/m²)	Range (Min - Max BRW Zone) (€/m²)	General Characteristics
Mitte (Center)	650	450 - 900	Highest residential values (e.g., Frankenberger Viertel, Lousberg); central location.
Laurensberg	590	350 - 750	High demand due to RWTH Aachen University proximity and green surroundings.
Richterich	480	300 - 550	Northern area, suburban/village-like character.
Haaren	420	280 - 480	Eastern area, mixed residential structure.
Brand	520	350 - 620	Southern district, popular due to proximity to the Eifel and good infrastructure.
Eilendorf	470	300 - 550	Eastern, good transport links (railway station).
Kornelimünster/Walheim	380	190 - 450	Southernmost/rural areas, historically charming.
Aachen City Average	~500	~190 – 900

Disclaimer: The legally binding land values are officially determined and published by the Expert Committee for Property Valuation (Gutachterausschuss) with the key date of January 1st of the respective year. The values stated here originate from various market analysis and forecasting sources. The highest residential values (up to 900 €/m²) are typically found in prime residential areas near the city center (e.g., Frankenberger Viertel). Please consult the official BORIS portal for definitive information.

RWTH Aachen University – A Global Leader in Engineering and Innovation

RWTH Aachen University, officially known as Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, is one of Europe's most prestigious and forward-thinking universities. Located in the vibrant city of Aachen, Germany, this research-intensive institution is renowned for its engineering, technology, and applied sciences programs. With a tradition that dates back to the 19th century, RWTH Aachen has played a key role in shaping industrial and scientific advancements both in Germany and worldwide.

Historical Background

Founded in 1870 as a response to the increasing need for technological expertise during the industrial revolution, RWTH Aachen began with just a few departments. Over the decades, the university has grown into a world-renowned center of excellence in education and research.

Key Historical Milestones:

• 1870: RWTH Aachen is officially established.
• 1900s: Expansion into civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and chemistry.
• Post-WWII: Rebuilding and transformation into a leading research university.
• 2007: Designated as one of Germany’s "Universities of Excellence."
• 2020s: Leader in digitalization, AI, and energy research.

Academic Excellence

RWTH Aachen offers a wide range of programs in technical, scientific, and interdisciplinary fields. The university places a strong emphasis on applied learning, industry partnerships, and cutting-edge research.

Notable Faculties:

• Faculty of Mechanical Engineering – Ranked among the best in the world.
• Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
• Faculty of Computer Science – A hub for artificial intelligence and robotics.
• Faculty of Medicine – Strong in biomedical engineering and health tech.
• Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Students benefit from RWTH’s close ties with industry giants such as Siemens, Bosch, BMW, and Deutsche Telekom, enabling internships, research collaborations, and real-world experience.

International Reputation

RWTH Aachen is a truly global university. It hosts over 47,000 students, with more than 13,000 international students from over 120 countries. English-language Master's and PhD programs attract scholars from around the globe.

Key Rankings and Recognitions:

• Consistently ranked among the top technical universities in Europe
• Member of the IDEA League (a consortium of leading European tech universities)
• Top 3 in Germany for engineering disciplines
• Highly respected for collaborative research with industry

Research and Innovation

RWTH Aachen is synonymous with innovation. The university hosts numerous interdisciplinary research centers and clusters of excellence funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). The focus is on addressing major global challenges in:

• Sustainable energy systems
• Mobility and smart infrastructure
• Artificial Intelligence and robotics
• Materials science
• Health technology

The Campus Melaten is one of Europe’s largest research campuses, where academia, startups, and multinational companies co-create future technologies.

Student Life in Aachen

Aachen is a lively university town known for its student-friendly atmosphere. The city's proximity to Belgium and the Netherlands offers unique cultural experiences. RWTH students enjoy:

• Affordable housing compared to other German university cities
• Active student societies and events
• Vibrant nightlife in the Pontstraße area
• Beautiful surroundings for hiking, biking, and weekend getaways

Digital Transformation and Future Outlook

RWTH Aachen is at the forefront of digital education and smart infrastructure. With investments in e-learning platforms, AI research labs, and smart city technologies, the university aims to remain a global leader in the decades to come.

Its mission is to develop “The Integrated Interdisciplinary University of Technology” – a model where scientific excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and societal responsibility merge into one vision.

What we say about...

RWTH Aachen University is more than an academic institution. It is a symbol of Germany’s technological heritage, a driver of innovation, and a springboard for global careers. Whether you are a prospective student, researcher, or partner, RWTH stands out as a place where knowledge, creativity, and ambition come together to shape the future.

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Aachen in NRW

Living like a emperor in the west of germany.

The geographical setting and regional significance

Aachen is located in the far west of North Rhine-Westphalia, close to the borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, which has given it a unique position as a crossroads of cultures, trade, and political influence throughout history. Nestled at the northern edge of the Eifel mountains and enriched with natural hot springs, the city developed as both a strategic settlement and a place of healing and recreation. Its location encouraged exchanges of goods, ideas, and people, which is why Aachen has always stood out as more than just another regional town in Germany. It became a meeting point where merchants, rulers, and ordinary citizens could find opportunities shaped by its advantageous geography.

The early settlement and Roman influence

The origins of Aachen reach back to Roman times, when the area was known for its thermal springs. The Romans recognized the health benefits of the warm, mineral-rich waters and built baths and facilities around them, transforming the site into a spa town called Aquae Granni. Soldiers, officials, and travelers stopped here to recover, and the settlement grew into a small but notable Roman town. In addition to its reputation for healing waters, the area also benefitted from fertile land, which supported local farming communities. The mixture of agriculture, trade, and wellness gave Aachen an early character that set it apart from surrounding villages, making it a place of both daily work and restorative leisure.

The role of Charlemagne and the imperial era

Aachen rose to true prominence during the time of Charlemagne in the late 8th and early 9th centuries. The Frankish king chose the town as his imperial residence, attracted by its central location within his vast empire and its thermal springs. Around 800 AD, Charlemagne began constructing his famous palace complex, including the Palatine Chapel, which later became Aachen Cathedral. From this base, Aachen served as the political heart of the Carolingian Empire, and it became a symbol of power, faith, and governance. Craftsmen, scholars, and clerics were drawn to the city, creating a hub of intellectual and artistic activity. For centuries afterward, Aachen remained a coronation site for German kings, reinforcing its status as a place of historical importance.

Medieval society and daily life

As Aachen grew during the Middle Ages, it developed a social structure typical of an important European city. Nobles, clerics, and wealthy merchants held significant influence, while artisans and guild members provided the backbone of the urban economy. Crafts such as metalworking, cloth production, and leatherworking were widely practiced, and the city’s reputation as a market center expanded. The presence of the cathedral and associated institutions meant that many inhabitants were involved in religious life or dependent on the ecclesiastical structures of the city. Ordinary people lived in modest houses near workshops, combining domestic life with professional activity, while larger merchant families occupied more impressive residences closer to the central market squares.

The development of trade and guilds

By the late medieval and early modern periods, Aachen was firmly integrated into European trade networks. Artisans organized themselves into guilds, which regulated production, quality, and training of apprentices. The guilds provided not only professional security but also a sense of community, with festivals, social events, and religious associations strengthening their bonds. Aachen became known for specialized crafts, particularly in metal products and later in fine textiles. Merchants traded their goods at local fairs and exported items to neighboring regions, benefiting from Aachen’s location near important routes between Cologne, Liège, and the Low Countries. In this way, work in Aachen was deeply tied to the rhythms of trade, regulation, and craftsmanship that characterized medieval urban economies.

The spa tradition and European visitors

From the Renaissance onward, Aachen’s thermal springs regained importance as places of healing and relaxation. The city developed into a fashionable spa destination, attracting nobles, scholars, and wealthy travelers from across Europe. The reputation of the waters grew, and bathhouses and accommodations were built to serve the influx of visitors. This influx also created new opportunities for local inhabitants, as many found employment in hospitality, service trades, and commerce. The combination of historical prestige as a former imperial capital and contemporary appeal as a health resort gave Aachen a dual identity that attracted diverse groups of people. Residents increasingly combined traditional crafts with newer roles linked to tourism and leisure.

The industrial transformation of Aachen

Like many cities in North Rhine-Westphalia, Aachen experienced significant industrial development in the 19th century. Textile production, especially cloth and wool, became a central economic pillar, and the city developed a reputation as a center of quality textile manufacturing. The discovery and use of coal in the surrounding region supported industrial growth, and factories provided employment for thousands of workers. Alongside textiles, metal industries and machine production gained importance, creating a diversified industrial base. The industrial workforce expanded rapidly, with families moving into the city in search of jobs. This transformation changed the social structure of Aachen, as industrial workers began to dominate the population, though traditional crafts and small-scale businesses continued to play a role in daily life.

The academic influence of RWTH Aachen

The founding of the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH Aachen University) in 1870 marked a turning point in the city’s identity. The university quickly developed into one of Germany’s leading technical institutions, attracting students, researchers, and engineers. Its focus on applied sciences, engineering, and innovation complemented the city’s industrial base and provided a bridge between academic knowledge and practical application. The presence of RWTH also created a new social group in the city: students and academics who contributed to cultural life and broadened Aachen’s reputation beyond its industrial and spa traditions. This integration of education, science, and economy reshaped the opportunities for inhabitants and reinforced Aachen’s role as a place of innovation.

The people who shaped Aachen’s character

The identity of Aachen was not shaped solely by rulers or wealthy merchants but by the collective lives of the many people who lived and worked in the city. Roman settlers, Carolingian craftsmen, medieval guild members, spa attendants, industrial workers, and modern academics all left their imprint on the city’s development. Farmers from the surrounding countryside supplied markets with produce, while urban artisans sustained families with skilled labor. Generations of textile workers filled the factories during the 19th and early 20th centuries, their daily efforts powering the city’s economy. In contrast, intellectuals, scholars, and innovators added layers of knowledge and culture, creating a diverse and multifaceted community. This mixture of practical labor and intellectual ambition has remained a hallmark of Aachen’s identity.

The modern outlook of the city

In the present day, Aachen combines its historical roots with modern urban development. The cathedral and palace complex serve as reminders of the city’s imperial past, while the university and research institutions represent its forward-looking character. The surrounding landscape, with rolling hills and green spaces, balances industrial and urban life, offering residents a high quality of life. Aachen’s population remains diverse, with a mix of long-established families, students, international workers, and cross-border commuters contributing to the city’s rhythm. Its history of settlement, labor, and innovation continues to shape its role in North Rhine-Westphalia and in Europe as a whole, making it both a historic city of emperors and a living, evolving urban center.