Germany

South Limburg is bordered by Germany on the east and has a great deal in common with this neighbouring area. This extends not only to cooperative ventures such as the Maastricht-Aachen Airport but also includes a single, local dialect spoken throughout the region. In terms of culture, both areas are also quite similar.A day trip to Germany, including visits to cities such as Aachen and Düsseldorf, which are within an hour's drive away, offers a great many interesting and worthwhile opportunities.

Aachen

Aachen is one of the largest cities in the region known as the Meuse-Rhine Euregion. With over 250,000 inhabitants, a rich history and a great many industrial activities, Aachen is a major hub in the region.

In Roman times, Aachen was famous for its sulphur-rich mineral springs, which the Romans channelled and used for revitalising baths that are still in use today.

By 1880, Aachen had become an industrial city with production facilities for trains, needles, tobacco and silk products.

At the end of the Second World War, Aachen was the first city to be captured by the Allies and thus liberated from the rule of Nazism. After the war, Aachen quickly recovered and grew to become one of the most impressive cities in the region. One of the most beautiful monuments in the city is the famous Dom (cathedral), which was part of the residence of Charlemagne. The Dom also contains many holy Christian relics, which is why the city has also become an important place of pilgrimage.

Another well-known attraction is the town hall of Aachen, located adjacent to the Market, with its many cosy pubs and restaurants. The city is also a great place for shopping, with many small shopping streets and beautiful examples of historic architecture. Aachen is also very accessible, with no fewer than three railway stations, a direct bus connection to Maastricht, and various motorways enabling you to easily and quickly reach the largest city in the region, located only 30 km from Maastricht.

Jülich and Düren