Parks in Aachen
And Things You Can Do
Aachen offers a variety of parks that provide green spaces for recreation, relaxation, and gatherings. Let’s take a look at the parks of Aachen!
Key Parks in Aachen
Stadtpark
Two notable parks named Stadtpark exist in Aachen. The Stadtpark on Chlodwigstraße is a large green space featuring tennis courts, walking trails, playgrounds, and areas where dogs are welcome. It is a popular spot for families and pet owners. Another Stadtpark is located near Rolandstraße and is known for picnic areas and accessible paths suitable for all visitors. Both parks are open daily around the clock and offer full wheelchair accessibility.
Elisengarten
Elisengarten sits behind the Elisenbrunnen fountain in central Aachen. It was created in the 1850s by landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné. Archaeological digs beneath the garden have uncovered Roman-era structures that served guests of the thermal baths nearby. These ruins include foundations and heating systems, and can be viewed through a protective glass display within the park. The thermal waters that flow at Elisenbrunnen have attracted visitors for centuries due to their healing properties.
Kurpark
Kurpark is located on Monheimsallee near the spa and Congress Center. It provides a peaceful place to relax amid fountains, meadows, and well-tended gardens. This park is open to all visitors year-round and welcomes families, seniors, and people with strollers. A highlight of the park is the annual Kurpark Classix festival held in summer, featuring open-air concerts by the Aachen Symphony Orchestra and international performers. The program includes a mix of opera, symphony, and crossover music. Kurpark is about a 20-minute walk from the old town, with frequent bus connections.
Westpark
Westpark, situated along Vaalser Straße, offers a mix of sports facilities, including basketball and volleyball courts, a skateboarding area, and a pond. It’s a well-liked spot for picnicking, sunbathing, and active recreation, with amenities suitable for all ages and interests. The park is fully accessible and welcomes dogs. Barbecuing is allowed only in designated areas on the meadow near Weststraße, and quiet hours begin at 10 PM to respect nearby residents. The park was originally founded in 1882 as the Lochnergarten and once hosted a zoo and circus. Today, it serves mainly as a recreational urban park attracting families, students, and sports enthusiasts. It is open daily 24 hours and reachable by bus or on foot, about 20 minutes from Aachen city center.
Suermondt Park
Suermondt Park is located in the heart of the Suermondtviertel neighborhood. It reopened in 2016 following renovation and community involvement to improve green and recreational spaces. The park features new playgrounds, a basketball court, and a small soccer field, drawing families and sports enthusiasts alike. A key aspect of the park is the integration of a community garden where residents cultivate flowers and vegetables. The park has accessible paths and seating areas designed for people of all ages and abilities. It remains open daily, providing a green refuge in a densely built urban area.
Frankenberger Park
Frankenberger Park lies at the foot of the Frankenberg Castle. The park offers open lawns, a playground with slides and swings, and courts for basketball and football. Visitors often stop by a nearby ice cream shop, making it a popular spot on warm days. The park is part of the lively Frankenberger Viertel neighborhood, known for its impressive late 19th-century architecture. It is open daily, usually from early morning until late evening.
Lindenrondell Stadtgarten
Lindenrondell Stadtgarten is a small green spot located on Pippinstraße. It is a quiet place where visitors can take a break and enjoy some peace during a day exploring the city. The park is pet-friendly and easy to get around for wheelchair users. It offers benches and shaded areas, making it suited for a brief rest or casual meeting. Barbecuing is allowed in marked areas nearby.
Aachener Zoo Euregiozoo
Aachener Tierpark Euregiozoo is a compact, family-friendly zoo located in the “Drimborner Wäldchen” area between the Forst and Beverau districts. It covers about 8.9 hectares and hosts roughly 700 animals from more than 100 species. The collection includes native European animals, monkeys, zebras, Asian camels, cheetahs, antelopes, and a variety of birds such as the Waldrapp ibis, which is native to Germany. The grounds feel park-like, with open spaces, wooded areas, and a large pond for waterfowl. There are separate playgrounds and a petting zoo that attract children and families. The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and paved paths. The zoo operates daily from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in summer (September to mid-October) and shorter hours in the off-season.
Frequent Social Activities in Aachen Parks
People frequently gather for picnics, casual celebrations, or simply to relax in the fresh air. Open lawns and picnic areas make it easy to bring blankets, food, and games to share with others. Ball games like soccer, volleyball, or catch are common in parks that provide open spaces or sports facilities. Westpark and Frankenberger Park, for instance, have courts and fields for basketball, volleyball, and skateboarding. Enjoying a beer or other beverages is part of many social gatherings, especially during sunny days or weekends.
Park Rules
Respect for Nature and Wildlife
Appreciate the local wildlife, including ducks, birds, and other small animals, without feeding them. Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural diet and behavior and potentially create health risks to the animals.
Barbecuing and Grilling
Barbecuing and grilling are permitted in designated areas within some parks, such as Westpark, and the Kurgarten, and specific barbecue spots like the field on Rütscher Straße. It is important to use only these areas for grilling, ensuring fires are fully extinguished afterward and keeping the site clean to prevent fire hazards and littering.
General Behavior
Littering is prohibited; use the bins provided for all waste. Playing loud music, causing disturbances, and vandalism are not allowed. Dogs must be kept on a leash in many parks, and their waste must be picked up to maintain cleanliness.
Open Hours and Access
Most Aachen parks are open daily, often from early morning until late evening or even 24/7 for some urban parks. You should respect the opening hours posted for specific parks and any restricted areas within.
Whichever park you choose to spend some leisurely time in, you will find a peaceful setting that offers both relaxation and opportunities for fun. Enjoy the fresh air, make the most of the outdoor activities, and have a great time connecting with nature and community.