Aachen (formerly known by its French name of Aix-la-Chapelle), Germany's most westerly city and historically one of Europe's most important towns, lies near the Dutch and Belgian frontiers in a forest-ringed basin in the foothills of the Eifel and the Ardennes.
The hot brine springs of Bad
Aachen are particularly effective in the treatment of gout, rheumatism and sciatica.
The equestrian stadium in the Soers district is the venue of international riding, jumping and driving tournaments, held every year.
History
Aquae Granni, the hottest springs in Europe (37-75 deg C/99-167 deg F), were already frequented in Roman times for their curative properties. In the Middle Ages Aachen was one of the leading towns in Germany, a frequent residence of the Frankish kings, a stronghold much favored by Charlemagne, and from the time of Otto I (936) to that of Ferdinand I (1531) the place of coronation of 32 German kings and the meeting-place of numerous Imperial Diets and church assemblies. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was the "watering-place of kings".
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