Aachen, located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, is a city steeped in history and prestige, with a population of approximately 249,000. Initially developed from a Roman settlement known for its thermae, Aachen eventually evolved into a preferred residence for Emperor Charlemagne and the imperial location where 31 Holy Roman Emperors were crowned. Home to the prestigious RWTH Aachen University and Europe's largest single-building hospital, the Uniklinikum Aachen, this vibrant city is a hub for technology, education, and innovation.

Aachen is known not only for its rich past but also for its exquisite culinary delights and celebrations, particularly the famous Aachener Printen gingerbread and colourful carnival festivities. Visitors may get a taste of the local Central Franconian dialect with evident Limburgish influences, speaking to its close proximity to the neighbouring Netherlands. The city's remarkable background is further underscored by its development and inhabitants throughout the Neolithic, Iron, and Middle Ages.

Aachen stands as a symbol of resilience, even after losing its status as a free imperial city in 1794 to the French and suffering significant damage during World War II. The city remains a vital cultural and historical hub for visitors to explore today.