Self-guided podcast tour The Border Soul of Aachen

Cologne, Germany
  1. Home
  2. Activities
  3. Cologne
Duration1h 24m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English
Group sizeUp to 99 travelers

Overview

Dive into the disrespectful, indestructible heart of Aachen. This is not a tour of emperors and cathedrals; it is a journey into the border soul of the city – a unique cultural identity, shaped by the toughness of the working class, cross-border trade, and a wonderfully cheeky sense of humor. Through the lens of the local dialect, Öcher Platt, you will discover how deformed little fingers became an emblem of honor, how Napoleon accidentally changed a gingerbread recipe, and why the locals fought tooth and nail to keep the statue of a naked toddler. Join us to discover the vibrant, breathing language of the streets.
- 2.0 km self-guided tour with 6 stations over 84 min.
- Ideal for everyone interested in identity, migration & globalization and society & everyday life
Excitingly told in a podcast style by experts and locals
- Suitable audio content, AI guide, and navigation via the app

What's included

  • Exciting audio output in podcast style with experts and locals
  • Interactive guide in the app for questions about history and surroundings
  • Verified facts incorporated into an exciting story
  • Point-to-point navigation between stops

What to expect

  1. Klenkes
    10m
    A monument to the "Klenkes" (the raised little finger), the universal greeting of Aachen, which is rooted in the industrial past of the city.
  2. 10m
    A statue dedicated to the city's famous gingerbread-like pastry and showing how the local dialect survives in food culture.
  3. 10m
    A well with a naked toddler holding two fish – a symbol of the very special Aachen humor and the resilience of the city.
  4. 10m
    A well that immortalizes a famous local folk song in Öcher Platt and highlights the musicality and storytelling tradition of the dialect.
  5. 10m
    A traditional puppet theater that exclusively performs in Öcher Platt and keeps the dialect alive through the clever character Schängche.
  6. 10m
    One of Aachen's oldest traditional pubs, representing the modern survival and the social fabric of the Öcher Platt.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

From Aachen main station with local public transport towards Klenkes Monument. From the nearest stop, it is a few minutes' walk to the Klenkes Monument. Please check the current connection with the local transport association on the day of travel.

End point

Walk from the restaurant Am Knipp to the nearest stop and take local public transport back to Aachen main station. The starting point is the restaurant Am Knipp. Please check the current connection on the day of travel.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Parts of this description were translated automatically.

From
€5.99 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Red Thread · Booked through Viator
More activities in Cologne
From
€5.99 per person
Check availability