Calling all nature lovers, adventure and wellness seekers!

Aachen is known for the cathedral, printen and historical sites, but did you know that there is a whole world of outdoor adventures very close to the city?

Aachen is surrounded by 2300 hectares of forest full of hiking trails, cycling trails and hidden gems with activities perfect for families, couples, and individuals to enjoy a getaway in the outdoors without going far from the city!

First things first, Who are we to give you advice about Aachen? We are POHA House. We offer effortless living and flexible stays in Aachen and, more importantly, we offer a community experience managed by our Community Management Team, who are local experts and seasoned professionals, forming the true, knowledgeable heart of POHA House. 

Welcome to Preuswald: Aachen’s Forest Oasis for Hiking and Adventure

The Preuswald forest, nestled right on the city’s edge, is the ideal starting point for your outdoor escapade. This sprawling area is a haven for active exploration, offering everything from serene, well-marked hiking trails suitable for all skill levels to exhilarating mountain biking routes and even an exciting high ropes course. Whether you want a gentle stroll, a challenging workout, or a unique family adventure, Preuswald has the perfect natural setting to relax, recharge, and satisfy your thirst for adventure.

Getting to the Preuswald forest

If you are in the city centre, you can easily catch a bus from a stop like Elissenbrunnen directly to Preuswald which should take less than 20 min depending on traffic. The bus ride itself is already a lovely peak into nice architecture in Aachen and slowly into the Aachen forest.

Walking in the forest can be a perfect way to decrease negative feelings such as depression, tension, anger, fatigue, amongst others according to some studies, and lucky for you Aachen is the perfect place to get these benefits. So let’s dive in!  

Let’s talk about hiking trails.

There are multiple ways to access the forest in Aachen and immediately you immerse yourself in a sea of green guided by clearly marked trails. These trails can go from under 3 km to over 7km, with coloured indicators that make them easy to navigate.

These trails go through historical sites, nature reserves, ponds and incredible views, making it a perfect plan if you want to tune out the outside noise and enjoy some peaceful forest walks.

Fun fact: some of the trails are also known for being used for horseback riding! So you might spot a horse or two while adventuring in the forest.

Cycle around the forest.

Another fun way to explore around is simply grabbing your bike and just going out in the forest. The trails are not only made for hiking and horseback riding, but cycling routes are clearly marked and what better way to get some cardio going and covering more distance than your trustworthy bike?  

The Ultimate Outdoor Challenge: Preuswald Rope Course

How does a rope course with ziplines that go from tree to tree sound? This fun course is located just 5 km away from the city centre in Aachen, easily accessible by car, bus (or even walking if you are in the Preuswald area!) and in my opinion, one of the coolest views you can have of the forest, yes from the top of the tree. 

Here you get to climb, slide, and zipline in the middle of the forest, where you can check the different rope courses from levels 1 to 17 and believe us, you will not be left disappointed. Staff are on hand to offer guidance and information in English and German. 

While the course might look challenging or intimidating from the ground, I promise that all worries will disappear as the fun takes over! (Believe me, I was one of them)

Tip: if you are part of our POHA House Preuswald community, getting to this rope course is a brisk 15 minute walk from the House!

The Three Country Point NL / BE / DE

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be in 3 countries at the same time? If so, you are in for a treat! 

Whether you decide to arrive here directly from the city with the bus 35 direction Vaals, or taking the scenic view hiking through the forest, which is our favourite option, this is a great experience you should not skip.

Up in the forest you can find the exact point where the borders of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium collide, as well as the highest point in the Netherlands, and even better? There is a lot to enjoy in the triborder area!

Besides the obligatory photo with the three flags and maybe jumping around from one border to the other in the exact point where they all cross,, you can find a lovely outdoor area with a food court offering traditional dishes from the three countries, icecream, a labyrinth, a panoramic watch tower, and a playground that will keep you entertained for hours.

The atmosphere there is refreshing, happy and overall a great place to spend a nice time surrounded by nature in 3 countries at the same time. 

So if you would like some belgian pommes frites, dutch meatballs and a german beer after a hike in the Preuswald forest, followed by a fun time at the labyrinth and of course, buying some souvenirs, this is a plan for you!

In the need of a wellness retreat?

Aachen is a thermal heaven, and besides finding clear evidence of this in the Elisenbrunnen in the city centre, you can enjoy a relaxing spa time in the thermal waters.

Besides being a relaxing activity, bathing in thermal waters can have multiple health benefits. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and  PubMed Central (PMC), this can help chronic skin diseases, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, low back pain, as well as anxiety, cortisol and stress reduction! 

So needless to say, visiting Carolus Thermen can be a great opportunity to unwind and have a little escape from the hectic day to day life!

Living close to nature and the Tri-border area.

All these activities are easier accessible when you live in an area close to the forest and our top recommendation here is our POHA House Preuswald. 

With a building right by the forest, apartments with panoramic views, a gym in house and lovely community areas, if you are a person who enjoys the peace of having a forest as your backyard, this could be just what you are looking for. 

Have we peaked your interest? Just get in touch with us!

Staying for a short time in Aachen? 

POHA House Büchel, located right in the heart of Aachen, provides modern, comfortable flats perfect for any trip length. Whether you’re here for a weekend exploring the hiking trails or an extended stay of up to six months, POHA House Büchel offers flexible and stylish accommodation, with the chance of keeping your bike there and close to all buses and public transportation to reach the forests and trails in no time! 

Enjoy your adventure time in Aachen and if you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact us, we are always happy to help.