Aachen Christmas Market and the Fluweelengrotte in Valkenburg Aachen Cathedral & the largest underground Christmas market
In the run-up to Christmas, the squares and lanes around Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall are transformed into an atmospheric wonderland of sparkling lights. In Valkenburg in the Netherlands, you will visit the unique Christmas market in the Fluweelengrotte (Velvet Cave). The beautifully decorated cave with its murals, sculptures and an 18th-century chapel is sure to impress you.
Dates and prices
Day 1: Switzerland - Aachen
Journey via Karlsruhe and Cologne to the imperial city of Aachen. Arrival in the evening and free time. Stroll straight to the Christmas market against the imposing backdrop of Aachen Cathedral and the Town Hall. The Aachen market is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, but also for its culinary gingerbread speciality - Aachener Printen.
Day 2: Valkenburg Christmas market - Fluweelen Cave
In the morning, drive to the little Dutch town of Valkenburg, where you will visit the two unique underground Christmas markets. During Advent, the Fluweelen Cave is transformed into an enchanting Christmas cave with beautifully painted cave walls and around 42 lovingly decorated stalls along a 500 m circular route. Just a stone's throw away is the Municipal Cave, the largest, oldest and most visited underground Christmas market in Europe. Return to Aachen.
Day 3: Aachen
Today you have plenty of time to explore on your own the city shaped architecturally by emperors and kings. Experience Aachen in all its facets: as a modern city with beautiful historic townhouses, the Imperial Cathedral, many fountains and countless little lanes.
Day 4: Aachen - Switzerland
After breakfast, journey back to Switzerland.
The Christmas market
The Aachen Christmas market, formerly known as the "Printenmarkt", takes place against the historic backdrop of Aachen Town Hall and the venerable cathedral. Over 120 exhibitors and traders offer Christmas decorations, handicrafts, mulled wine, Aachener Printen and much more.
Opening hours:
Daily: 11:00 - 21:00
Included
- Travel by Comfort coach
- Accommodation, based on double room
- BB (room/breakfast buffet)
- Excursion to Valkenburg in the Netherlands
- Admission to the Fluweelen Cave & the Municipal Cave
Hotels
The 3* Hotel Mercure Aachen am Dom is located in the historic centre of Aachen, just 250 metres from Aachen Cathedral. The hotel has a modern façade and brightly furnished rooms. They are equipped with satellite TV, a large desk and tea/coffee-making facilities.
The rooms have bath/shower and WC, Wi-Fi, safe, telephone, air conditioning, hairdryer, radio and kettle. A hotel of equivalent standard will be used if the hotel is unavailable.
