Before our hiking route starts in the shadow of Cologne Cathedral, it is worth visiting the Roman harbor road at Roncalliplatz before the first stage. Then we set off and, after a few initial bends, the tour heads straight west along Aachener Straße, which still follows the exact course of the former Roman road. In the first 3 km alone, you pass four stations - St. Aposteln, Hahnentorburg, Aachener Weiher and the Melaten cemetery - where information steles provide information about the Roman past and the connection to the Via Belgica. In Weiden, the treasure chest of the Rhineland's archaeological monuments awaits. The underground burial chamber, built from stone blocks weighing several tons and sealed with a massive trapdoor, was discovered by chance during construction work in 1843. It is the first archaeological monument on the Rhine to be preserved and made accessible to the public. The burial chamber from the 2nd century AD is luxuriously furnished as a dining room. The sofas and armchairs are made of precious marble and limestone, as if for eternity.

Highlights along the route:

• Roman-Germanic Museum/Roman Harbour Road at Roncalliplatz
• St. Aposteln
• Hahnentorburg
• Aachen Pond
• Melaten Cemetery
• Roman estate at the sports university
• Roman grave Weiden