On the first part of the route, we follow in the footsteps of Charlemagne. Where Charlemagne's warhorses once set out for Saxony in the year 775, we cycle peacefully and comfortably along the signposted Kaiserroute to Kornelimünster.

In the historic town center of Kornelimünster, which is absolutely worth seeing, we recommend taking a first break and strolling through the alleyways. Largely spared by the great wars, the townscape is still dominated by 17th and 18th century town houses. The historic town center from the Middle Ages has been almost completely preserved. The history of secular architecture in the Aachen region can nowhere be experienced in such a condensed form as in Kornelimünster.

The route continues along the former Vennbahn towards Wahlheim. In 1885, the first section of the High Fens Railway between Rothe Erde and Monschau was put into operation from Rothe-Erde station and later extended to Luxembourg. As one of the largest steel-producing locations in Germany, Rothe Erde was supplied with the raw materials (pig iron) required for steel production from Luxembourg via this line in the following years (late 19th century, early 20th century). However, with the declining importance of the coal and steel industry in the Aachen region, the utilization of the Vennbahn fell steadily in recent decades, so that the line was finally completely closed and partially dismantled by 1989. The attempt to maintain the scenic Vennbahn as a museum railroad also failed due to a lack of utilization, so that the Vennbahn is now being developed in its entirety into one of the longest and most beautiful railroad cycle paths in Europe, which will run through three countries from Aachen to Luxembourg (more information: www.vennbahn.eu )

After just under 4 kilometers, we leave the Vennbahn route in Wahlheim and leave Germany via Schmithof and Sief in the direction of Belgium to the pottery village of Raeren, which has been famous for its pottery since the 13th century and whose goods were in demand throughout Europe. The village itself is characterized by its quarry stone architecture and still has its original village appearance. The center and absolute highlight in Raeren is the historic moated castle from the 14th century. Inside the castle, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of the Raeren potters and admire their magnificent products. From the 13th century until the invention of European porcelain, Raeren stoneware not only shaped the daily lives of ordinary people but was also used as richly decorated tableware for the nobility and clergy. The Raeren potters produced and exported their high-quality ceramics in huge quantities throughout Central, Northern and Eastern Europe as well as overseas. The museum's excellently prepared permanent exhibition provides a complete overview of this very special pottery and has been officially listed as European cultural heritage since 2007 (more information: www.toepfereimuseum.org )

Via Hauset and Hergenrath, the route then leads through the Aachen Forest back towards Aachen to Aachen Central Station, the start and finish point of the tour. If you are still full of energy after the tour, we recommend a short detour to the historic old town of Aachen, with Aachen Cathedral and the historic town hall, before heading home. Simply follow the signs from Aachen main station and stroll for a while through the old alleyways and the history of Aachen.

Highlights along the route:

• Frankenberg Castle
• Kornelimünster Benedictine Abbey
• Historic town center of Korne
• limünster
• Vennbahn
• Aachen Castle and Pottery Museum
• Aachen Forest
• Historic old town of Aachen with cathedral and town hall