Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen
Traveler rating
3.1/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen worth booking?
Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen is a 2.5-hour experience in Cologne, Germany, from $7 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.1/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 3.1/5 (8)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $7 per person
The water under Aachen smells of rotten eggs, and for two thousand years that has been the city's secret. Romans found it, Charlemagne built his capital on it, and thirty one German kings were crowned beside it. This self guided audio walking tour, narrated through the Tourific app on your phone, traces those springs to the cathedral, the apothecary that produced one of Germany's first chocolate bars, and the spot where Paul Julius Reuter trained pigeons to beat the telegraph. You will meet the Bahkauv, a sulphurous calf locals say climbs onto the shoulders of drunken men, and hear how a young baker once tricked the devil with a tray of hot Printen. Walk at your own pace, pause for a rice tart in a baroque café, and resume when you are ready. The audio runs offline. If you would rather wander than be herded through Aachen in a group, this Aachen audio tour is for you. Over 20,000 travelers have used our self guided tours, and the tour comes with a full refund guarantee.
What you get
About this experience
The water under Aachen smells of rotten eggs, and for two thousand years that has been the city's secret. Romans found it, Charlemagne built his capital on it, and thirty one German kings were crowned beside it. This self guided audio walking tour, narrated through the Tourific app on your phone, traces those springs to the cathedral, the apothecary that produced one of Germany's first chocolate bars, and the spot where Paul Julius Reuter trained pigeons to beat the telegraph. You will meet the Bahkauv, a sulphurous calf locals say climbs onto the shoulders of drunken men, and hear how a young baker once tricked the devil with a tray of hot Printen. Walk at your own pace, pause for a rice tart in a baroque café, and resume when you are ready. The audio runs offline. If you would rather wander than be herded through Aachen in a group, this Aachen audio tour is for you. Over 20,000 travelers have used our self guided tours, and the tour comes with a full refund guarantee.
What's included
Included
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.
- Audio and written guide included ( AI generated )
- Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded
- Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation
- 1-year access on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like
- Check or search your inbox for an email from “Tourific” with tour access instructions.
Not included
- Any physical devices or headphones
- Human tour guide at location
- Transport
What you'll see and do
Elisenbrunnen
Smell the sulphurous water that drew Romans north and once cured Europe's wealthy of bad nerves.
5 minutes here
Kreislauf des Geldes
Circle a fountain donated by the local bank that turned into a cartoon about greed.
5 minutes here
Puppenbrunnen
Bend the limbs of the bronze figures yourself, because every passing child rearranges this fountain.
5 minutes here
Bahkauv
Meet the sulphurous calf that locals say climbs onto the shoulders of drunken men staggering home from taverns.
5 minutes here
Step into the baroque interior of an Aachen café that survived two world wars somehow intact.
5 minutes here
Couven-Museum
Stand inside the pharmacy where one of the first chocolate bars made in Germany was produced.
5 minutes here
Spot the bronze boy caught the moment a stolen rooster crowed from inside his coat.
5 minutes here
Bite into the spiced biscuit a young apprentice once stole back from the devil himself.
5 minutes here
Follow the story of the man who trained pigeons to outrun the telegraph for a single summer.
5 minutes here
Karlsbrunnen
Look up at the emperor French troops once carried off as war booty, until the mayor petitioned Napoleon.
5 minutes here
Walk through the hall where thirty one German kings sat down to their coronation banquet.
5 minutes here
Centre Charlemagne
Lift a piece of medieval chain mail and meet the original bronze Charlemagne, retired from the rain.
5 minutes here
Katschhof
Cross the paved courtyard where palace servants once swapped rumours between Charlemagne's chapel and his great hall.
5 minutes here
Aachen Cathedral
Pause beside the chapel that held the bones of an emperor for three and a half centuries.
5 minutes here
Fischpuddelchen
Notice the toddler the city kept hiding for twenty years before a council vote finally settled it.
5 minutes here
Treasury of Aachen Cathedral
Search out a Roman pagan coffin that once held a Christian emperor, and a knife he hunted with.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cologne
This is a self-guided audio tour on the "Tourific self-guided tours" app. To activate the tour, check your email for instructions from Tourific or your booking platform sent right after booking. Can’t find it? Search for “Tourific” in your email inbox and spam folder. OR contact us via support.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, pt, en, it, pl, fr, nl, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tourific
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour duration includes the time spent at the stop and time required to walk through all the stops.
Photos
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
That's how you get smeared!!!
Attention: Fraud We booked this tour because we wanted to see the coronation throne. In the cathedral we learned that this tour does not allow access and the choir hall with the shrines is also not accessible. We spent the money in vain. We then booked an official tour of the cathedral information at almost the same price and a professional tour incl. Get the coronation throne and choir hall.
Response from the operator: Vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback. Es tut uns sehr leid, dass Sie sich in die Irre geführt gefühlt haben und dass die Tour nicht Ihren Erwartungen entsprochen hat. Wir verstehen vollkommen, wie enttäuschend das für Sie gewesen sein muss. Aus diesem Grund veranlassen wir eine vollständige Rückerstattung. Diese selbstgeführte Tour wurde als Alternative für Besucher konzipiert, die nicht an der offiziellen Domführung teilnehmen können, da diese nur einmal täglich zu bestimmten Zeiten stattfindet. Wir erkennen jedoch an, dass dies in Ihrem Fall nicht ausreichend deutlich kommuniziert wurde. Wir stehen derzeit im Austausch mit dem Dom, um die Transparenz und Zugänglichkeit für zukünftige Besucher zu verbessern. Vielen Dank, dass Sie uns darauf aufmerksam gemacht haben.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Warning - this is not a guided tour authorized by Aachen Cathedral
This offer is not a guided tour authorized by Aachen Cathedral. The audio tour is AI-based and is not recognized locally. You will NOT get access to the choir hall and throne.
Response from the operator: Vielen Dank für Ihr Feedback. Es tut uns sehr leid, dass Sie sich in die Irre geführt gefühlt haben und dass die Tour nicht Ihren Erwartungen entsprochen hat. Wir verstehen vollkommen, wie enttäuschend das für Sie gewesen sein muss. Aus diesem Grund veranlassen wir eine vollständige Rückerstattung. Diese selbstgeführte Tour wurde als Alternative für Besucher konzipiert, die nicht an der offiziellen Domführung teilnehmen können, da diese nur einmal täglich zu bestimmten Zeiten stattfindet. Wir erkennen jedoch an, dass dies in Ihrem Fall nicht ausreichend deutlich kommuniziert wurde. Wir stehen derzeit im Austausch mit dem Dom, um die Transparenz und Zugänglichkeit für zukünftige Besucher zu verbessern. Vielen Dank, dass Sie uns darauf aufmerksam gemacht haben.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Pleasant visit
Very interesting visit, unfortunately shortened by a physical problem, which did not allow me to finish the visit.
Response from the operator: Merci pour votre retour. Nous sommes désolés que vous n’ayez pas pu terminer la visite à cause de ce souci et espérons que tout va mieux maintenant. Nous serions ravis de vous accueillir à nouveau lorsque vous vous sentirez prêt.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Nice audio tour
It is an entertaining but beautiful experience..The contents of the individual stations in the cathedral are exactly right in terms of length.
Response from the operator: Vielen Dank! Es freut uns sehr, dass Ihnen das Erlebnis gefallen hat und die Inhalte genau richtig waren. Wir freuen uns auf Ihren nächsten Besuch!
via Viator (translated)
Wast of money and time
This is waste of money - did not get email - did not get any entry - do not use this - no answers . .
Response from the operator: Hello , we are sorry to hear about the issue that you faced. Entry to the Aachen cathedral is free so we are not really sure about the issue faced by you. As our company policy, we have processed a full refund for your booking. Thanks
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tourific, who run 78 experiences we rank across 70 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.1.
See everything Tourific runsWhy this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cologne.
How much does Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen cost?
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Prices start at $7 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cologne usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cologne is not rushed.
Is Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.1/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cologne, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cologne can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cologne and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cologne within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cologne?
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On Outty we rank every Cologne experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Brewhouse Walking Tour in Cologne, Cologne City Tour Experience cathedral city on the Rhine, Walking tour of Cologne: The essential and unmissable. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cologne?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cologne?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen?
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Included: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund; Audio and written guide included ( AI generated ); Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded; Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation; and 1-year access on iOS & Android. Listen to the tour anytime, as many times as you like. Not included: Any physical devices or headphones; Human tour guide at location; and Transport. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen?
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This is a self-guided audio tour on the "Tourific self-guided tours" app. To activate the tour, check your email for instructions from Tourific or your booking platform sent right after booking. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, Portuguese, English, Italian, Polish, French, Dutch and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Emperors Bakers and Beasts Tour of Aachen if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Cologne. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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