This small German town in the Swabian Jura has a medieval center with a 12th-century St. John's Church and a 15th-century town hall. Its castle now houses the Deutsches Museum.
In Aalen, Germany, you'll walk through the stone foundations of a 2nd-century Roman cavalry fort, swim in mineral-rich thermal pools, and descend 400 meters into former mine tunnels. This city in Baden-Württemberg sits at the foot of the Swabian Alps, where you'll find hiking paths winding through beech forests and ski runs covering snowy slopes from December to March.
Limesmuseum and Roman Fort
At the Limesmuseum, you'll find yourself at the site of what was once the largest Roman cavalry fort north of the Alps. Walk through the preserved stone foundations to see where 1,000 horsemen once lived and trained. The museum displays Roman military equipment like helmets and weapons, alongside everyday items such as pottery and jewelry found at the site. Interactive exhibits explain how soldiers defended this section of the Roman frontier wall, known as the limes.
Thermal Baths and Mine Wellness
At the limes thermal baths, you can swim in pools filled with mineral water that flows from springs 600 meters underground. The complex includes Roman-Irish steam baths, saunas, and solariums. Take a mine train 400 meters deep into the Tiefer Stollen mine, where the constant temperature and pure air help visitors with allergies and respiratory conditions. The mine maintains guided tours throughout the year.
Activities in the Swabian Alps
Cool off at the Spiesel and Unterrombach open-air pools during summer months, or head to the Bucher reservoir where you can rent kayaks and paddle boats. The beach area has designated swimming zones and sunbathing spots. From December to March, ski and snowboard on the north slope of the Swabian Alps, which includes a halfpipe and runs for different skill levels. The Reiner-Schwebel-Kletterhalle climbing hall has routes for beginners to advanced climbers.
Events and Culture
The Jazzfest brings international musicians to Aalen each November, with past performers including Miles Davis, B.B. King, and Ray Charles. The Theater der Stadt Aalen runs a regular program of plays and concerts in its 300-seat venue. During the Reichsstädter Tage festival in September, market stalls fill the streets between the city's 16th to 18th-century half-timbered houses, with local food vendors and live music performances.
Research and Industry
Aalen University of Applied Sciences leads German universities in economics programs and ranks third in mechanical engineering. Its research centers focus on optical engineering, tool manufacturing, and new energy concepts. The surrounding area has become a center for optical technology companies and IT firms, with several research institutes working on biomedicine projects.
Transportation
Trains connect Aalen station to Stuttgart (90 minutes), Ulm (60 minutes), and Nördlingen (40 minutes). To reach Stuttgart Airport, take the train from Aalen station with one change at Stuttgart main station. The city's location puts it within a 2-3 hour drive from Stuttgart, Munich, and Nuremberg.
