Aalen sits on the Kocher River, right at the northern edge of the Swabian Alps. It is not the first stop for most tourists heading through southern Germany. Most people keep driving north from Ulm. That is a mistake. Aalen is 48 kilometers (30 miles) north of Ulm. It is a place with deep roots. You can see them in the ground.
The city started as a Roman fort. A large one. Much of that fort is still there today. Near the city, you can walk along the remains of the limes. This was the frontier wall of the Roman Empire. It is not just a pile of stones. It is a boundary that once defined the known world for Romans.
Walking the Roman Frontier
The Limesmuseum opened in 1964. It houses Roman relics. You can see artifacts from the fort. You can see what life was like on the edge of the empire. The museum is a key reason to visit. It grounds the history in real objects.
After the Romans left, the city changed hands. It became a free imperial city in 1360. This meant it answered to no local duke. It answered to the Emperor. That status gave it a certain independence. It also made it a target.
Fire, War, and Reconstruction
In 1634, a fire destroyed much of the city. It was severe. The damage forced a rebuild. The old city hall dates from 1636. It is close to the fire date. You can walk into that building. It stands as a testament to quick reconstruction.
The church of Sankt Nikolaus was built later. 1765. It dominates the skyline. You can see it from the river. It is Baroque. It is grand. It contrasts with the older Roman foundations.
A Growing Industrial Hub
Aalen is not just history. It is a communications centre. It has industry. You will find machinery plants. There are optics companies. Textile and paper industries operate here too. It is a working city.
In 1802, it passed to Württemberg. The borders shifted. The city adapted. In 1975, the adjoining city of Wasseralfingen was annexed. This enlarged Aalen by nearly a third. The population grew. The city expanded.
When to Visit and How to See It
The population was 67,066 in 2005. It is likely higher now. It is big enough to have amenities. Small enough to walk.
Plan your trip around the Limesmuseum. Start there. Then walk to the fort. The remains are spread out. Give yourself a few hours. Walk up to the Swabian Alps. The foothills are visible. The air is cleaner.
Why do people skip Aalen? They are looking for castles in Bavaria. They are looking for Black Forest lakes. They miss the Roman edge. They miss the quiet industry.
The city hall is from the 17th century. It is intact. You can look at the architecture. You can imagine the fire. You can imagine the Emperor’s tax collectors.
Go in spring.
