Europaplatz, Aachen Travel Guide

Europaplatz, formerly known as Verteilerkreis, is a prominent traffic square in Aachen, serving as a crucial intersection and a symbolic entrance to the city. Located on the border between Aachen's North and East districts, it is distinguished by its large fountain and the surrounding flags of the European Union and its member states.The square was inaugurated on April 24, 1958, and was envisioned by then-Mayor Hermann Heusch as a welcoming gateway to Aachen for friends and neighbors. The fountain, the largest in Aachen, adds to the square's visual appeal. It is fed by the Wurm River, which flows beneath it; in times of high water, the fountain pumps the excess water. A small windmill regulates the pump's power during stormy weather.Europaplatz is not only a traffic hub but also a place where art and activism meet. In 2019, the group Artists for Future Aachen staged a performance in the fountain during a Fridays for Future demonstration, highlighting climate package negotiations. The Europaplatz is the starting and ending point of the A544 motorway. The Joseph-von-Görres-Straße also connects to the traffic circle. The Europahochhaus, a high-rise building with over 300 apartments, is located southeast of the square.