Folklore in Aachen

Aachen is steeped in folklore and legends that reflect its rich medieval history and cultural heritage. One of the most famous tales is the “Devil’s Bargain” at the Aachen Cathedral. According to legend, when the people of Aachen struggled to fund the cathedral’s construction, they struck a deal with the Devil: he would help complete the cathedral, but in return, he would claim the soul of the first one to enter. To outsmart the Devil, the townsfolk cleverly sent a wolf through the cathedral doors first. Enraged by this trickery, the Devil slammed the door, leaving his thumb in the bronze door handle, which remains a distinctive mark to this day.