Aalen City Guide

Try Swabian dishes like Spätzle and Maultaschen. International options include Italian, Greek, Turkish, and Asian food. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Most places close by 10 or 11 PM, late food is limited.

The nightlife is modest with pubs, bars, and some clubs. It leans toward relaxed evenings rather than loud clubbing.

Good blend of traditional German cafés and some modern coffee shops. The local habit includes coffee with cake in the afternoon.

Tipping is common but not required. Around 5-10% or rounding up is usual for restaurants and services.

You can buy SIM cards at Telekom, Vodafone, O2 stores, or MediaMarkt. Providers offer good coverage and plans. Registration with ID or passport is required.

City is clean with efficient waste management and recycling.

Limited 24/7 services. Emergency pharmacies rotate coverage. Some gas stations have late shops. Hospitals have 24/7 emergency rooms.

Supermarkets like Edeka, Rewe, Lidl, and Aldi carry international products though variety is less than in big cities. Fresh markets run regularly. Shops close Sundays and public holidays.

Card payments work in supermarkets, big shops, and many restaurants. Smaller places may still want cash, so carry some with you.

ATMs are common, especially at Sparkasse, Commerzbank, and Deutsche Bank. Fees for foreign cards vary, check with your bank.

Local schools teach mainly in German. No major international schools in Aalen; families go to larger cities like Stuttgart for those.

Aalen has a small digital nomad presence, mostly local freelancers rather than a large remote work scene.

Good access to parks like Bürgerpark and riverside paths along the Kocher. Plenty of shaded walking and running spaces.

Safe running routes along the Kocher river, city parks, and forests. Local running groups and periodic races.

Several gyms cater to different fitness interests.

Several tennis clubs with indoor and outdoor courts. Equipment rental often available.

Padel is not common; few or no dedicated courts in Aalen.

Several yoga studios offer classes in various styles; some spas provide wellness facilities.

Clubs offer Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, boxing, and kickboxing. English instruction is limited but sometimes available.

Small beginner slopes in the Swabian Jura within 30-60 min drive. Season runs December to March with variable snow quality.

Limited kayaking and paddleboarding on the Kocher river or nearby lakes; seasonal rentals might be available.

Too far from ocean or big lakes for surfing.

No diving or snorkeling sites nearby.

Ostalb-Klinikum Aalen is the main hospital. Many younger staff speak some English. Germany’s healthcare is high-quality, with public and private options.

Tap water is safe to drink and meets high German and EU standards.

Playgrounds and parks are scattered through the city. Many cafés are family-friendly. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include the Limes Museum, explorhino science center, and Tierpark Aalen zoo.

Generally accepting society. Fewer LGBTQ+ specific venues compared to bigger cities, but overall safe and welcoming.

Pet-friendly city with parks and green spaces for walks. Veterinary clinics and pet supplies are available. Some pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants.