CHIO Aachen International Competition Guide | USET Foundation
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation

2025 CHIO Aachen
World Equestrian Festival

Aachen, GER
June 27 - July 6, 2025

Venue Address

Albert-Servais-Allee 50 
52070 Aachen 
Germany

Competition Schedule

The full schedule for CHIO Aachen can be found HERE.

Handicapped Accessibility

Information on handicapped accessibility can be found HERE.

Venue

The CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S is located at the CHIO Aachen Sports Complex in Aachen, Germany. The venue will have the usual first-aid stations, a mixed zone where interviews can be held, a sports information desk, medical facilities, doping control facilities and WiFi access.

Considered the largest equestrian festival in the world, CHIO Aachen sees approximately 350,000 spectators.

There are many shopping opportunities including the CHIO Aachen Village and food and beverage options located throughout the venue.

Tickets

All spectators must purchase tickets. Tickets are sold by multi-day or for the individual days. Tickets for all disciplines can be purchased HERE.

Please note that tickets are sold by stadium/session. Tickets are also required for evening special events such as the opening ceremonies or symphonies. Although optional, it is highly recommended to stay for the Sunday Grand Prix. The full program can be found HERE.

Hospitality

Hospitality options offered for CHIO Aachen can be found HERE.

Parking

There are limited spaces at the competition venue for parking. It is highly encouraged to book a parking ticket in advance. Parking tickets can be purchased HERE.

Numerous park and ride parking spaces are available around the event site. Shuttle buses will take you quickly and easily to the main entrance – and of course back to your car later.

The public parking spaces of APAG are available during the event days. The “APAG-Shuttle” drives directly to the Albert-Servais-Allee entrance. When using the APAG parking lots, the ride with the “APAG-Shuttle” to and from the parking lots is free of charge. A current overview of the parking lots can be viewed HERE.

Transport

Public Transport: The closest public transportation station is Aachen Hauptbahnhof which utilizes both buses and trains. You can take bus lines 23, 25, and 33 to bring you directly to the venue.

Train: There are train lines from most of the international airports into the city of Aachen.

Taxi: Taxis use meters calculated by distance and time.

Rental Vehicles: Rental Vehicles: For automatic vehicles, it is recommended to book the rental car with a large rental agency at the airport. There is an Enterprise location in the city of Aachen.

Weather

Average weather for July

  • High Temperature: 73°F
  • Low Temperature: 57°F
  • Rainfall: .5”
  • Humidity: 77%

Suggested Clothing

Summertime sees the most rain of the year for Germany and can remain on the chilly side throughout the day. It is recommended to bring layers and at least one waterproof jacket.

Food & Drink

While tap water is considered safe to drink in Germany, it is best practice to utilize bottled water instead. Stay away from raw foods and un-bottled drinks, unless in a reputable restaurant as a precaution.

Visas

Due to start in October 2025, U.S. citizens and non-E.U. nationals will need to complete The Entry/Exit System (EES) for all short-term stays to European countries. Registration and biometric data collection will be completed at a border control kiosk at the arrival airport. More information about EES can be found HERE. Please be sure to check any visa requirements.

Airports

Maastricht Airport (MST) – 17 mi / 27.3 km from the venue

Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) – 51 mi / 82 km from the competition venue

Düsseldorf Airport Amsterdam (DUS) – 57 mi / 91.7 km from the competition venue

Antwerp International Airport (ANR) – 86 mi / 138.4 km from the competition venue

Brussels Airport (BRU) – 88 mi / 141.6 km from the competition venue

Amsterdam Airport (AMS) – 145 mi / 235 km from the competition venue

Vaccinations

In accordance with the CDC and USOPC recommendations, you may want to consider getting the seasonal flu vaccine. Please note it takes approximately two (2) weeks to maximize immunity.

About Aachen

Aachen, historically known as the capital of Charlemagne’s empire, is renowned for its rich cultural and historical legacy. For information on museums, theatre, guided tours, etc., click HERE.

Accommodations

There are many local accommodation options. Below is a non-extensive list of nearby hotels. Recommendations from the event can also be found HERE.

HOTELWEBSITEDISTANCE FROM VENUE
Hampton by Hilton Aachen Tivoli Website 0.8 mi / 1.3 km
Platinium Hotel Website 0.9 mi / 1.44 km
Hotel Soers Aachen Website 1.0 mi / 1.6 km
B&B Hotel Aachen Nord Website 1.1 mi / 1.77 km
Hotel Lousberg Website 1.2 mi / 1.9 km
Parkhotel Quellenhof Aachen Website 1.5 mi / 2.4 km
Cityhotel Kaiser Karl Aachen Website 1.7 mi / 2.7 km

Hospitals & Emergency Services

NAMEADDRESSPHONE
Rhein-Maas Hospital GmbH Marienhoehe Mauerfeldchen 25, 52146 Würselen, Germany +49 240 5620
Universitätsklinikum Aachen Klinik für Thorax- und Herzchirurgie - Bereich Kinderherzchirurgie Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany +49 241 80
Uniklinik RWTH Aachen – Franziskus Morillenhang 27, 52074 Aachen, Germany +49 241 75010
Marienhospital Aachen Zeise 4, 52066 Aachen, Germany +49 241 60060

Incident Management Guidelines

The key to good security is vigilance. Be aware of what is happening around you and always pay attention to anything that appears unusual or out of place. This includes people who appear nervous about their surroundings.

Security

In general, Aachen, Germany is a safe area for its residents and visitors. However, security perception changes greatly by district. If you have any doubts or need to report an incident, you can rely on the Police who are constantly patrolling the streets.

Responsible care should be exercised when traveling throughout Germany. There is a normal level of crime, but it varies by district. In the higher-income areas frequented by tourists, petty theft is the most common concern. Travelers should keep valuables out of sight and be aware of their surroundings. Avoid isolated areas when on foot, especially after dark. It is recommended to only use a trusted taxi or an app-based taxi service. Do not hail a taxi on the street.

Assailants usually target victims for their smartphones, wallets, or purses. If confronted by someone with a weapon, it is best not to resist.

 

ATMs and Credit Cards

It is best to use ATMs inside banks instead of ATMs that are more accessible to passers-by and all banks advise customers to cover ATM keypads with their hands when entering codes.

When making credit card transactions, travelers should expect the vendor to use a credit card reader in their presence.

Safety List

  • Make a copy of your passport or real ID and travel documents and leave the original in a safe place.
  • Always travel in groups.
  • Do not overtly wear expensive jewelry.
  • Keep your phone hidden.
  • Do not carry excessive amounts of cash or credit cards if you do not need them.
  • If you are in a vehicle in standstill traffic with the windows rolled down, keep phones and other possessions low and away from windows and be mindful of people walking through the traffic.
  • Do not approach unattended bags, cases or packages – report them.
  • Do not accept packages from anyone, the contents of which are unclear.
  • Do not advertise where you are staying.
  • If you are out in the evening and you become aware of increased police activity, leave the area immediately.
  • If you see an incident involving the police, do not get involved. Do not play the good Samaritan.

Local Business Hours

Office hours are Monday through Friday from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Banks are typically open 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays with the exception of Thursday when most are open until 5:30 or 6:30 p.m.

Shopping centers are typically open Monday through Saturday and are closed on Sundays except for some types of stores such as bakeries and cafes. The hours of operation can vary widely depending on store type.

 

Currency and Exchange

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency of Germany. The symbol for the Euro is €. There are different currency exchange services available at the airport, exchange houses, or banks.

Currency slang includes but is not limited to:

  • Money – “Kohle”
  • €5.00 – “Fünfer”
  • €10.00 – “Zehner”
  • €20.00 – “Zwanni”
  • €50.00 – “Fuffi”
  • €100.00 – “Hunni”

 

Credit Cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted. Use of debit cards is widespread, although many stores impose a minimum per debit card purchase, and service charges may apply.

Travelers Checks

Very few places will accept travelers checks in Germany. It is best to use an ATM card at the many ATM locations available in the absence of cash.

Tipping

Restaurants: Tipping is customary at sit-down restaurants in Germany at a 10% – 15% rate.
Transport: Tipping taxi drivers is not required but considered a kind gesture. A common tip is 10%.
Hotels: Tipping in hotels is customary but not required at a 10% – 20% rate.

STEP

When traveling abroad, U.S. citizens may enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Visit travel.state.gov for more information.

U.S. citizens with emergencies can call: (030)8305-0

Outside of office hours, call: 01149(30)8305-0

Outside of Germany: 01149(30)8305-0

Consulate

Should you need to contact the U.S. Consulate while traveling, the nearest one to the event is located in Dusseldorf.

U.S. Consulate General in Düsseldorf
Willi-Becker-Allee 10
40227 Düsseldorf
Federal Republic of Germany
Tel.: +49 2 117 888 927

To search other consulate locations, CLICK HERE.

Language

German is the official language and most widely spoken language in Germany, which over 95% of the population speak. About 56% of the German population speak English as a second language.

Communications (phone, WiFi, and internet)

Cellphone reception is typically good. Most of the country is covered with 5G systems. Contact your phone provider for more information on Sim Cards and International Data Plans.

Electrical

Power in Germany operates on a 230-volt current and a 50 hertz frequency. Electricity will be supplied through a Type C (two round pins), and Type F (two round pins with two earth clips).

Universal Power Adapters can easily be purchased before travel.

Food

German cuisine is known for hearty meals with many different flavors. A large amount of their cuisine includes multiple different types of meats, sausages, and sides.

Local Restaurants

There are many local restaurant options. This list below is a sample of some local restaurants close to the venue. There are many more from which to choose.

Some popular dishes include:

  • Sauerbraten (pot roast)
  • Schnitzel (meat cutlet breaded and pan-fried)
  • Bratwurst (ground pork sausage)
  • Currywurst (fried pork sausage)
  • Bavarian Potato Salad
  • Pretzel
  • German Beef Rouladen (rolled meat)
RESTAURANTADDRESSPHONE
Restaurant One & Only Peterstraße 81, 52062 Aachen+49 241 9431311
Restaurant Elisenbrunnen Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz 14, 52062 Aachen+49 241 94313490
Restaurant Luna Theaterpl. 7, 52062 Aachen+49 241 44108030
Am Knipp Bergdriesch 3, 52062 Aachen+49 241 33168
Dinette | Restaurant, Bar & Café Hühnermarkt 21-23, 52062 Aachen+49 241 99766522