The story
Established in 1698 at Bergdriesch 3, Am Knipp stands as Aachen’s oldest continuously operating gasthaus. The Ramrath family preserved its historic character through careful reconstruction in 1950, maintaining a steadfast commitment to German cooking ever since. Franz and Margarethe Ramrath guided the initial recovery, while subsequent generations expanded the space to include the outdoor Hirschgarten terrace. This multi generational stewardship ensures the building remains a living archive rather than a static monument.
Copper wine and beer jugs cover the walls and ceiling, earning owner Heinz Ramrath the local nickname the Tin King of Aachen. A polished bluestone floor anchors the dining room beneath a thirteenth century Rhenish Madonna and delicate baroque angel figures. Delft tiles line the wooden paneling while Rauenstein porcelain rests inside built in wall cabinets. Visitors also encounter life sized deer sculptures on the patio, reflecting the family’s long standing collecting passion.
The kitchen focuses on solid German cooking that has earned a one point five spoon rating from the Schlemmer Atlas. Guests regularly order bread and butter schnitzel, grilled steaks, and the weekly Sunday spare ribs special. Warm table service accompanies these straightforward plates across private rooms and the main hall. This steady approach to traditional German kitchen work prioritizes consistent flavor over theatrical presentation, letting the historic setting provide the backdrop.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
Cozy pub decorated with antiques. The kitchen serves good, hearty dishes and incidentally is the oldest inn in Aachen. Definitely worth a trip!
Location
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