Why it belongs in ORBIS
Family-run since 1912, Printenbäckerei Klein hand-bakes hard and soft Aachener Printen, Spitzkuchen and Moppen from a secret recipe at its Franzstrasse shop. Its own Printenmuseum next door gives guided tours of the craft's history.
Printenbäckerei Klein traces its roots to 1912, giving the family more than a century in Aachen's Printen trade -- the city's dense, spiced gingerbread, sold hard or soft depending on how long it's kept. The bakery still operates from its historic base near Franzstrasse, in the heart of Aachen's old town, and describes its recipe as a closely held "Printen Geheimrezept" passed down within the family.
Beyond the standard hard and soft varieties, Klein bakes regional specialties including Spitzkuchen and Moppen, and offers vegan and lactose-free versions alongside seasonal Christmas and Easter ranges. Products are sold through the shop, gift boxes and wooden crates, and an online store with home delivery.
What sets Klein apart from Aachen's other Printen bakeries is its attached Printenmuseum, where guided tours walk visitors through the history and production methods behind the craft -- pairing the retail bakery with a standing exhibit on the trade itself.