In this article, we’ll be stepping into the picturesque and historical city of Ulm, exploring its top attractions and uncovering why each one is a must-visit. As we take a virtual tour, I’ll share insights into the rich tapestry that makes Ulm a compelling destination for travelers.
Nestled on the banks of the Danube, Ulm is a quaint German city that quietly boasts a wealth of cultural and historical treasures. It’s a place where the echoes of the past meet modern-day charm, offering a spectrum of experiences from architectural marvels to idyllic green spaces.
As someone who delights in guiding others through the layers of history and culture that a city has to offer, I find Ulm’s blend of old-world allure and contemporary zest particularly captivating.
I also love the randomness of Ulm attractions. It’s home to Guiness World Record holding crookedest house, one of the narrowest houses, the tallest cathedral steeple and Einstein was born here.
The city’s standout landmarks tell stories of a vibrant history, with each site on our list contributing a unique thread to the city’s narrative. From the towering spires of the Ulm Minster to the innovative spirit reflected in the Albert Einstein Fountain, there’s something in Ulm for every curious mind.
Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply in search of a peaceful German retreat, I invite you to continue reading to discover the treasures that await in Ulm.
Love Germany? Click here to download your free guide to ALL of Germany’s Amazing UNESCO sites. See all 52 of them!
A Brief History of Ulm
Ulm, nestled on the banks of the Danube River in the federal German state of Baden-Württemberg, boasts a rich tapestry of history that stretches back centuries. Founded around 850 AD, Ulm blossomed in the medieval era as an important center of trade and craft due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe.
The city’s growth was significantly bolstered by its membership in the Hanseatic League, a medieval confederation of merchant guilds and their market towns. This affiliation fostered the economic prosperity that became a hallmark of Ulm’s progress, drawing artisans, builders, and traders to the city.
Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Ulm’s storied past is the Ulm Minster, a Gothic masterpiece that began construction in the 14th century. With the world’s tallest church steeple standing at 161.5 meters (530 ft), the Minster reflects Ulm’s medieval wealth and the residents’ faith and ambition.
However, it wasn’t until 1890 that the Minster was completed, enduring through the changing tides of history, including the Reformation and the shifts in political power that swept across Europe.
In the 16th century, Ulm experienced an intellectual transformation as well, becoming a hub of the German Renaissance. It was during this period that the mathematician and astronomer Johannes Kepler was a schoolboy here, and Albrecht Ludwig Berblinger, the “Tailor of Ulm,” attempted his pioneering but ill-fated flight over the Danube in 1811.
Moving into the modern era, the 19th century marked a period of decline for Ulm as the city’s economic significance waned, partly due to the shifting patterns of trade and industrialization. This trend reversed with the arrival of the railway and the late-19th-century revival.
The destruction unleashed during World War II did not spare Ulm, with devastating air raids leveling much of the city. The post-war period focused on rebuilding, and Ulm became known for its modern urban planning and architecture; the Ulm School of Design, founded in 1953, emerged as a leading institution, influencing design principles internationally.
Today, Ulm stands as a vibrant city showcasing an intriguing blend of historical heritage and contemporary ingenuity, drawing visitors to explore its past, marvel at the Minster, and experience the dynamic spirit that has defined it for over a millennium.
Top 12 Incredible Things To Do In Ulm
Just about all these attractions in Ulm are within the Old Town Area. Glacis Park is just outside. Legoland and Blautopf are the only attractions which require transport to get to.
1. Visit Ulm Minster
The Ulm Minster is an architectural wonder and an essential landmark not just for its religious significance, but as a historical and cultural beacon. Begun in 1377 in a flourishing medieval city and only completed in 1890, the Minster has stood as a witness to the ebb and flow of Ulm’s fortunes over the centuries.
Its steeple, the tallest in the world at 161.5 meters, is a feat of medieval engineering and ambition that still impresses today. Visitors can marvel at the spire’s delicate filigree of stonework, explore the spacious nave with its intricate stained glass windows, or reflect in the quiet of its chapels.
The climb up those 768 steps to the viewing platform challenges the body but rewards with panoramic views that span as far as the Alps, allowing one to survey the city as the medieval bishops might have done. It also helps you appreciate what went into building this magnificent steeple.
The rich history woven into the very walls of this Gothic masterpiece ensures its place as a premier site for travelers and historians alike.
2. Stroll through the Fishermen’s Quarter
The Fishermen’s Quarter, or ‘Fischerviertel’, is Ulm’s enchanting old world heart, presenting an authentic slice of medieval life. As the name suggests, this area was traditionally home to the city’s fishing and tanning trades, and many of the original 16th-century buildings remain intact.
The district’s romantic ambiance is accentuated by the picturesque channels of the Blau River flowing through, with the ancient ‘Schiefes Haus’ hotel, a tilted timber-frame building, seeming to defy gravity and time. This is the crookedest house in the world according to the Guinness World Records.
Visitors will find themselves lost in the charm of cobblestone paths and quaint corners, an inviting atmosphere for artisan shops, cafes, and galleries that have found their niche amid the historic framework.
3. Explore the Ulm Museum (Ulmer Museum)
The Ulm Museum or ‘Ulmer Museum’ serves as an essential institution capturing Ulm’s rich tapestry of history and art.
Renowned for its collection that spans from prehistory to modern times, the museum is especially celebrated for housing the Lion Man – an awe-inspiring Paleolithic statue carved from mammoth ivory, believed to be over 30,000 years old and representing mankind’s earliest known artistic endeavors.
Alongside such ancient treasures, visitors can peruse an impressive array of medieval artifacts, a testament to Ulm’s historical prominence, and works of contemporary art reflecting the city’s evolution. The museum represents a journey through time, encapsulating the narrative of human creativity and the perseverance of cultural legacy.
At the time of publishing this article, this museum is closed for major renovations and the Lion Man is currently on display at the Kunsthalle Weishaupt.
4. Admire the Ulm City Hall (Rathaus) and Marktplatz
Ulm City Hall, dating back to the 14th century, is not only the political center of Ulm; it is a vibrant centerpiece of art and history in the city’s public life. Its frescoed facades, vibrant with scenes from Ulm’s illustrious past, and an intricate astronomical clock are emblems of Renaissance artistry.
Beyond being a functioning seat of local government, it’s a visual storybook of the city’s medieval hegemony and a treasure of civic pride. The Marktplatz that extends before it forms the pulsing heart of Ulm, where weekly markets breathe life into the square, echoing the trade that once made this city a prominent economic center. Check out the Fischkastenbrunnen which used to be where fishmongers dumped their catch.
The historical significance and the continuation of age-old traditions solidify the Rathaus and Marktplatz as central to the Ulm experience, offering both aesthetic delight and a link to living history.
5. Discover the Ulm City Walls
At the time of their construction, the Ulm City Walls played a pivotal role in safeguarding the city’s residents during periods of conflict and strife, exemplifying the city’s strategic military importance over the centuries.
Today, these fortifications stand partially intact, whispering stories of bygone sieges and peace-time parleys. Napoleon reduced the height in the 19th century deciding that the fortifications weren’t helpful for him. Visitors can roam sections of this once-imposing defensive line, rediscovering hidden pathways and gaining views of modern Ulm framed by historic battlements.
The juxtaposition of ancient stones against the backdrop of a city that has grown far beyond its medieval borders offers a unique perspective on Ulm’s growth and development.
6. Visit the Ulm Synagogue
The Ulm Synagogue, with its contemporary architecture, stands as a profound symbol of reconciliation and remembrance. The original synagogue, destroyed during the November Pogroms in 1938, was replaced by this modern structure in 2012, which was carefully designed to provide a safe and welcoming space for Ulm’s Jewish community.
With its distinctive façade and significant cultural and educational role, the new Ulm Synagogue is not only a place of worship but a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and history.
Visitors are offered the chance to engage in intercultural dialogue, attend services, and participate in remembrance activities, making it an important site for those who wish to honor the past while fostering hope for a more inclusive future.
7. Experience the Kunsthalle Weishaupt
A visit to the Kunsthalle Weishaupt is an immersion into the realm of contemporary art. Opened in 2007, this private museum complements the ancient charm of Ulm with a trove of modern and post-modern artworks.
The collection, put together by the Weishaupt family, is a dynamic array that includes pieces by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Max Bill. The sleek design of the museum building itself, with its clear lines and modernist aesthetic, acts as a canvas to the striking artworks it houses which focus on modern and pop art.
For art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, the Kunsthalle Weishaupt provides context to Ulm’s artistic evolution.
8. Uncover the Bread Culture Museum
The Bread Culture Museum, also known as the Museum of Bread and Art (Museum Brot und Kunst), dives into the essential role of bread throughout history and culture.
This unique institution was founded in the 1960s and hoists the status of bread from a mere staple to a cultural artifact, revealing its significance in various social, religious, and economic contexts. Through an array of artifacts, ranging from baking implements to artworks inspired by bread, the museum educates and entices visitors.
The narrative it weaves of Ulm’s association with bread—dating back to the city’s rich trade history in medieval times—demonstrates Ulm’s historical prominence in everyday cultural practices, making it a profound venue for those intrigued by the anthropology of food.
Read more about the importance of bread in Germany here.
9. Visit the Albert Einstein Fountain
The Albert Einstein Fountain is an understated yet significant monument dedicated to Ulm’s most famed son, Albert Einstein, born in the city in 1879 (although he left at one year old).
This modern fountain does not only commemorate the physicist’s birthplace but serves as a beacon of inspiration, representing the theory of relativity through a snaking space-time continuum that encircles the fountain.
10. Relax at the Glacis Park
Glacis Park, once the city’s fortifications, now serves as a verdant refuge amidst Ulm’s urban landscape. The transformation from military grounds to a public park is a narrative of peace and communal space, mirroring the city’s transition from a wartime stronghold to a beacon of cultural openness and natural beauty.
Visitors can unwind on lush lawns, wander through themed gardens, and stumble upon historical markers that hint at the park’s former life. Families will love the playground. Adults may prefer the beer garden.
11. Be Amazed at Blautopf
A trip to Ulm is incomplete without witnessing the enchanting beauty of Blautopf, a natural spring located in the town of Blaubeuren, just a short journey from Ulm. It’s about 30 minutes by public transport away.
This wonder of Mother Nature is famed for its stunningly vivid blue water, which creates a mystic atmosphere reminiscent of fairy-tale settings. The intense aquamarine hue of the spring, resulting from its limestone-rich waters and impressive depth, makes it a photographer’s and nature enthusiast’s dream.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the Blautopf, soaking in the serene beauty of the area and the charm of the adjacent historical mill. Whether you’re there to capture the perfect photograph or simply to marvel at the clarity of the spring, the Blautopf is a sight that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your visit to the Ulm region.
12. Have Fun at Legoland Germany
Legoland Germany, located just over 30 kilometers from Ulm, is an adventure park that brings the creativity and excitement of LEGO to life. Opened in 2002, it’s a destination that invites visitors to step into worlds made entirely from the iconic bricks, featuring thrill rides, interactive exhibits, and meticulously detailed miniscapes.
The park caters to a wide age range, making it a family favorite. It is best for kids under 12 though – my kids absolutely love it.
The impressive models of cities, landscapes, and famous landmarks captivate both young and old, while workshops and building stations ignite imaginations.
Legoland Germany captures the playful spirit that is part of Ulm’s wider appeal, providing an enjoyable contrast to the city’s more historical attractions.
How To Get To Ulm
Getting to Ulm from other parts of Germany is straightforward and convenient, whether you’re traveling by train, car, or plane. Let’s explore the best ways to reach this historic city tucked away in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg.
If you’re setting off by train, Ulm is well-connected to the Deutsche Bahn network, a hub for many rail lines. From major cities like Munich or Frankfurt, you can find direct trains to Ulm Hauptbahnhof – the main train station. The city is nestled almost equidistant from Munich and Stuttgart, making train journeys a scenic, comfortable option, often taking less than two hours.
Click here to check out Deutsche Bahn schedules and prices.
Driving to Ulm lets you enjoy the scenic routes of the German countryside at your own pace. The city is accessible via the A8 motorway that crosses southern Germany, providing a smooth drive from Stuttgart in the west or Munich in the east. You’ll find that the way is well-signposted, guiding you directly into the heart of Ulm with ease.
Click here to check out car hire options and prices.
Final Words
Ulm’s rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions offers something for every traveler. Whether you find yourself gazing up at the towering spire of the Ulm Minster or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the serene banks of the Danube, the experiences in this charming German city are bound to create lasting memories.
Read our our guide to nearby Esslingen here, Stuttgart here, Nördlingen here and Augsburg here. Find more guides to Southern Germany here.
