Rich in Bavarian culture and famed for its Gothic architecture, Ulm is packed with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and squares lined with impressive public buildings. This historic German city was not only the birthplace of Albert Einstein, but also boasts riverside beer gardens and world-record buildings.
Things to do in Ulm
Ulm Minster is in the heart of the Old Town. It dates from the 14th century and its claim to fame is that it has the highest church steeple in the world, soaring to a height of 162 metres. If you’re interested in ecclesiastical sculpture, step inside the church to see the Schmerzensmann (Man of Sorrows), created by a leading German artist from the 1400s.
Allow yourself plenty of time to wander Ulm’s medieval streets. You can still see large sections of the original city wall along the river, including several towers. In the Fischerviertel (Fishermen's Quarter), keep your eyes peeled for the crooked house (SchiefesHaus Ulm) and the Alte Münz (Old Mint). The Town Hall also boasts brilliantly coloured murals and an impressive astronomical clock.
You can soak up more of the city’s cultural history with a visit to the Ulm School of Design, which played an important role in the development of Bauhaus style. Ulm Museum has an outstanding collection of medieval arts and crafts, where you can learn about the surprisingly intriguing history of grain and baking in the Museum of Bread Culture.
Getting around Ulm
In order to preserve the medieval streets, much of central Ulm is pedestrianised, so the only way around is on foot. If you’re travelling further afield within the city, however, you can make use of two tram lines and bus system.