Ulm Things to Do

The river Danube divides Ulm and the city of Neu-Ulm and at the same time the states of Baden-Würtemberg and Bavaria. The bridges between Ulm and Neu Ulm give scenic views of the river and the Old Town, and along the river bank you find lots of restaurants and cafes.

Ulms architecture suffered heavily in WW2 bombings, yet many historic buildings were reconstructed. Ulm has nonetheless tried to incorporate elements of modern architecture within the Old Town ("Neue Mitte Ulm"). It is a highly controversial topic in Ulm, but as a neutral observer I think the modern parts fit in quite nicely for the most part. Some examples are the giant glass pyramid that is the City Library, the dark red "Museumsgesellschaft"building, the City Museum and the headquarter of the Ulm Sparkasse - all in walking distance to the Ulm Münster.

You do not get a certificate if you climb the highest church tower worldwide (161 m) but you certainly deserve it if you have mastered the 730 and more steps (one way) towards the tower. The (several) viewing platforms give great unobstructed panoramas of Ulm and the Danube, and you can regognize many fine architectural details on the way, especially the different types of gargoyles!

This gothic cathedral - built in the 14th century, completed in the 19th century - is the landmark of Ulm and a world record holder for the highest church tower in Christendom (161 m). If you are physically fit, I recommend climbing the roughly 730 steps to the tower with a wonderful view over Ulm - it is so far above it will make you dizzy even if you are used to great heights! The cathedral interior features beautiful old and modern stained-glass-windows and unusual choir banks with wood-carved heads at the aisles.

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The complex of the town hall was begun in the late 14th century, originally it consisted of several different buildings that served for the city council and administration and also for trade. The facades were first painted around 1540. Around 1900 the building was altered and the paintings renewed completely. What we see today is a reconstruction after heavy damages in World War II.

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The abbey church was designed in late baroque style by the architect Johann Georg Specht in 1771. Then the monastery hired the painter Januarius Zick to do the frescoes and altar pieces in 1778. Zick, who dedicated himself not to the baroque but then most modern classicist style, managed to have the architect fired and be in charge of the whole interior design. He created one of the earliest classicist church interiors, a fine example of this change in style in the late 18th century.

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The beautiful rococo library is the monastery's jewel.
Built in 1740-1750, it served not only as a library but also as a representative hall for receptions and festive occasions. The glamorous decoration, a synthesis of architecture, fresco and stucco, shows a complicated theological programme about Christian faith and virtues and the history of the Benedictine order.

Audioguide available in German and English (text partly by yours truly...), or ask the staff at the cash desk for a guided tour.

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The new museum in the former guest wing of the abbey has been opened in spring 2006 (with yours truly as part of the team that projected it).
The permanent exhibition shows the monastery's history from the founding in 1093 through the centuries till the 19th and early 20th century when the convent buildings served as military barracks. Emphasis has been put on economy and politics and especially on the life of peasants and artisans under the abbey's rule. The exhibition rooms, which were used to accommodate the monastery's aristocratic guests, have rich stucco ceilings which are now beautifully renovated.