In the Fishermen’s and Tanners’ Quarter, a distinctive architectural detail reveals Ulm’s history: many buildings dating from the 15th to 17th centuries have part of their foundations standing directly in the water. In the past, water power and a total of seven mill wheels kept operations running there. Anyone planning a stay focused on culture and urban history will find a striking starting point here for exploring the city.
Old Town History and Astronomical Technology
Ulm’s sights include the restored Old Town districts of Auf dem Kreuz and the Fishermen’s and Tanners’ Quarter, as well as the historic town hall. The astronomical clock was installed on its east side in 1520. Five moving elements show the sun’s path, including sunrise and sunset, the phases of the moon, solar and lunar eclipses, and the signs of the zodiac. The clock is a tangible example of how urban history and technical representation meet in one place.
The two districts and the town hall offer different points of interest: in the Fishermen’s and Tanners’ Quarter, attention turns to the buildings by the water and the former use of water power; at the town hall, the focus is on historic architecture and the astronomical clock. This makes it possible to combine an interest in Ulm’s architectural heritage with a look at historic technology.
Museums: Art, Culture and the History of Bread
Housed in a group of listed buildings dating from the 16th to 20th centuries, the Museum Ulm presents 40,000 years of art and cultural history. Its collection includes the Lion Man, which is over 40,000 years old: a human-animal sculpture made from mammoth ivory. Anyone interested in archaeology and art will find, alongside the historic setting of the ensemble, an exceptionally old object with clearly identified form and material.
The Museum Brot und Kunst (“Museum of Bread and Art”) focuses on a different theme. Its 19 themed installations explore the social, cultural and technological history of agriculture, food and bread. “Kunstschmaus” takes place there on the first Wednesday of every month; check the current programme before your visit. The two museums therefore complement one another: Museum Ulm spans a broad sweep of art and cultural history, while Museum Brot und Kunst puts agriculture and food at the centre.
Trails with Different Themes
The Ulm/Neu-Ulm Fortress Trail is approximately 12.5 kilometres long. It connects surviving structures of the ring of fortifications; 32 information panels describe their construction, function and post-military use. The trail offers a themed way to explore the history of the fortifications. By contrast, the Ulm Mill Trail leads to the sites of 22 mills in the city. Five themed sections trace the development from 19th-century milling to modern regional industrial culture.
The Ulm Heights Trail has a stated distance and walking time: it is 20 kilometres long, runs through the north of Ulm and takes about three hours to walk. The trail is signposted and can be walked from either end. Compared with the information provided for the Fortress Trail, the Heights Trail offers a specific guide to walking time; the Fortress Trail focuses on the surviving structures and their historical context. Choose between the trails according to whether you would rather plan around a walking time, fortifications or the history of mills.
Green Spaces, Cycling and Getting Around
Another option is Friedrichsau, Ulm’s large city park, which has a tree trail. The region is also of interest to cycle tourists: Ulm/Neu-Ulm lies at the intersection of seven long-distance cycling routes. These details offer different ideas for your stay without implying a particular tour or connection between individual sights.
Much of Ulm/Neu-Ulm can be explored on foot. Buses and trams are available for longer journeys; in the region, you can also get around by train and bicycle. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider what you want to focus on during your days: historic districts and museums, themed trails, green spaces or cycling. If climbing a tower is part of your visit, you can ascend Ulm Minster to the second viewing platform, at a height of 102 metres. Check before travelling whether this is available on your dates.
Discover more destinations: Lonsee, Bernstadt, Illerrieden, Schelklingen, Nellingen, Börslingen, Allmendingen, Griesingen.
For the wider travel overview: Alb-Donau District.
