Ulm Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food and drink scene, culture, and more in Ulm, Germany.


Introduction to Ulm

Ulm is a charming city in the heart of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is situated in the Swabian Mountains and is known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and stunning views. Ulm is famous for its church spire, the Ulmer Münster, which boasts the title of the world’s tallest church tower. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing holiday, Ulm has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Ulm

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ulmer Museum: This museum houses a broad collection of art, ranging from medieval to present-day.
  • Ludwig Erhard Haus: A museum dedicated to the life and work of Ludwig Erhard, who was a former German chancellor.
  • Kunsthalle Weishaupt: A modern art museum with an impressive collection of contemporary art.
  • Historische Fachwerkstadt: A well-preserved old town, featuring quaint streets and traditional half-timbered houses.

Natural Attractions of Ulm: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Blautopf: A stunning natural spring that showcases crystal-clear blue water.
  • Donauauen: A nature reserve on the Danube river where visitors can hike, bike or go for a boat ride.
  • Ulm Minster: Climb the stairs to the top of the world’s tallest church tower, and enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Einstein Monument: A bronze statue of Albert Einstein, which stands in front of the old university building.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ulm

Exploring the scenic countryside and nature reserves of Ulm on foot or bike is a must for nature enthusiasts. Some of the popular hiking/biking routes of Ulm are:

  • Blaubeurer Str. Route: This biking route takes you through the scenic countryside, including a beautiful landscape of verdant green meadows.
  • Alb-Donau-Weg: A long-distance trail of 357 km that connects Ulm with the source of the Danube river.
  • Klosterweg: A hiking route that leads you to the secluded areas surrounding the Schönenberg Monastery.

Best Things to Do in Ulm: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Tours on the Danube: Tours guide you along the banks of the Danube river and offer fascinating insights into the history of Ulm.
  • Segway Tours: An excellent way to explore the attractions of Ulm’s old town. The tour is informative, relaxed and exhilarating.
  • Ulm Nightwatchman Tour: A guided tour of the city’s historical sites, taking in the sights and sounds of the town at night.
  • Ulm Brewery Tour: Tap into the brewing history of Ulm and enjoy a guided tour of the Brauhaus Faust, one of the city’s top breweries.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ulm

Day 1- Explore the Ulmer Münster church tower and enjoy panoramic views of the city Day 2- Visit the Ulmer Museum and Kunsthaus Weishaupt Day 3- Take a boat tour of the Danube and explore the university district Day 4- Hike through the Donau Limes or visit Blautopf Day 5- Visit the Wiblingen Monastery and enjoy the beautiful gardens Day 6- Stroll through the Historische Fachwerkstadt and visit the Rathaus town hall Day 7- Explore the food and drink scene of Ulm, and indulge in some local delicacies

Food and Drink Scene of Ulm

Must-Try Dishes

  • Spätzle: A delicious dumpling made from flour, eggs, and water, a regional specialty.
  • Maultaschen: A large pasta pocket filled with meat, spinach, and spices
  • Weißwurst: A traditional Bavarian sausage served with sweet mustard and soft pretzels

Local Beverages

  • Beer: The beer of choice in Ulm is the Pilsner, which is crisp, refreshing, and easy to drink.
  • Wein: The Württemberg region is known for producing quality wines. Try the Riesling or the Trollinger.
  • Spirits: Kirsch, a cherry brandy, is a popular local spirit.

Where to Stay in Ulm: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of places to stay in Ulm, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some recommended options:

  • InterCityHotel Ulm: This hotel is conveniently located near the main railway station and offers spacious, comfortable rooms.
  • Comfor Hotel Ulm City: A centrally located hotel that boasts a beautiful rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
  • Jugendherberge Ulm: A modern youth hostel that is great for budget-conscious travelers.

What to Buy in Ulm: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Blaubeuren Glass: Handmade glassware from the Blaubeuren Glassworks.
  • Pralines: Delicious chocolates from Chocolaterie Oscar.
  • Traditional Craftwork: Take home a piece of the region’s history with beautiful wooden handicrafts and pottery.

Local Culture and Customs in Ulm

Germans are known for their punctuality, and Ulmers take this very seriously. Whether it’s a business meeting or a social gathering, arrive on time or five minutes early in Ulm. It is also customary to greet everyone, even in informal settings, with a handshake. When in doubt about customs or etiquette, follow the lead of locals.

Best Time to Visit Ulm

The best time to visit Ulm is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is mild and sunny. Spring and autumn are also great times to visit, as there is less crowding, and temperatures are still comfortable.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ulm

Do:

  • Be punctual.
  • Greet everyone with a handshake.
  • Sample the local cuisine.
  • Explore the beautiful natural scenery.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Be late to appointments.
  • Be overly loud or disrespectful.
  • Touch other people’s belongings without permission.
  • Speak loudly in public places.
  • Act rude or discourteous towards locals or other travelers.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ulm

Ulm is considered a safe city for travelers. However, it is still advisable to take the usual precautions such as keeping valuables close, being aware of pickpockets, and staying in well-lit areas at night.

Health in Ulm

Ulm has excellent health facilities and services. Visitors from EU countries can receive medical care under the European Health Insurance Card. Travelers from other countries should have travel insurance or be willing to pay for services out of pocket.

Getting to Ulm: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ulm

  • Stuttgart Airport (STR) is the nearest international airport, which is 74 km from Ulm.
  • Munich Airport (MUC) is another option, which is 150km from Ulm.

Bus Stations Near Ulm

  • Ulm Central Bus Station (ZOB) is the central bus station in Ulm and operates regional and long-distance buses.

Other Options

  • Train: Ulm Hauptbahnhof is the central train station and is well-connected to cities throughout Germany and Europe.
  • Car: Ulm is easily accessible via the A8 motorway, which connects Munich with Stuttgart.

How to Get Around in Ulm

Public transportation in Ulm is efficient and reliable, a great way to discover the city’s various locations. Available options include bus, tram and taxi service.

Where to Go Next from Ulm: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Stuttgart: The capital city of Baden-Württemberg is only an hour and a half away by car or train.
  • Munich: Germany’s iconic city of beer and sausages is just a 2-hour train ride from Ulm.
  • Neuschwanstein Castle: Visit this fairy-tale castle, which is just a three-hour drive from Ulm.
  • Lake Constance: A beautiful lake district with a variety of scenic towns and attractions, only a one-hour drive away from Ulm.

Conclusion

Ulm is a fantastic destination that has something for every traveler. From its stunning cathedral to its beautiful natural scenery, Ulm has so much to offer. Sample its delicious food and drink scene, explore its cultural sites and plan your itinerary for the trip of a lifetime.

Ulm from above Ulm from above Minster Ulm Minster Ulm The Ulmer Münster The Ulmer Münster Fishermen's and Tanners' Quarter Fishermen's and Tanners' Quarter rococo library room - Monastery Wiblingen rococo library room - Monastery Wiblingen Rathaus (town hall) Rathaus (town hall)