Traveling Expats

When we arrived in Ulm, we expected a quick stopover. What we found instead was a city that felt like a living fairytale—and strangely, we hardly heard a word of English spoken the entire time.

Ulm is one of those rare places that somehow remains a “hidden gem” to international travelers. Here is why it completely caught us off guard and why it belongs on your 2026 Germany itinerary:

Short on time? Watch our Ulm Travel Guide below!

1. The Giant That Just Lost Its Title

You can’t miss the Ulm Minster. For 135 years, it held the record for the tallest church spire in the world. However, as of early 2026, it officially became the second tallest (thanks to the completion of the Sagrada Família). But don’t let that fool you—standing at the base and looking up is still a dizzying, breathtaking experience that photos simply cannot capture.

2. The Fairytale Fishermen’s Quarters

The real soul of the city is the Fishermen’s Quarter (Fischerviertel). It’s a maze of cobblestone alleys and tiny canals where the River Blau flows directly under 600-year-old timbered houses. It feels completely disconnected from the modern world and was easily our favorite place to get lost with a camera.

3. The World’s Most Crooked Hotel

Deep inside the Fishermen’s Quarter, you’ll find the Schiefes Haus (The Crooked House). Built in the 1400s, this house leans so far over the canal that it holds the Guinness World Record for the most crooked hotel in the world. Seeing how it still stands after all these centuries is a total “how is this real?” moment.

4. Walls That Survived Napoleon

Ulm used to be a heavily fortified city, but most of its walls were destroyed by Napoleon. However, he intentionally left one specific section standing along the Danube to serve as flood protection. Walking these remaining walls is the ultimate way to see the city’s “edge” and soak in the riverside vibes.

5. The Danube Promenade

Right below the city walls lies the Danube Promenade. This is where the city really breathes. It’s a lush, green stretch perfect for a sunset stroll, where you’ll see locals cycling and rowing on the river. On sunny days, the “Danube Meadow” (Donauwiese) is the place to be for a picnic with a view of the skyline.

6. Two States, One Bridge

If you walk across the Herdbrücke (Herd Bridge), you’re doing something pretty cool: you’re walking out of Baden-Württemberg and straight into Bavaria. It’s the perfect spot for a “two places at once” photo op over the Danube.

7. Legends and Leaning Towers

Move over, Pisa. Ulm has its very own Metzgerturm (Butcher’s Tower), which leans significantly over the city wall. There is a hilarious local legend about why this tower is crooked, involving a group of dishonest butchers and a very angry mayor—but you’ll have to watch our video to hear how that story ends!

8. A 40,000-Year-Old Mystery: The Lion Man

While the main Ulm Museum is currently undergoing major renovations, you can still visit the most famous resident of the city: the Lion Man (Löwenmensch). This isn’t just any statue; it’s a 40,000-year-old ivory carving that is considered the oldest piece of figurative art in the world. It’s an eerie, beautiful mix of human and lion, and seeing it in person makes you realize just how long people have been telling stories in this part of Germany.

9. The Tailor’s Leap: The Berblinger Tower

For the best (and scariest) view in the city, you have to climb the Berblinger Tower. This dizzying spiral staircase was built as a tribute to the “Tailor of Ulm,” an early flight pioneer who famously tried to glide across the Danube in 1811. The tower itself leans at a 10-degree angle to mimic his flight path—it’s a heart-pumping climb, but the view of the river is worth every step.

10. Einstein’s Quirky Roots

Did you know Albert Einstein was born in Ulm? While his family home was destroyed in WWII, the city honors him with the Einstein Fountain. It’s a quirky, bronze sculpture featuring Einstein’s head popping out of a rocket-shaped snail shell (yes, it’s as weird as it sounds!). It’s a great, quick stop for a photo of Ulm’s most famous son.

Where to Eat and The Best “Kaffee und Kuchen”?

We stumbled upon a handful of ‘hidden gem’ cafes tucked away in the 600-year-old timbered houses of the Fishermen’s Quarter—including our absolute favorite spot for traditional Swabian soul food.

We aren’t gatekeeping, but we did save the exact locations and our must-try orders for the full video! If you’re a foodie looking for the best cake and coffee in town, you’ll definitely want to see where we ended up.

Planning a trip to Southern Germany? Drop a comment on our video and let us know if the legend of the Butcher’s Tower surprised you as much as it did us!