Ultimate Ulm Germany 2026 Travel Guide to the Top 10 Best things to Do in Ulm! Discover delicious Swabian food, Cozy Cafés, and Indulgent Treats.
Are you thinking about visiting Ulm, Germany and wondering if it’s more than a quick stop between Stuttgart and Munich?
This Ulm Germany travel guide covers the very best things to do in Ulm—from wandering the storybook lanes of the Fischerviertel Ulm (Fishermen’s Quarter Ulm) and tracking down the famously crooked Schiefes Haus Ulm (often called the crookedest house in the world), to strolling the Swabian Danube and tackling the climb for the best views in Ulm from the Ulm Minster, the tallest Gothic church in the world.
Our Ulm Travel Video covers every spot in this blog post with even more history, cinematic views, and behind-the-scenes details. If you’re planning a trip, you definitely need to check it out!
When we arrived in Ulm, we expected a simple Ulm day trip from Stuttgart or an Ulm day trip from Munich. Instead, we found a Baden-Württemberg hidden gem that instantly felt like the start of our own Ulm Germany travel guide: a walkable city of historic German architecture, peaceful riverside paths along the Danube River Germany, and quiet corners where few tourists go.
As we explored, we kept thinking how any Ulm Germany travel guide should highlight not just the famous sights like the iconic Ulm Minster, but also the relaxed pace of the riverside, the winding lanes, and the way the city invites you to slow down.
From Einstein’s birthplace to an atmospheric Ulm city walk that made us want to stay far longer than planned, our time here reshaped how we’d write an Ulm Germany travel guide—with a focus on hidden corners, easy day-trip planning, and those memorable details you only notice when you linger.
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.
1. Ulm Minster: Exploring the Tallest Gothic Church in the World
You simply cannot visit Ulm without standing in the shadow of the Ulm Minster (Ulmer Münster). For 135 years, this Gothic masterpiece held the undisputed title of the tallest church spire in the world.
As of early 2026, the record for overall height has officially shifted with the completion of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona.
However, don’t let that ranking fool you—the Ulm Minster still holds a prestigious crown: it remains the tallest Gothic church in the world. At 161.5 meters (530 feet), the spire dominates the skyline with an intricate beauty that the modern world just doesn’t build anymore.
Standing at the base and looking up is a dizzying, breathtaking experience that photos simply cannot capture.
Whether you’re a history buff or just here for the views, it remains the soul of the city and an absolute “must-see” on any German itinerary.t photos simply cannot capture.
Climbing the Tower: For those with plenty of energy (and sturdy knees!), you can actually climb the spiral stone staircase to the top of the spire.
It’s a 768-step journey to the highest viewing platform, but the reward is a spectacular 360-degree view of Ulm, the Danube River, and—on a clear day—even the Alps in the distance.
Whether you’re a history buff or just here for the views, it remains the soul of the city and an absolute “must-see” on any German itinerary.
2. The Fairytale Fishermen’s Quarter in Ulm (Fischerviertel)
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. Schiefes Haus Ulm: The World’s Crookedest Hotel
While wandering the canals of the Fischerviertel, you’ll eventually stumble upon the Schiefes Haus (Crooked House). Built in 1443, it actually holds the Guinness World Record for being the most crooked hotel in the world!
It leans out over the Blau river at a pretty dizzying angle. Unfortunately, during our visit, there was a lot of construction going on right next to the building, which made it a bit difficult to get those perfect “Instagram-worthy” photos or fully soak in the atmosphere.
Despite the scaffolding nearby, it is still quite a sight to behold and a true testament to medieval engineering (or perhaps a lack thereof!).
4. Medieval City Walls on the Swabian Danube
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. Danube River Promenade in Ulm, Germany
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 on the Danube River Germany
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, Leaning Towers, and Ulm City Walk Views
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. The Lion Man: Prehistoric Art Near Ulm, Germany
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. Berblinger Tower: One of the Best Views in Ulm
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 Birthplace: Ulm’s Quirky Einstein Fountain
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 in Ulm, Germany
Traditional Swabian Food in the Fishermen’s Quarter Ulm
Located in the heart of the historic Fishermen’s Quarter (Fischerviertel), eating at Zunfthaus der Schiffleute felt like stepping back into Ulm’s maritime history. The building itself is beautiful, but the food is the real star.
What we ordered: We went for the quintessential Swabian experience: Maultaschen (savory meat-filled dumplings) and a perfectly crisp Schnitzel.
The Verdict: If you want authentic comfort food in the most picturesque part of the city, this is the spot.
The Best Cake in Ulm, Germany
This was undoubtedly the highlight for our sweet tooth. Located near the historic center, this café is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates traditional German baking.
Konditorei Café Mohrenköpfle is a highly popular, historic pastry shop and café located at Kramgasse 1, 89073 Ulm, Germany, situated just a short walk from the iconic Ulm Minster (Ulmer Münster). [1, 2, 3]
Pro Tip: It’s a perfect spot to rest after exploring the Minster, but keep in mind they are closed on Monday.
The Experience: We had some of the best cakes we’ve tasted in a long time; the craftsmanship in their tortes and pastries is exceptional.
Quick Swabian Lunch on the Go in Ulm
For a quick, high-quality lunch on the go, we stopped at Metzgerei Kleiber. German butcher shops are a “secret” for travelers looking for a hot, delicious, and budget-friendly meal.
Sometimes you don’t want a long sit-down meal, and that’s where the local butcher shops (Metzgerei) come in. We stopped at Metzgerei Kleiber right near the Münsterplatz, and it ended up being one of our favorite memories of the trip.
The “Insider” Special: Rindfleisch Asado We stumbled upon a local secret here, thanks to a bit of serendipity. While waiting in a long line that stretched out the door, we struck up a conversation with a local named Jan. He told us that we had to try the Rindfleisch Asado (roasted beef), a special they serve on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The “Lucky” Catch: Jan wasn’t kidding about its popularity! They run out of this fast. We managed to snag one of the very last portions around 1:00 PM, and it was mouthwateringly delicious.
It really goes to show that the people in Ulm are just as warm and friendly as the food is good. It was so darn good that we gobbled it up before we could take a picture of it.
Full Disclosure: We don’t actually have a photo of the Asado to show you because we gobbled it all up before we even thought about picking up the camera. That’s how you know it’s good!
Other Great Options: Leberkäse & Sausages:
If you see Leberkäse on a menu or at a butcher’s grill, don’t let the literal translation “liver cheese” scare you off. Despite the name, modern Leberkäse (especially the Bavarian style you’ll find in Ulm) contains absolutely no liver and no cheese.
So, what is it? Think of it as a very high-quality, savory German meatloaf. It’s made from a finely ground mixture of corned beef, pork, and bacon, which is then baked in a bread pan until it develops a delicious, salty, dark-brown crust.
It has a smooth, firm texture (similar to a very thick bologna or a hot dog, but much tastier) and is best served:
- Warm: Sliced thick and tucked into a fresh, crusty Brötchen (roll).
- With Mustard: A smear of sweet Bavarian mustard or a bit of spicy medium-hot mustard is the traditional way to go.
It’s the ultimate German soul food—simple, salty, and incredibly satisfying!
If the Asado is sold out or if Leberkäse (that savory German meatloaf roll) isn’t your thing, you won’t go hungry. You can see (and smell!) an assortment of sausages being grilled right in front of you. From classic Bratwurst to Currywurst, everything is fresh, hot, and served right off the grill.
The Best Part? The Price! Of course, the prices here are quite reasonable. It’s a very budget-friendly way to grab a delicious snack or a full lunch while you’re out exploring.
Where to Stay in Ulm, Germany
We chose the Me and All Hotel by Hyatt and it was arguably one of the most convenient stays we’ve had.
The Location: It is located directly across from the Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof). This made arriving and departing a breeze, but it’s also just steps away from the main shopping and pedestrian areas.
The Vibe: The staff were exceptionally friendly and made us feel welcome the moment we walked in. The hotel has a modern, “urban boutique” feel that we really enjoyed.
The Highlight: You cannot miss their roof top bar. It has a very chill vibe and offers incredible views over the city—it’s the perfect spot for a sunset drink or an after-dinner cocktail.
Check availability and current rates for the hotel here:
Ulm, Germany Travel FAQ
Is Ulm worth visiting?
Yes. Ulm, Germany is a fantastic Baden-Wurttemberg hidden gem with historic architecture, the Ulm Minster (often called Ulm Cathedral and known as the tallest church in the world), the Fishermen’s Quarter, and beautiful Danube River views.
Is Ulm a good day trip from Munich or Stuttgart?
Ulm makes an easy day trip from both Munich and Stuttgart, with direct train connections. You can visit Ulm Minster, stroll the Fishermen’s Quarter (Fischerviertel), and walk along the Danube River in one day.
How many days do you need in Ulm, Germany?
One full day is enough for the main sights, but staying one or two nights lets you enjoy Ulm’s evening atmosphere, riverside walks, and local Swabian food without rushing your Ulm city walk.
What are the best views in Ulm?
Some of the best views in Ulm are from the top of Ulm Minster, the Danube promenade along the Swabian Danube, the medieval city walls, and the Berblinger Turm overlooking the river and historic German architecture.
We absolutely fell in love with Ulm’s charm! Whether you’re here for the history or the views, we hope this guide helps you plan your own German adventure.
Next up on the blog: Koblenz, Germany — one of the most scenic cities in the Rhine Valley. From the dramatic meeting point of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers at Deutsches Eck to the panoramic views from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, this historic riverside city is packed with charm, castles, and unforgettable viewpoints. If you’re planning a Rhine Valley itinerary or looking for the perfect day trip in western Germany, you won’t want to miss this complete Koblenz travel guide.
LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER & SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!
Leave a Reply