21 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Ulm Germany

Looking for the best things to do in Ulm, Germany? Here are 21 suggestions, from historical sights to fascinating facts, as well as parks and fun things to do in Ulm, Germany for kids. 

Home to the world’s tallest church, and known as the birthplace of Einstein, Ulm is an interesting city with plenty of things to see and do. 

Stroll through the Fisherman’s Quarters and see the crookedest house in the world, take a walk to the interesting Einstein fountain or visit the Ulm Museum to see a 40, 000-year-old carving. Either way, there’s no shortage of fun and fascinating things to see in Ulm, Germany.  

We stopped in Ulm, originally as a short rest stop on our drive from Frankfurt to Slovenia – and because one of my kids saw the interesting-looking Berblinger tower on Google maps – but that short rest stop turned into a much longer visit once we started exploring the town. We had to alter our itinerary for the next few days to make up the time, but it was worth it!

Whether you’re interested in historical sights, outdoor activities or travelling with kids, here are 21 of the best things to do in Ulm, Germany. 

21 Best Things to Do in Ulm

Ulm is an interesting city, with a rich history, as well as plenty of unique and unusual things to do. Here are some of the best things to do in Ulm, from historical sights to unusual and unique things to see, as well as parks and things to do in Ulm with kids.

1. Marvel at the Ulm Münster

One of Germany’s most iconic landmarks, and the top tourist attractions in Ulm, the Ulmer Münster is a true architectural marvel.

It’s the world’s tallest church, with a steeple that is 530 feet tall.

Construction first began in 1477 and over the years, it has been a Catholic Church, before being converted to a Lutheran church, and finally a Protestant church.

Luckily the church survived without much damage during WWII, and it still stands proudly in the centre of Ulm.

And while it’s a steep climb with 768 steps, the 360° views from the top make the climb worthwhile!

2. See the Rathaus

The town hall is one of the most important buildings in any German city, and Ulm is no exception.

Ulm’s Rathaus, or City Hall, was built in 1520 and every wall on the outside of the building is decorated with gorgeous coloured murals.

One wall also features an astronomical clock, less well-known than the one in Prague, but beautiful nonetheless.

The Renaissance façade is reason enough to visit the Rathaus, but the building is also home to a replica of the flying apparatus of Albrecht Ludwig Berblinger, the legendary “Tailor of Ulm”.

Regardless of whether you’re into art history, the Rathaus is a beautiful building and worth a visit.

3. Explore Fisherman’s and Tanner’s Quarters

Where the Blau River meets the River Danube you’ll find the charming Fischerviertel, or Fishers’ quarter.

This was the medieval quarter for tanners, fishermen and shipbuilders, as well as other craftsmen.

Now, this restored quarter is home to many beautifully restored half-timbered houses sitting over the water, as well as restaurants, galleries and small shops.

It’s also home to the crookedest house in the world, as well as one of the narrowest, and is a great spot to wander around.

There are many bridges crossing the Blau, and with plenty of cafes and restaurants, it’s an ideal spot to have a snack or a bite to eat. 

4. Walk Along the Old City Wall 

From Fischerviertel, it’s an easy walk to the old city wall, or the Stadmauer.

These red brick walls date from 1492 and run the length of the Old Town along the north bank of the Danube.

Napoleon decided he didn’t want a heavily fortified Ulm, so he reduced the height of the wall in the 19^th century.

Walk along the old town walls and enjoy the view of the Danube on your right and the buildings of the Aldstadt on your left. 

5. See the Leaning Tower

Along the city walls is the Metzgerturm, or Butcher’s Tower.

Built in the 14^th century, this tower features beautifully patterned tiles on the roof and is one of the entrances to the Old Town.

But due to the marshy ground, the tower leans 2 meters, which is only slightly less severe than the more well-known Leaning Tower of Pisa.

It’s not possible to enter the tower, but a picture from the outside is a must. 

6. Walk Along the Danube

No visit to Ulm would be complete without taking a stroll along the banks of the Danube River.

One of the most important rivers in the world, the Danube River flows through 10 countries, including Germany.

There’s a great path alongside the river, with plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view, or wood ‘steps’ built into the side of the banks to sit on.

Stroll along the north side or cross to the south side for an excellent view of the Ulm Munster and Leaning tower set against the Aldstadt. 

7. Climb the Berblinger Tower

The city is known for unusual and fascinating things – a crooked house, a tall church and a really old carving to name a few – but climbing the Berblinger Tower is another of the unique things to do in Ulm. 

Actually, the Berblinger Tower is what brought us to Ulm – we were looking for a stop on our drive through Germany to Slovenia, and one of my kids saw this tower on Google Maps, so of course we had to climb it. 

I’ll be honest – climbing the tower is not for the faint-hearted. It doesn’t look too tall from below, but the tower is slightly tilted, and once at the top, even without any wind, it does shake and move a bit.

The winding steps are worth it though, as you’ll be rewarded with a great view over the Danube. 

8. Visit the Museum of Bread Culture

The Museum Brot und Kunst, or Museum of Bread Culture, sounds a bit unusual, and unique it is, but it’s also surprisingly interesting.

With over 1500 items, the museum presents an interesting history of bread and bread-making methods, and even the politics of bread, but it also features an interesting art collection with bread-themed pieces, including works by Chagall and Dali. 

The Museum of Bread Culture is housed in a building that was built in 1592 and used until the beginning of the 19^th century. In 1955, a father and son team converted the warehouse into what would become the museum it is today.

9. See the Lion Man of Ulm

Ulm is known for some fascinating things, from a tall church to a crooked house, but it also boasts a really old sculpture.

The Lion Man, or Löwenmensch figurine, has the body of a man with the head of a lion, and was found in a German cave in 1939.

Only 30 cm tall and carved from mammoth ivory about 40, 000 years ago, this is the oldest example of figurative art in the world.