11 things to do in Ulm in a day

There is a saying in German ”Einmal Ulmer, immer Ulmer” which translates to ”Once an Ulmer always an Ulmer”. Ulm is my home away from home since 2018. Both (Praveen and myself) came to Ulm to study and it has never failed to amuse me. I am in love with this city and I want everyone who visits this place to feel the same. Ulm is a small city located in the state of Baden Württemberg, Germany with the nearest airports being Stuttgart and Munich. Even though it’s a small city, this place has so much to offer with ancient and modern architecture. The city is internationally known for two reasons. 1. Church with the World’s tallest Steeple. 2. Birthplace of Albert Einstein. When you go around the city, you can spot many sparrow statues carrying an olive branch in its beak. The history goes like, the Ulmers wanted to carry a large beam for the construction of Ulm Münster.

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As they were not able to carry the huge beam, Ulmers was about to break down a gate that was obstructing their way. Then they saw a sparrow carrying a straw lengthwise in its beak. So they decided to used this method to transport the large beam. Hence sparrow is considered as the ”Bird of Ulm” and that is why you can see them everywhere in the city.

Things to do in Ulm

1. Ulm Münster

Ulm Münster attracts a lot of tourists because it is currently the World’s Tallest Münster with the steeple measuring 161.5 mts and it will remain one until the completion of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain(estimated year of completion is 2026). Ulrich, the architect of Ulm Münster is the same person who supervised the construction of Strasbourg Cathedral.

Entrance fee

The entry to the Münster is free. Though World War 2 destroyed Ulm, thankfully this landmark structure managed to escape with minor damages. You can even climb the Münster which is about 768 steps for the best view of Ulm and Neu-Ulm. Make sure you check the timings and prices on the official website. Don’t forget to carry your student ID.

Tip: It is advised to climb the Münster during summer as you can spend some time at the top. If you decide to climb during winter, it is cold and the wind will directly hit your face making it impossible to stand.

2. Rathaus

Rathaus is the town hall in Ulm. It is one of the highlights in the city centre with fabulous architecture and at a stone throw distance from the Danube river and Münster.

And not to miss the Fresco-Secco Paintings on the walls of Rathaus which depict the important role played by Ulm in the history of emigrants from German regions to the southeast of Europe. There are many restaurants around this place and you can also enjoy a sip of coffee as you admire these amazing exterior painted walls.

3. Münsterplatz & Shopping street

This is the main shopping street in Ulm and it hosts brands like Vero Moda, H&M, C&A, Olivers, Zara, Peek & Cloppenburg and many more. You can walk in the streets and explore the city to get some Ulm vibes.

There are cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants with a variety of cuisines. There are small joints along the street for a quick burger or a freshly brewed coffee.

4. Fischerviertel

If you walk along the narrow cobblestone beautiful streets, you will enter the Fishermen’s and Tanners Quarter. I recommend that you explore the streets leisurely and the calmness of this place will amaze you. Stroll along the way to find many ancient structures. This place looks the best at night with colourful lights lit up.

5. Crooked house

The highlight of the Fishermen’s and Tanners Quarter is the Crooked house; a timber house built in the 14th century. The house which leans of about 10° is now renovated as a hotel. I am sure you don’t want to miss this house as it even holds a Guinness World Record for the ”Most Crooked House in the World.”

6. Einstein Fountain

It features the son of Ulm; Albert Einstein. It is a bronze fountain in which Einstein’s head peeps out of a snail shell with eyes wide open and tongue sticking out that shoots water from its base giving the illusion of a rocket. The snail represents nature and wisdom and the rocket represents studies in time and space.

7. Metzgerturm

The Butcher’s Tower is one more ancient structure that was not destroyed during the world war. It stands 36 meters tall which is a major landmark and it leans a little in the northwesterly direction. Find it at the entrance of the Danube River. One cannot miss this tower when near the Rathaus.

8. The Danube

Europe’s second-longest river, the Danube is a combination of beauty and sadness. It was also along the Danube that the most terrible events of the 19th and 20th centuries occurred and nearly 100,000 died near its banks because of the Nazi’s concentration camp. According to the New York Times, The Danube is transformed from River of Blood to River of Hope.

It is an ideal location for evening walks or cycling. It is very soothing to watch the ducks and swans go by. You can even spot people kayaking and boating in the river. If it is a hot sunny day, then don’t hesitate to jump into the river and relax. You can party with music and also have a barbeque.

9. Friedrichsau Park

The huge Friedrichsau park with lush greenery is located 12 mins away from the heart of Ulm. It has a dedicated cycling track, golf course and playground for children. There are many restaurants and ice-creams parlours inside the park.

The place hosts the cultural festivals like ”Ulmer Zelt” and ”Ulmer Volksfest” every year in May and July respectively. Try visiting these events if you happen to visit Ulm in May or July.

10. Tiergarten

It is located inside Friedrichsau Park. Tiergarten is translated to ”Animal Garden”. It is a small zoo that houses reptiles, alpacas, birds, monkeys, pigs, peacocks hens, and a variety of aquatic animals. If you are visiting Ulm with children, then the zoo is an ideal place to spend 1.5 hours.

Entrance fee

The entrance fee is 5€ for adults and for children it is 3€. There are group ticket options as well. More info here. Again don’t forget your student ID card. You can save some euros.

11. Ludwigsfeld lake

Another location to spend an evening is the medium-sized Ludwigsfeld lake which is 25 mins away from the city centre. If it’s a bright sunny day, then consider yourself lucky to find a spot for yourself. There is plenty of places to play badminton, volleyball, table tennis and also has a dedicated play area for children.

It is a common sight to spot localities partying and having a barbeque. Swimming here is better than the Danube as it has 2 platforms at a distance to dive or jump. There are a small restaurant and free washroom as well. One can easily spend 3-4 hours here.

Special Events In Ulm

1. Schwörmontag (Swearing Monday)

This is an Ulmer Volks Festival with happens every year on last but one Monday in July. The Mayor of Ulm will appear in the balcony of Schwörhaus(Oath House) and swears to uphold the town constitution. At the end of his speech, to the sound of the Oath bell, he promises unconditionally to serve rich and poor equally in all equal, common and honest dealings.

Post ceremony in the afternoon, the Danube floods with people as they bring out their colorful boats in all shapes and sizes; start splashing water on each other. It is a kind of celebration for Ulmers. If you happen to visit Ulm during July, then don’t miss it.

2. Christmas Market

In the western world, Christmas is one of the main festivals unlike in India. During Christmas, the offices, schools and universities are closed. Everyone dedicates this time of the year to their family and friends. The Ulm Christmas market takes place at the Münsterplatz. The celebration lasts for approximately a month which begins from the 3rd week of November and ends 2/3 days before Christmas.

The Market has many small shops that sell winter wears like woolen socks, gloves, caps, and mufflers. You can also find a variety of decorative articles and many cute items that are essential for the decoration of Christmas trees. And not to miss the food stalls. If you are a meat lover then Christmas markets won’t disappoint you. Stalls sell a range of meat and sausages but people flood the area the whole day. Few amusement rides around the market will entertain your children. The best drink in the Market is Glück Wine. Glück wine is a hot wine that is sold only during winters. It tastes good and keeps you very warm. The prices start from 2€ and add an additional 2€ per mug as pfand (deposit). Once you finish your drink and return the cup, 2€ will be refunded. It is like a security deposit. Since I like collecting souvenirs, I got these bright these mugs with me.

How do I reach Ulm

Train

Ulm sits on the border of Baden Württemberg and Bayern. You can access both Baden-Württemberg and Bayern tickets. Read our post on Regional Day Tickets in Germany.

Bus

Another convenient mode of transport is the Flix bus. There are buses every hour from Stuttgart and Munich starting from 5€ and 7€ respectively. Download the Flix Bus app as it is very convenient. The flix bus stop in Ulm is in Egertweg which is 15 mins away from the city centre. You will have to board bus number #4 and get down at Rathaus, Ulm, or tram number #1 and get down at Hauptbahnhof.

Ulm Day tickets

The day ticket costs 4.20€ for 1 person (Tageskarte Single). One way ticket for 1 person is 2.20€ which is valid for 1 hour. Group ticket option is also available for 7.70€ for a group of up to 5 people. You can purchase the tickets with the bus driver but not with tram drivers. Bus stops have vending machines installed and even inside the trams.

Ding App

Download the DING app for travel convenience and bus and tram timetable. Tickets are available in the app as well. This ticket covers the entire DING area which includes Blautof, Senden, Gieslingen to mention a few. (These places are in the outskirts of Ulm). Overall experience:  out of 5 Time of visit: March 2018

”Let’s find some beautiful place to get lost.” – Anonymous. 

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