"Ulm und um Ulm herum" Ulm by MichaelFalk1969

Ulm Travel Guide: 244 reviews and 831 photos

Until recently I knew next to nothing about Ulm, but when visiting friends living in the area, they gave us a private city tour, and we where pleasantly surprised. Ulm is one of the oldest cities in Germany - first mentioned in the 9th century - and for the longest part of its history it was an independent city ("Freie Reichsstadt") within the medieval German Empire. Ulm also had rich merchants and extensive trading connections with all parts of Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte rearranged Germany politically in 1803, thus ending the long independence of Ulm as a free city. Ulm became part of Bavaria and later of the Würtemberg Kingdom.

As Ulm grew, the city limits extended over the river Danube. Due to the political divisions of Germany after the Congress of Vienna, the newer parts on the right bank of the Danube are now part of Bavaria (the city of Neu-Ulm).

Though Ulm suffered some destruction in WW2 bombings, much has been reconstructed in the nice Old Town. Ulm also embraced modern architecture, which makes for very interesting (though controversial) contrasts between old and new architecture.

The main attraction nonetheless is the cathedral, the Ulmer Münster, with the worldwide highest church spire (161 meter). You can do the exhausting climb all to the top over more than 700 steps and enjoy the view over Ulm and the Danube.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Ulm (:-)
Cons:Neu-Ulm (:-(

Last visit to Ulm: May 2008
Intro Updated May 30, 2008
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Reviews (10)

Kloster Roggenburg Off The Beaten Path (1)

This marvelous baroque monastery in the little town of Roggenburg close to Ulm has an interesting history. Established... more travel advice

Modern Architecture in Ulm ("Neue... Things to Do (9)

Ulms architecture suffered heavily in WW2 bombings, yet many historic buildings were reconstructed. Ulm has nonetheless... more travel advice

Old Town Hall Things to Do (9)

The renaissance Old Town Hall - a short walk from the cathedral - was built in 1370. At first a merchant`s building, the... more travel advice

Schwörhaus Things to Do (9)

This historic building was used for the inauguration of the city mayor who had to swear an oath on ptotecting the cities... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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BruceDunning Oct 11, 2010 at 2:07 PM

The climb up the church tower has to be worth the trek just to get such a fabulous picture. You have captured the beauty of this town very well. We plan to get to Bamberg/Bayrueth/Dresden in May 2011.
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hunterV May 24, 2010 at 9:13 AM

Hello, Michael! Your pictures are as great as the city itself! ><><>< Es lebe Ulm!