Ulm

Home to the world's tallest church spire, Ulm Minster, and a beautifully restored medieval old town located at the confluence of three rivers. The city's rich history, excellent museums, and authentic Swabian culture provide a compelling reason to visit this underrated gem.

Things to do

• Climb Ulm Minster — Ascend the 768 steps of the world's tallest church spire for panoramic views across the Swabian countryside and three converging rivers.
• Explore the Medieval Old Town — Wander the narrow lanes lined with half-timbered houses, charming squares, and restored Renaissance buildings that reflect Ulm's prosperous trading past.
• Visit the Ulm Museum — Discover local archaeology, medieval art, and Swabian cultural artifacts in this comprehensive museum housed in a historic building near the cathedral.
• Punt the Danube — Take a traditional wooden punt boat down the Danube River, a quintessential Ulm experience that offers views of the city from the water.
• Tour the Bread and Butter Museum — Explore this quirky museum dedicated to the history and culture of bread and butter in the region, showcasing traditional baking methods.
• Visit the German Bread Museum — Learn about bread-making traditions across Germany and Europe through exhibits and displays at this specialized museum in the old town.
• Stroll the Stadtmauer and Fortifications — Walk along sections of the preserved medieval city walls and Renaissance fortifications that once protected Ulm's wealthy merchants.

Food to try

• Maultaschen — These Swabian pockets of pasta filled with minced meat, spinach, and breadcrumbs are served in broth or fried; they are a iconic regional specialty often called 'Swabian ravioli.'
• Spätzle — Tender egg noodles with an irregular shape, typically served with cheese and crispy onions (Käsespätzle) or as a side to meat dishes throughout Ulm.
• Laugenbrezel — The region's distinctive soft pretzel, boiled in lye and topped with coarse salt, represents Swabian baking excellence and is found in every local bakery.
• Sauerbraten — This pot roast marinated in vinegar and spices reflects Swabian home cooking tradition and is often served with red cabbage and potato dumplings.
• Zwiebelrostbraten — Thin slices of beef topped with crispy fried onions, a Swabian tavern classic best enjoyed with a local Dunkelweizen beer.
• Linseneintopf — A hearty lentil stew with sausage and vegetables that embodies Swabian comfort food and appears frequently on traditional restaurant menus.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the local dialect — Swabians speak Schwäbisch, a distinctive dialect that differs notably from standard German; locals appreciate when visitors acknowledge and show interest in this regional linguistic identity.
• Brewery culture is important — Ulm has a strong beer tradition with local breweries and beer halls; visiting a traditional beer garden or Weinstube (wine tavern) is an essential social experience.
• Visit museums on the right days — Many Ulm museums close on Mondays, so plan your visits accordingly and check hours in advance to maximize your cultural exploration.
• Embrace the market traditions — The weekly farmers' market on the main square reflects the city's agricultural heritage; shopping here and sampling fresh local products connects you to daily Swabian life.