Ulm: Water Quarter, Museums and Mill Routes

Water Quarter, Old Town and Astronomical Clock

Ulm’s sights include the restored old town districts of “Auf dem Kreuz” and the “Fishermen’s and Tanners’ Quarter”, as well as the historic Town Hall. The Fishermen’s and Tanners’ Quarter reveals the distinctive connection between urban architecture and water: many buildings dating from the 15th to 17th centuries have part of their foundations directly in the water. In the past, water power and a total of seven mill wheels kept things running there. The architecture and the former use of the water offer several perspectives on Ulm’s history.

At the Town Hall, take a moment to look at the astronomical clock on its east side. It was installed in 1520. Five moving elements show the sun’s path, including sunrise and sunset, the phases of the moon, solar and lunar eclipses, and the signs of the zodiac. The clock thus combines a specific date and a particular location on the building with a depiction of astronomical events.

Museums with a range of themes

The Ulm Museum presents 40,000 years of art and cultural history in a listed complex of buildings dating from the 16th to 20th centuries. Its collection also includes the Lion Man, which is over 40,000 years old: a human-animal sculpture made of mammoth ivory. Its combination of human and animal forms and its great age make it a distinctive point of interest for a museum visit.

The Bread and Art Museum focuses on different questions. Its 19 themed installations explore aspects of the social, cultural and technological history of agriculture, food and bread. If you are interested, you can combine your museum visit with “Kunstschmaus”, held there on the first Wednesday of every month. Check the current program before your visit.

Compare routes by interest

The Ulm/Neu-Ulm Fortress Trail is about 12.5 kilometers long and connects surviving structures from the ring of fortifications. Its 32 information panels cover their origins, function and post-military use. The Ulm Mill Trail leads to the sites of 22 mills in the city. Its five themed sections trace developments from 19th-century milling to modern regional industrial heritage.

The 20-kilometer Ulm Heights Trail offers a different focus, running through the north of Ulm. It can be walked from either end and is signposted; the walking time is about three hours. The routes therefore differ in both subject and length: fortifications and the history of mills are covered by two distinct historical routes, while the Heights Trail offers a longer walk through the north of the city.

There are also different ways to enjoy a shorter change of pace between cultural and active pursuits. Friedrichsau is Ulm’s large city park and includes, among other things, a tree trail. At Ulm Minster, visitors can climb the tower as far as the second viewing platform, 102 meters up. Check the latest information about the climb before your visit.

Plan your stay and accommodation

Ulm/Neu-Ulm lies at the intersection of seven long-distance cycle routes. Much can be explored on foot; buses and trams are available for longer journeys. In the region, you can also get around by train and bicycle. This lets you tailor your plans to whether you would prefer to visit cultural sites, follow themed routes, cycle or combine different interests. If your travel group has a range of interests, the museums, historic sites and routes offer specific themes to choose from.

Discover more destinations: Merklingen, Holzkirch, Heroldstatt, Erbach, Rottenacker, Weidenstetten, Blaubeuren, Dietenheim.

Back to the main travel overview: Alb-Donau District.