Exploring Ulm: Bavaria's Hidden Gem

Ulm is a city in Germany that sits on the border with Bavaria. The Danube River runs through the middle of the city, dividing it into two halves and marking the border between two federal states. One half of the city, Ulm, is in Baden-Württemberg, while the other half, Neu-Ulm, is in Bavaria.

Ulm Minster, the tallest church in the world, is located in the city

Ulm Minster is a spectacular example of Gothic architecture, with a steeple that rises just over 161 metres (528 ft) into the sky, making it the tallest church tower in the world. The building also features 15-metre-tall church windows, elaborate altars, and a gigantic organ. It took over 500 years to build, with construction beginning in 1377 and ending in 1890. The long construction period was due to financial difficulties, with work stopping for three centuries before the final work was completed in the 19th century.

The church is a Lutheran congregation and was originally a Roman Catholic church when construction first began. However, the people of Ulm converted to Protestantism during the Reformation in the 16th century, and so the minster became a Lutheran church. Interestingly, the Ulm Minster is not considered a cathedral, as it has never had a bishop presiding over a diocese.

The interior of the church features wooden pews and choir stalls carved by the renowned German sculptor, Jörg Syrlin. The Ulm Minster organ was once the largest organ in the world and was played by Amadeus Mozart in 1763. Visitors can climb the tower, which has 768 steps, and take in breathtaking views of the city and, on clear days, the Alps. The climb is challenging due to the narrow and slippery stone steps, but it is well worth the effort for the stunning views from the top.

The city is divided by the Danube River, which also marks the border between Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria

The German city of Ulm is divided by the Danube River, which also marks the border between Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The city is split into two parts, with Ulm in Baden-Württemberg and Neu-Ulm in Bavaria. This unique feature of the city means that visitors can stand with one foot in each state at certain points along the river, such as on the Herdbrücke.

Ulm has a long history as a free imperial city, directly ruled by the Holy Roman Emperor. It was first mentioned as a royal domain in 854 and was chartered in the 12th century. The city played a significant role in the trade leagues and wars of the 14th and 15th centuries, becoming a powerful and prosperous free imperial city with extensive territorial authority. Its location on the Danube River and its manufacturing industries, particularly linen and fustian, contributed to its prosperity during the Middle Ages.

The Danube River, which flows through the middle of Ulm, is the second-longest river in Europe and runs through ten countries. The river was an important transport route, especially for goods coming out of the Alpine region. Ulm was also a port for downstream exports to eastern Europe, and German-speaking emigrants used this route to settle in those regions.

Today, Ulm is a major road, rail, and communications centre, with a population of over 120,000. It is known for its impressive Gothic cathedral, the Ulmer Münster, which has the tallest church steeple in the world at 161.53 metres (529.95 feet). The city also boasts a charming old town, a historic fishermen's quarter, and picturesque paths along the old city wall.

The historic Fishermen's Quarter is a must-see for visitors

The houses in the Fishermen's Quarter served as both living and working spaces. The inhabitants, known as the 'Räsen', were a headstrong group of hardworking people. In addition to fishermen, tanners, and sailors, other professions in the quarter included millers, soap boilers, shipbuilders, and craftsmen. The quarter was also a centre of trade, with many emigrants starting their journeys to Hungary from here, working for local craftsmen before setting off on traditional ships known as 'Ulmer Schachteln'.

Today, the Fishermen's Quarter is a lively district, hosting several festivals during the summer that attract many visitors. Visitors can take guided tours, including special night-time tours with a guide dressed as a historical night watchman, to learn about the quarter's unique history and stories. The area is also home to several restaurants and quaint hotels, such as the famous 'Crooked House' (Schiefes Haus), which are popular destinations for meals and drinks.

The Fishermen's Quarter is easily accessible from the modern city centre of Ulm, and by following the alleys, visitors can reach the Ulm city gate and enjoy a view of the Danube River. The quarter's narrow rows of tanners' houses, with their balcony loggias once used for processing hides, are also undergoing renovation and preservation efforts, ensuring the area's rich history is maintained for future generations.

The city has a long history as a free imperial city, ruled only by the Holy Roman Emperor

The city of Ulm has a rich history as a free imperial city, dating back to the Middle Ages. Located on the eastern edges of the Swabian Jura mountain range, on the banks of the Danube River, Ulm was first mentioned as a royal domain in 854 and became a free imperial city in 1155.

As a free imperial city, Ulm enjoyed a significant degree of autonomy and was ruled only by the Holy Roman Emperor, rather than being subordinate to a territorial prince. This status brought Ulm great prosperity during the Middle Ages, with the city becoming a major centre for trade and commerce. Its strategic location at the hub of important trade routes, including the Danube River, and its prominent role in the manufacture of linen and fustian, contributed to its success.

Ulm's wealth and influence peaked in the 15th century, with a population of about 60,000 and a ruling territory of approximately 300 square miles (780 km2). The city's prosperity is evident in the construction of its impressive Minster, which began in 1377 and was financed by the citizens of Ulm themselves.

However, the discovery of America in the 16th century diminished the importance of Ulm's trade connections. Religious disputes and the French Wars of Religion in the 16th and 17th centuries further contributed to the city's decline. In 1802, Ulm lost its status as a free imperial city and was passed to the Electorate of Bavaria, before being ceded to the Kingdom of Württemberg in 1810.

Despite these changes, Ulm retained its importance as an economic and industrial centre, with diverse industries ranging from motor vehicles and machinery to textiles and gardening implements. The city also boasts a strong military tradition, having served as a major garrison town and home to a large military camp.

Ulm is a major transport hub, with a large railway station and an international airport nearby

Ulm is a major transport hub with a large railway station and an international airport nearby. The city lies on the international railway corridor "Main Line for Europe", which connects Paris to Bratislava and Budapest, via Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, Stuttgart, Augsburg, Munich, Salzburg, Linz and Vienna. The city's main station, Ulm Hauptbahnhof, is a large railway junction with twelve platforms, five of which are terminating platforms. The station is served by several railway companies, including Deutsche Bahn, SWEG, Go-Ahead, Schwäbische Alb-Bahn and Agilis, with approximately 335 trains passing through the station daily, including 75 long-distance and 260 regional trains. The station is used by around 29,000 passengers every day.

Ulm Hauptbahnhof is located to the west of the city centre, with the station building situated to the east of the tracks. The station has a range of facilities, including an entrance hall, a lobby, a ticket office, storage rooms, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The station is accessible by public transport, with a central bus station located to the southeast and tramlines stopping in the station forecourt.

In addition to the main station, there are several other stations in Ulm, including Ulm-Söflingen to the west, Ulm Ost to the east, and Ulm-Donautal in the industrial area. The Ulm marshalling yard is located to the west of the city.

While Ulm does not have its own airport, the nearby Memmingen and Stuttgart airports offer a range of flight options, including low-cost carriers and scheduled airlines. Munich Airport, one of the busiest in Europe, is also easily accessible from Ulm and provides a wide range of flight choices. These airports can be conveniently reached via public transport.

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