Discover the Best Things to Do in Ulm, Germany: For Families, Solo Travelers, & Slow Explorers
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Ulm, Germany. The first visit was an impromptu day trip—one of those spontaneous choices that somehow turns into the highlight of your travels.
For a smaller town in southern Germany, Ulm completely exceeded my expectations. It’s full of charm, character, and more to do than you’d think at first glance.
Tucked along the banks of the Danube, Ulm is a beautiful blend of medieval architecture and modern energy.
From climbing the tallest church spire in the world to wandering through crooked little alleyways in the Fishermen’s Quarter, the city has something for just about everyone—whether you’re traveling with kids, exploring solo, or somewhere in between.
We visited Ulm with our kids and had a great time—yes, even with the occasional chaos! But I also couldn’t help thinking how peaceful and easy Ulm would be to explore solo.
Whether you’re drawn to the cobblestoned old town, quirky museums, the city’s deep history, or just a quiet riverside walk, Ulm offers a thoughtful balance of culture and calm.
It’s a place that invites you to go slow and take it all in, no matter who you’re traveling with.
In this guide, I’m sharing the top things to do in Ulm, hidden gems, and practical travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to this underrated gem in Baden-Württemberg.
You’ll also find ideas for traveling with kids, and one magical suggestion for those lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season.
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13 Amazing Things To Do In Ulm
1. See The Ulm Minster
You can’t miss the impressive cathedral —literally, you can spot it as you drive into the city.
The Ulm Minster towers over the city, and holds the claim to being the tallest curch spire in the world, reaching over 161 meters high (about 530 feet). It comes as no surprise that it’s one of the city’s top attractions and the most beautiful building in the city!
After visiting many churches throughout Germany, Italy, and Spain, the height of Ulm Minster sets itself apart.
The Gothic architecture is stunning!
If you’re visiting during the Christmas Season, the Ulm Christmas market is one of the most unique and underrated in Germany, and it takes place right in the courtyard of the church.
2. Climb The Bell Tower
It’s a shame we were unable to climb the Ulm Minster bell tower — and I genuinely feel like we missed out on a gem!
It’s on my bucket list if we have the opportunity to visit Ulm again.
The bell tower is over 760 steps, making it quite the climb! I can only imagine it being the perfect place for panoramic views of the city and the Daumbe River. On a clear day, you may even be able to spot the Alps!
3. Admire the Rathaus (Ulm Town Hall)
I’ll be hoit’s—one of the things I always look for when visiting these little towns in Germany is the Town Hall (Rathaus).
They’re surprisingly beautiful. Whether it’s medieval architecture or a façade covered in intricate frescoes, these buildings feel like living pieces of art, and they’re usually tucked into the heart of town.
Unfortunately, I somehow missed getting a photo of the Rathaus in Ulm (still kicking myself!). But it’s absolutely worth it.
Ulm’s Rathaus is just a short walk from the cathedral. Its exterior is decorated with vivid frescoes, and it features a stunning astronomical clock that’s been keeping time since the 16th century.
The building dates back to the 14th century, and—believe it or not—it remains a functioning city hall to this day.
Tip: If you’re visiting Ulm with kids, the astronomical clock is usually a big hit. The colors, moving parts, and celestial vibe spark just enough curiosity to hold their attention (for at least a few minutes!).
4. Visit the Wiblingen Abbey
The Wiblingen Abbey is absolutely worth visiting!
Just outside of Ulm lies the former Benedictine Monastery of Wiblingen, a peaceful and elegant spot that feels like stepping into a different century.
The Wiblingen Library is one of the top attractions to see in Ulm. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was when we arrived… and it was closed for the day—total heartbreak.
The library is fully embellished in the Rococo style, and from everything I’ve read and seen, it looks indescribably stunning—like something out of a dream.
Thankfully, we were still able to step inside the Wiblingen Abbey Church, which leans more toward Baroque with subtle Rococo touches. It’s soft, bright, and ornate in all the right ways.
It’s also a beautiful contrast to the Gothic drama of the Ulm Minster—lighter, quieter, and somehow more intimate.
5. Check out the Metzgertum- the Leaning Tower of Ulm
I love walking through these little medieval European cities and stumbling upon the leaning towers—they are so much fun.
There is something so charming about them, like the city is quietly laughing at its own age.
The Metzgerturm, also known as the Butcher’s Tower, was built around 1340 and is part of Ulm’s original medieval fortifications.
It leans noticeably to one side, which only adds to its uniqueness (and makes for a great “wait-is that tower crooked?” moment as you walk by).
I didn’t snap a photo this time, but it’s a quick, quirky stop—especially if you’re already exploring the nearby Fishermen’s Quarter.
6. Walk by the Albert Einstein Memorial Fountain.
If you’re walking near the city theater, keep an eye out for the quirky, funny bronze fountain of Einstein. It’s weird, whimsical, and totally unexpected—just like Einstein probably would’ve liked it.
We passed by on a day when my toddler was having a particularly challenging time (think: full-on travel meltdown).
I was too busy navigating snacks, strollers, and parenting to take a photo—real life over Instagram, as usual. I was fully embracing the moments while completely preoccupied as a mom.
7. Wander The Fishermen’s Quarter
If Ulm has a fairytale corner, this is it. The Fishermen’s Quarter (Fischerviertel) is one of those places that makes you slow down without even trying.
Half-timbered houses lean into each other, little bridges cross over the Blau River, and everything feels… quietly magical.
We wandered through with no agenda, which honestly made it even better.
The cobblestone streets are narrow and winding, lined with art studios, cozy cafes, and houses that appear to have been gently settling into place for centuries.
There’s water everywhere—running under footbridges, pooling beside buildings, and reflecting off glass windows and flower boxes.
One of the highlights? The Schiefes Haus—aka the Leaning House. It’s a 15th-century hotel that tilts so dramatically it looks like it might slide right into the river. My toddler thought it was hilarious, and honestly, so did I.
I was actually more impressed by the Leaning House than the Metzgerturm. It’s quirky, a little mind-bending, and charming.
One of the best things to do in Ulm is to wander through the charming Fischerviertel Quarters.
It’s the kind of place you can slow down, sit outside with a coffee, and just take it all in—riverside views, crooked houses, cobblestone streets, and a unique perspective of the historical significance of the city.
Tip: If you’re visiting Ulm with kids, this is the perfect spot for them to run around and burn off some energy while you catch your breath.
8. Relax at the Friedrichsau Park
We stumbled upon Friedrichsau Park when we visited Ulm for the second time, during its annual Volksfest. We had about two hours to kill before it opened… and this little detour turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the day.
There’s a little bit of everything here—shaded walking paths, open green lawns perfect for lying out a blanket, a few charming ponds, and even a small animal park tucked inside.
There’s also a playground, which was the perfect distraction for our toddler while we waited for the Volksfest gates to open.
Friedrichsau Park is honestly one of the best places to stop if you’re traveling through Germany with kids. It’s big, peaceful, and full of breathing room.
The park stretches along the banks of the Danube, and somehow manages to feel both lively and calm at the same time.
It’s where locals go to picnic, cycle, wander, and let their dogs roam free—and as a visitor, it’s the kind of space that invites you to slow down and just let your kids be kids.
9. Take the Kids to the Aquarium at Tiergarten
I thought this spot was so cute—and it’s the perfect thing to do in Ulm with kids!
The aquarium is relatively small, but really well done. Honestly, it was the perfect size for my toddler at the time—just enough to explore without feeling overwhelmed (for either of us).
It includes a mix of aquariums, terrariums, natural marshy ground exhibits, and even a little zoo area tucked into the same park.
Everything is close together, making it easy to walk, and the area is very stroller-friendly.
I think we spent about two hours total for the entire experience, and it felt like just the right pace—a sweet little break from the sightseeing hustle
10. Walk the Danube River Promenade
If there’s one thing I always recommend in any city—especially when traveling with kids—it’s carving out time to simply walk and explore. Step away from the sightseeing checklist and take a breather.
In Ulm, the Danube River Promenade, along with the city’s beautiful parks, offers exactly that kind of experience.
I’ve always loved being near water. If a city has a riverside path or promenade, we make a point to seek it out. It’s our way of grounding ourselves—slowing down and taking in the quiet natural beauty that doesn’t need an entry ticket or a camera angle.
11. Visit the Kunsthalle
We didn’t make it inside Kunsthalle Weishaupt during our visit. Still, I wanted to include it because it appears to be such a beautiful, peaceful space, especially if you’re into modern art or simply love a well-designed museum.
Located right in Ulm’s city center, just steps from the Minster, Kunsthalle Weishaupt stands out with its sleek, glass, modern architecture.
Inside, the gallery focuses on modern and contemporary art, featuring works by artists such as Andy Warhol, Ellsworth Kelly, and other bold, colorful names from the 20th and 21st centuries.
From everything I’ve read, the museum is thoughtfully curated, filled with natural light, and designed to give you space to slow down and actually experience the art, not just walk past it.
It also currently houses the Lion-Man sculpture while the Ulm Museum is under renovation, which alone makes it worth a stop.
Tip: I read that the Lion-Man sculpture (Löwenmensch) dates back approximately 35,000 to 40,000 years… I honestly can’t even wrap my head around how old that is.
I came across it after our second trip to Ulm, and now it’s definitely on my list if we get the chance to revisit this beautiful German city.
12. Enjoy the Ulmer Volksfet
We weren’t planning our trip around the Ulmer Volksfest, but it ended up being one of the most unexpectedly fun parts of our time in the city.
If you’re in Ulm during the summer, definitely check to see if the Volksfest is happening—it’s a classic German fair, full of bright lights, music, and just the right amount of chaos (the good kind).
Held in Friedrichsau Park, the festival has everything you’d hope for—rides, carnival games, bratwurst stands, giant pretzels, and of course, bier tents for the adults.
It’s the kind of event that brings out locals of all ages, which gives it a really welcoming, down-to-earth energy.
We had a few hours to spare before it officially opened and ended up relaxing in the park first (which was perfect with a toddler in tow).
Once the gates opened, the mood completely shifted—in the best way. The sounds of the rides and the smells of fair food made for a lovely experience!
Why it’s worth including in your visit:
Because sometimes travel isn’t about museums or monuments—it’s about moments. Watching your kid ride a spinning tractor while you sip a Radler in the shade of an old oak tree? That’s travel magic in its own right.
Tip: Visit earlier in the day if you’re traveling with kids—with fewer crowds, it’s the best time to go. And if you’re not into fair rides? Just go for the food and people-watching—it’s an experience either way.
13. Experience the Ulm Christmas Market
If you happen to visit Ulm between late November and mid-December, make sure to check out the Ulm Christmas market (Ulmer Weihnachtsmarkt) – it’s like experiencing Christmas during the Middle Ages!
It takes place right in the Münsterplatz, right at the base of the Ulmer Münster (so it’s super easy to find!)
For extra inspiration, check out my Guide To The Best Unique Christmas Markets– it highlights the best of the season!
How to Get To Ulm
By Train
Ulm is well-connected by Germany’s efficient train system. You can get direct trains from Munich, Stuttgart, or Frankfurt, and they run frequently throughout the day.
- From Frankfurt Airport: around 2–2.5 hours
- From Munich: about 1 hour 15 minutes
- From Stuttgart: under an hour
Ulms train station (Hauptbahnhof) is right in the city, and is easily walkable to many of the attractions.
By Car
If you’re already traveling around Southern Germany, Ulm is a perfect stop to add to your road trip itinerary!
There is plenty of parking outside the old town, and we found it pretty easy to navigate.
Closest Airports to Ulm
- Stuttgart Airport (STR) – about 1 hour by train or car
- Munich Airport (MUC) – about 2 to 2.5 hours by train
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My final thoughts on this Ulm Travel Guide
Ulm may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to Germany, but maybe that’s exactly what makes it so special.
With its towering Gothic cathedral, rich history, tranquil river walks, charming leaning houses, and family-friendly atmosphere, Ulm is a true German gem. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe a little deeper, and really soak in the atmosphere.
Whether you’re here for a quick day trip, chasing Christmas market magic, or enjoying the summer energy of the Volksfest, there are so many things to do in Ulm that the whole family can enjoy.
As you walk along the old city walls or wander through the Fishermen’s Quarter, you can’t help but feel the weight of history woven into everyday life. Ulm is a beautiful city to experience the local culture of southern Germany, at a pace that feels genuine.
And if you have the chance to visit, you’ll see what I mean. Ulm still has that hidden gem energy, and it might just surprise you.
Wherever your travels in Germany take you, I hope you leave space for the unexpected stops —the smaller cities that don’t always make the top of the itinerary, but find themselves being favorite gems. The city of Ulm makes for an unforgettable experience!
If you’re considering a short trip to Ulm, it’s a great spot! Enjoy the local foods, and get lost on the cobblestoned streets! I don’t think you’ll regret it!
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