A Day in Ulm and 768 Steps

Escaping the Dubai summer heat to Germany means there are opportunities to explore my home country, which firstly I didn’t do enough, and secondly is very underrated compared to many of its European neighbors. I’m undoubtedly biased, but particularly the southern part of Germany is full of amazing places to explore. Ulm is one of these places, and its landmark attraction, the tallest church in the world, makes it a must see. Combine that with the chance to meet old friends from Dubai, and it becomes a great day indeed.

Two Germans, and Simon ;)

 

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When the Birds Take Over

One could say this is a consequence of the Coronavirus epidemic, but it also was a Sunday morning.

Ulm Minster

The tallest church in the world at 161.5m.

For now...

...at least until the Sagrada Familia will eventually be completed.

Houses

Some of the houses in Ulm still feature the traditional timbered architecture found in Swabia.

Contrasts

The city is dotted with modern buildings, such as this office and commercial building.

Surroundings

Ulm lies at an interesting geographical location, where the rivers Blau and Iller join the Danube. It was founded in 850, but is now split along the river into Ulm in the state of Baden-Württemberg, and Neu-Ulm (new Ulm) in Bavaria. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps.

View from the Top

The 768 stairs take you all the way to the top, with a 360 degrees view - this is the choir side of the church looking east.

On the Roof

Two kids walking on the roof supporting the spire at the top of the main steeple.

Bells

Small windows in the upper main steeple floors allow a view of the bells, some of which date back all the way to the original construction of the church in the 14th century.

Main Square

Looking down the main square from the staircase leading up the minster.

Sanctuary

The view to the east inside the church - which is not in fact a cathedral.

The Choir

Which, due to the change in plans during the construction phases, is much lower than the nave.

Colours

The original stained glass windows produce beautiful light on the ground.

Glass Patterns

The northern side glass windows are slowly being decorated again after the original ones have been destroyed. While not as intricate as the the traditional style, they allow a glimpse of the houses on the outside which produces interesting changing light patterns.

Visitors

At its peak, the church was able to accommodate 20000 people.

Town Hall

The 1370 town hall building and the public libary opened in 2004 to the left.

On the City Walls

You can stroll along the Danube on top of the city walls, with a glimpse of the beautiful houses on the shore.

Fishermen's Quarter

This area with its canals and old houses is definitely one of the prettiest parts of the city.

Schiefes Haus

Aptly named "The Leaning Hotel" and originally built in 1406, this building now houses 11 rooms to stay at.

Berblinger Tower

This recently opened art installation is dedicated to Albrecht Ludwig Berblinger, who in 1811 wanted to show off his gliding plane construction, but in front of many spectators ended up in the Danube when trying to take flight from a podestal at the shores.

Up

The tower is tilted at 10 degrees and can be walked via 88 steel stairs, providing a panoramic view of the river.

Lonely Stand Up Paddler

So it seems - in fact, the river was full of people either exercising or just relaxing in the river.

Variety

Ulm provides stark contrasts of views, with the traditional houses, the gothic church, and modern buildings such as the glass pyramid library.

Danube Shores

The church seen from the Bavarian side of the Danube.

Water Village

The sunny August weather meant the Danube was full of people enjoying their flotation devices...

Model

A small model of the city next to the Minster shows how much the building stands out from its surroundings.

Sunset Rays

While much of the church is under renovation, some parts shine in all their glory.

Facades

More interesting modernist architecture.

Mask, Phone & Cigarettes

Signs of the times.

The Way Back

An underpass towards the train station.