Ulm Minster is a Lutheran church on Münsterplatz, the pedestrian-only old part of Ulm. Its spire reaches 161.53 metres, the tallest church tower in the world. Building began in 1377 and ended in 1890. Inside, look for the stained glass windows, the carved-oak choir stalls from the 15th century and the late medieval sculptures. Entry to the church is free. The tower has a fee, and its 768 steps lead to views over the red roofs, the Danube and, on a clear day, the Alps. Scaffolding is common, so some views of the building may be partly covered.
From 1377 to 1890
Construction of Ulm Minster began in 1377 and the building was officially completed in 1890, after 513 years. Its size is part of the reason it took so long. The citizens of Ulm are said to have paid for the church themselves. At the time, the parish church stood outside the city walls, which made every visit a risk, and the new church was built to change that.
The church was first built as a Catholic church and became Lutheran during the Reformation. Today it is the largest evangelical church in Germany. The spire was finished in the 19th century on the basis of a sketch left by the master builder Matthias Böblinger. At 161.53 metres it is about four metres taller than the towers of Cologne Cathedral. Only the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, planned at 170 metres, is expected to surpass it once it is complete.
The church came through the bombing of Ulm in the Second World War, and its silhouette still defines the city's skyline from a distance.
Inside the minster
The nave is wide and tall, and the stained glass windows fill it with coloured light when the sun is out. There are many windows, so allow time to look at them one by one.
The interior holds late medieval sculptures, carved-oak choir stalls made in the 15th century and a triptych from the 16th century. Two choir towers, each 86 metres high, flank the choir at the east end.
In the church there is also a display with the original Ulmer Spatz, the sparrow that now sits as a copy on the roof. The shop near the entrance sells memorabilia, among them artifacts that were replaced during the renovation. If you are interested in one, ask at the office about prices, as they are not displayed.
Scaffolding has stood inside and outside the building for long periods, so parts of the architecture can be hidden from view.
Climbing the tower
The tower is open for a fee, while the church itself is free. A narrow spiral staircase of 768 steps rises about 143 metres. The climb is demanding, but the view covers the old town's red roofs and the Danube. On a clear day you can see the Alps far to the south.
The staircase is narrow, so queues form at busy times. An early start helps. Renovation work has occasionally closed the upper section of the stairs, and prices quoted in different places vary, so confirm what is open and what it costs at the desk.
Around Münsterplatz
The minster stands on Münsterplatz, a pedestrian-only square in the old town. The open space in front gives a good view of the full height of the church, though the surroundings are largely modern buildings from the post-war period.
Within walking distance are the Fishermen's Quarter with its alleys and bridges, and Ulm's town hall with its painted façade. The Danube promenade has playgrounds, parks and ice cream shops. Wiblingen Monastery lies a little further out.
Ulm is about 1.5 hours by car from Munich, 2.5 hours from Zurich and 3 hours from Frankfurt. A paid parking garage is close by, and the entrance to the church is wheelchair accessible.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee for Ulm Minster?
The church is free to enter. Climbing the tower costs a fee, and the amount is best confirmed at the ticket desk.
How many steps are there to the top of the tower?
There are 768 steps, about 143 metres up a narrow spiral staircase. On a clear day you can see the Alps from the top.
How tall is Ulm Minster?
The spire is 161.53 metres high, the tallest church tower in the world. It is about four metres taller than Cologne Cathedral.
Is Ulm Minster Catholic or Lutheran?
It is Lutheran. It was built as a Catholic church and became Lutheran during the Reformation.
Can you always climb to the top?
Not always. Renovation has at times blocked the upper steps, so ask at the desk how far you can go before you pay.
