In memory of the tailor of Ulm
Address: Berblinger Turm, Adlerbastei, 89073 Ulm | Opened: 2020 | Height: 22m | Steps: 88
Unlike other venerable monuments, the Berblinger Turm is a landmark in Ulm that isn’t all that old. This landmark was erected in the summer of 2020 to commemorate the tailor, inventor, and aviation pioneer Albrecht Ludwig Berblinger, on his 250th birthday. He made history with his failed attempt to fly over the Danube from this spot. Those who climb the Berblinger Turm and reach the observation deck will enjoy a stunning view of the Danube and the pretty half-timbered houses.
Directions and location of the Ulm landmark
The Berblinger Tower stands on the spot where Berblinger launched his flight attempt. This failed, and he crashed into the Danube with his aircraft. The tower was built on the Alderbastei, which was part of Ulm’s city wall. The Berblinger Tower is located directly on the Danube between the Herd Bridge and the Gänstor Bridge. When walking to the Rose Garden on the banks of the Danube, the tower is easily accessible via the Panoramaweg. From the Rose Garden, it is a four-minute walk. Also nearby is Neue Straße, from which the observation tower on the banks of the Ulm River can also be reached.
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Opening Hours and Tours
The Berbling Tower has no opening hours and can therefore be visited at any time. Whether during the day or in the evening or at night, it always offers an impressive view of the Danube, the city, and its special sights.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Berblinger Tower
When was the Berblinger Tower opened?
The Berblinger Tower opened in May 2020.
How tall is the Berblinger Tower?
The Berblinger Tower is approximately 20 meters high and has 94 steps.
What is the significance of the Berblinger Tower?
The Berblinger Tower was built to commemorate the 250th birthday of the aviation pioneer and symbolizes his pioneering work. The tower includes a 20-meter-high, inclined spiral staircase, inclined at 10 degrees, and is a tribute to the story of the Tailor of Ulm.
Did the Tailor of Ulm really exist?
Yes, the Tailor of Ulm, Albrecht Ludwig Berblinger, was a historical figure who lived in Ulm in the 18th century. He was known for his attempts to fly with homemade flying machines.
Berblinger Tower – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The Berblinger Tower stands on the spot where Albrecht Ludwig Berblinger launched his attempted flight under the watchful eye of Frederick I. Better known as the “Tailor of Ulm,” Berblinger wanted to soar over the Danube like a bird in his flying vehicle. However, due to cold downdrafts, the plan failed, and Berblinger fell into the Danube.
To mark the 250th anniversary of the tower’s construction, the city of Ulm erected the Berblinger Tower on the wall of the Eagle Bastion. The tower is 20 meters high, corresponding to the height from which Berblinger launched his attempted flight. This allows visitors to experience the feelings and thoughts going through the aviation pioneer’s mind at the time.
The observation tower can be climbed via a metal staircase that winds around the tower at a 10-degree incline. Those looking up from below may find the view rather unspectacular. But the climb is challenging for some, and some even get weak knees, because not only the unobstructed view, but especially the tilt of the tower can cause a queasy feeling and exacerbate fear of heights.
Once you’ve climbed the steps, a stunning view of the Danube and the city opens up. The city panorama presents the bravest with numerous interesting and beautiful old buildings. The spire of Ulm Minster can also be seen on the horizon. Looking down from the top, you can see the city wall with its panoramic path and the Danube flowing past. To enjoy this view, you have to climb 71 steps.
If you take a closer look at the steps leading up to the viewing platform, you’ll notice that they have different designs. This is intentional! Both the shape and color are modeled after the flying machine that the Ulm tailor wanted to use to cross the Danube.
Historical Facts and History of the Berblinger Tower
With the construction of the Berblinger Tower, the city of Ulm now has a second landmark that continues to attract numerous visitors. The walk-through structure was designed by the artist Johannes Brunner and is intended to convey to visitors the risk Berblinger took with his self-built aircraft during his attempted flight over the Danube.
Based on a preliminary design, the Dr. Schütz Ingenieure office began implementing the tower in 2020, creating a tower that could actually be built and met important safety standards. Since the tower repeatedly sways due to wind and visitors, structural analysis was insufficient. Additional studies were conducted regarding the dynamics and fatigue of the material.
To reduce the vibrations of the narrow structure, so-called vibration dampers were installed in the spire. These prevent the tower from swaying excessively, but still allow the movement to be clearly felt by brave tower climbers.
After a year of measurements using wind sensors, acceleration sensors, and strain gauges at the site where the Berblinger Tower was to be erected, it was proven that fatigue signs on the steel structure would not occur quickly. This means that the Berblinger Tower can last up to 100 years.
Berblinger’s 250th anniversary was celebrated with a grand festival in May 2020, and the observation tower was officially opened.
In order to reduce the vibrations of the narrow construction, so-called vibration absorbers were installed in the top of the tower.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the Berblinger Tower
A special work of art can be admired directly on the city wall near the Berblinger Tower. There, a giant pair of stainless steel scissors is attached. Erected in 2012, it commemorates Berblinger’s failed attempt to fly over the Danube. Upon closer inspection, one notices the fine steel cables resembling delicate wings. This artwork is by Johannes Pfeifer.
Those who enjoy visiting museums will find the Ulm Museum, the Weishaupt Art Gallery, in front of which stands a sculpture by Keith Harning, and the Ulm Art Association, which features wonderful paintings by renowned artists, close to the Berblinger Tower. There are also regular special exhibitions of interest to art lovers.
Those walking from the Berblinger Tower towards the center should definitely keep their eyes open for sights that may be hidden away. The Einstein Fountain is about a six-minute walk away, at Zeughausgasse 15. The impressive fountain depicts Einstein, and the adult education center’s home features numerous photographs depicting the life of the famous Albert Einstein.
Cafés and restaurants near the Berblinger Tower
After a visit to the Berblinger Tower and a long walk, you’ll be looking forward to a delicious coffee, a slice of cake, or a delicious hot meal. For this, all you have to do is walk to Neue Straße, which is very close by. A little further away, you’ll find cozy cafés where you can also sit outside. There, the friendly and welcoming staff will take care of your culinary needs.
Amuninni on Neue Straße offers its guests Italian delicacies. In addition to pizza and pasta, there are delicious salads as well as fish and meat specialties. Guests can indulge themselves in a friendly atmosphere.
Address: Amuninni, Neue Straße 95
Enchilada
Those who enjoy Mexican cuisine will find just such dishes on the menu at Enchilada on Neue Straße. There are delicious tapas, chili con carne, and other delicacies to satisfy your hunger and fill you up. Mexican beer, cocktails, and other drinks perfectly round out a meal.
Address: Enchilada, Neue Straße 71
Barfüßer Hausbrauerei Ulm
Thirsty lovers can find a delicious beer at the Barfüßer Hausbrauerei on Neue Straße. Hungry guests are also catered for. The menu features authentic Swabian specialties such as Maultaschen (ravioli), fresh spaetzle and Schupfnudel (scrambled dumplings), as well as other dishes and, of course, home-brewed beer, all of which can be enjoyed in a cozy atmosphere.
Address: Barfüßer Hausbrauerei Ulm, Neue Straße 87-89
Cafe and Bar Bossa Nova
Coffee specialties and small meals are available at the Cafe and Bar Bossa Nova at the Judenhof. During the summer months, the cozy outdoor terrace is open, where you can relax and enjoy an espresso, delicacies from the kitchen, or other specialties in a shady spot under large parasols.
Address: Cafe u. Bar Bossa Nova, Judenhof 3
OMW! The Little Café!
At OMW! The Little Café! on Breite Gasse, comfort isn’t the only thing that counts. Just like in your own living room, you can enjoy fresh waffles with hot cherries and many other toppings. There are also coffee specialties, tea, and cold drinks. Everything is lovingly prepared.
Address: OMW! The Little Café!, Breite Gasse 6