The World’s Most Crooked Hotel
Address: Hotel Schiefes Haus, Schwörhausgasse 6, 89073 Ulm | Built: 1406 | Tilt: up to 10 degrees
The Hotel Schiefes Haus is a special attraction in Ulm and even made it into the Guinness Book of Records in 1997 as the world’s most crooked hotel. It is located on the Blau River, in the historic fishing and tanning district. The late Gothic half-timbered building has a tilt of up to 10 degrees, causing the upper floors to tower over the river, giving the impression that it is about to plunge into the Blau.
Directions and Location of Ulm’s Landmark
Anyone exploring Ulm’s Fishermen’s and Tanners’ Quarter will almost automatically come to the Hotel Schiefes Haus. It is located within the historic quarter where tanners, fishermen, and sailors once lived and worked.
The late Gothic half-timbered house is just a few steps from the Danube. It is also quickly accessible from the city center and the pedestrian zone. Those who want to head to the Hotel Schiefes Haus from the train station have a walk of about 10 minutes ahead of them.
From Neue Straße to the Hotel Schiefes Haus, walk over the Weinhofberg to the Weinhof. Alternatively, you can take the path over the Lautenberg, which becomes Schörhausgasse at the Weinhofberg intersection. The Hotel Schiefes Haus is impossible to miss, and an overnight stay is a special highlight of a visit to Ulm.
Opening Hours and Tours
The Hotel Schiefes Haus is a hotel and open to guests at all times. Those without a room at the hotel can only view the late Gothic half-timbered building from the outside.
Admission Prices for the Hotel Schiefes Haus
There are no admission fees for the Hotel Schiefes Haus.
Guided Tours of the Hotel Schiefes Haus
There are no guided tours of the Hotel Schiefes Haus. You can only view the Gothic half-timbered house from the outside, observe its tilt, and take photos against the unique backdrop.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Leaning House
What is the Leaning House in Ulm?
The Leaning House in Ulm is a historic half-timbered house known for its extreme tilt. It was built in the 15th century and has developed its characteristic tilt over the centuries. Today, the Leaning House is a hotel, a tourist attraction, and a popular photo subject in Ulm’s old town.
How leaning is the Leaning House?
The Leaning House in Ulm has a tilt of about 10 degrees, meaning it has tilted about 1.3 meters to one side.
When was the Leaning House in Ulm built?
The Leaning House, a former town house in Ulm, was built around 1406. In 1443, a significant late Gothic extension was made to the building, giving it its current size and extending it towards the Blau River.
Hotel Schiefes Haus – Special Features and Interesting Facts
Anyone who views the late Gothic half-timbered house from the Weinhof (wineyard) immediately notices its adventurous tilt towards the Blau River. The wall on the north side is striking, making the lean of the half-timbered house seem even more pronounced. This is because this wall appears straight and is slightly curved outwards. It thus visually counterbalances the leaning building.
The entrance area on the north side is also striking. Anyone wishing to enter the hotel has to duck their head, as the passageway measures just 176 centimeters. A high room opens up, with enough space above for tall people. This wasn’t always the case, however, but only since the renovation carried out in 1994/95.
For example, the former chicken coop became the current hotel reception. During the construction work carried out in the listed building, the craftsmen discovered several special features, such as a vaulted cellar.
In every room, guests encounter the originality of the half-timbered house, to which the furnishings are stylishly adapted. There are modern bathrooms that are tastefully integrated into the old walls. No two rooms are alike and each has its own unique characteristics.
Those staying at the Hotel Schiefes Haus experience the building’s tilt firsthand. The 10-degree inclination towards the blue is evident everywhere. This creates a height difference of 150 centimeters between the south and north sides. This quickly raises the question of how one can sleep there.
It works like any other hotel. However, the furnishings are unique. To prevent hotel guests from falling out of bed, special furniture was made to ensure it sits upright on the sloping floors. For those with doubts, there is a special detail on the bed: a spirit level.
Historical information and history of the Hotel Schiefes Haus
This early Gothic half-timbered house, formerly used as a town house in Ulm, dates back to 1406. It was expanded in 1443. This resulted in the longitudinal division into two halves. There were two entrances and two staircases leading to the first floor, thus separating the utility area from the living area.
Although numerous reconstructions and renovations have been carried out, the original building can still be recognized after more than 600 years, almost as a house within a house. While this is no longer as clearly visible on the ground floor due to many changes, it is still visible on the first floor. The walls reflect the different construction periods and the materials used.
On the south side, the half-timbered house partially protrudes above the Blau on the first floor thanks to slanted struts. This ensured that boats could dock and were protected at the same time. Archaeological research indicates that the vaulted cellar was used by fishermen to repair their nets. It is also assumed that it was used as a fish room to store live fish until the next market day.
The first floor was formerly, in the 15th century, the so-called “parlor.” Its characteristic features were its high vaulted ceilings and windows overlooking the Blau. This room was likely used as a living room and bedroom by the residents. The attic served as a pantry and storage area for grains and salt. These were transported up there using a treadmill. The large space could be divided by partition walls, which was rather unusual at the time.
The roof structure has an elaborate construction. It is known as a so-called horizontal roof structure, and the Leaning House was the only one in southern Germany at the time. Only through repairs and reconstruction did the building acquire its current gable roof.
Since the foundation of the house facing the Blau had already subsided significantly in the 17th century, three pillars had to be built into the water to prevent further subsidence. These three supports are still indispensable today and must be constantly maintained. This was already stated in the purchase contracts back then.
During the renovation and restoration work carried out in 1994/95, the foundation was reinforced, the supporting structure was reconstructed, and the entire ceiling and roof area were stabilized. Visitors to the Hotel Schiefes Haus today will experience the historical past of the half-timbered building in a special way, thanks to the preservation of its distinctive features and barely visible technology.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the Hotel Schiefes Haus
Just a few meters from the Hotel Schiefes Haus are the Staufen Wall and the surrounding wall of the Ulm Palace, which also date back to a bygone era. The Danube and the Danube Meadows are also not far away. In good weather, the Danube Meadows are a special attraction to linger in.
A stroll through the winding streets around the Hotel Schiefes Haus offers a close-up look at the unique half-timbered houses in the Fishermen’s and Tanners’ Quarter.
A stroll through the immediate vicinity of the Hotel Schiefes Haus reveals another historic building, the Schwörhaus (Sworn House). It houses the city history museum and the city archives.
Walking towards Fischergasse, you’ll pass a special sculpture in the Schweinemarkt (Swine Market). It depicts a bronze farmer with three pigs and a butcher, sealing a deal with a handshake.
There’s also plenty to discover towards Ulm’s old town. In 6 minutes, you reach Münsterplatz, where the Lion Fountain is located. According to old records, it served as a horse trough. The stonemason Peter Schmid probably carved the lion that adorns this fountain in 1590. It is striking that the lion bears the Ulm city coat of arms on one side and is equipped with a shield bearing the imperial eagle on the other.
Cafés and Restaurants Near the Hotel Schiefes Haus
A delicious meal, coffee specialties, and delicious cakes can be found in the immediate vicinity of the Hotel Schiefes Haus. In a magical setting, guests are offered not only Swabian specialties, but also numerous other delicacies. Sitting comfortably inside or outside in warm weather and enjoying the special atmosphere perfectly rounds off a visit to Ulm.
Café Ulmer Münz
A stone’s throw from the Hotel Schiefes Haus is the Café Ulmer Münz on Schwörhausgasse, offering its guests coffee specialties, exquisite cakes, and seasonal dishes. In summer, guests can relax on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the dishes from the kitchen.
Address: Café Ulmer Münz, Schwörhausgasse 4
Gasthaus zur Forelle
Not far away on Fischergasse, guests can enjoy fish. The Gasthaus zur Forelle is located in the old guild hall. In addition to fresh fish and Swabian specialties, the menu also features a varied selection of other dishes. The inn offers a cozy atmosphere that invites you to linger and enjoy.
Address: Gasthaus zur Forelle, Fischergasse 25
Zur Zill
Located on Schwörhausgasse, Zur Zill offers its guests an extensive menu. The menu includes tasty burgers, juicy steaks with various side dishes, and various fish dishes. A fine selection of drinks is also available. The vaulted building with its brick walls exudes a particularly cozy atmosphere, and with a little luck, you might find a table with a view of the Blau River.
Address: Zur Zill, Schwörhausgasse 19
Zur Lochmühle
The restaurant zur Lochmühle is located on Gerbergasse. The cozy restaurant offers guests delicious Swabian specialties. In warm weather, the restaurant’s outdoor terrace with its old mill wheel invites you to enjoy a cold beer, a good wine, and tasty dishes.
Address: Zur Lochmühle, Gerbergasse 6
Gerberhaus
Near the Hotel Schiefes Haus, the Gerberhaus is located on the Weinhofberg. There, guests can enjoy schnitzel, roast pork, dumplings, and other Swabian specialties, as well as southern German beer, served in a cozy setting in the medieval tannery.
Address: Gerberhaus, Weinhofberg 9