A popular and historic promenade in Ulm
Address: Ulm City Wall, Unter der Metzig / Along the Danube River, 89073 Ulm | Built: 1480 | Length: 72m
The city wall is a must-see on any city trip to Ulm. There, you’ll find wonderful gems such as the Rose Garden and the Danube Meadows, which invite you to linger on sunny days, and the Butcher’s Tower, which towers majestically and crookedly into the sky. Those strolling along the city wall will catch a glimpse of the old half-timbered houses in the Fishermen’s Quarter, the Danube, and the panoramic view across the Danube.
Directions and Location of Ulm’s Landmark
The city wall, built in 1480 and directly along the Danube, was erected to protect Ulm from enemy attacks. Today, the old bulwark is a beautiful promenade, perfect for a stroll. On one side of the city wall are old, quaint half-timbered houses belonging to the fishermen’s and tanners’ quarter. From the top of the city wall, you can enjoy a wonderful stroll along the Danube.
Between the Herdbrücke and Gänstorbrücke bridges, a special gem lies in the heart of the city. It is the Rose Garden, located along the city wall and below the Herdbrücke bridge. The Eagle Bastion is also located there.
If you’re heading to the Danube from Ulm’s Old Town, you can’t miss the city wall and the Butcher’s Tower, and take a walk to the Rose Garden.
Opening Hours and Tours
The imposing city wall is open to the public and can be visited at any time. The Rose Garden is also closed. The Butcher’s Tower also has no opening hours, as it is closed to visitors for security reasons. There isn’t even an entrance, but numerous fantasy stories and fairy tales are told about this tower. However, the Butcher’s Tower can be viewed from the outside at any time.
Admission Prices for the City Wall with Rose Garden and Butcher’s Tower
The city wall is a publicly accessible structure in Ulm. Those who wish to walk along the city wall do not need to pay an entrance fee. There are also no admission fees for the Rose Garden and the Butcher’s Tower.
Guided Tours of the City Wall with Rose Garden and Butcher’s Tower
There are no guided tours of the city wall with Rose Garden and the Butcher’s Tower. However, these sights are often included in a guided tour of Ulm, as is the case with our tour.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Ulm City Wall
When was the Ulm city wall built?
The Ulm city wall was built in 1480. It served to protect the city from attacks and is an important historical landmark.
How long is the Ulm city wall?
The Ulm city wall originally stretched over a length of about 2.5 kilometers.
What is the Rose Garden in Ulm?
The Rose Garden in Ulm is a public park located directly next to the Ulm city wall. It is known for its variety of roses and other flowers and offers visitors a picturesque place to relax and stroll.
When was the Ulm Butcher’s Tower built?
The Ulm Butcher’s Tower was built in 1349.
Why is the Butcher’s Tower in Ulm leaning?
The Butcher’s Tower was built on oak piles, with groundwater playing an important protective role by keeping oxygen out and thus preventing the piles from decaying. However, as the groundwater receded, the Butcher’s Tower began to lean and the piles began to rot.
Where does the Butcher’s Tower get its name?
The tower’s name is derived from the adjacent “Metzig,” the city’s former slaughterhouse.
City Wall with Rose Garden and Butcher’s Tower – Special Features and Interesting Facts
Walking along the preserved remains of Ulm’s city wall and letting your gaze wander will reveal many special features. Looking toward the city, the pretty, lovingly restored half-timbered houses immediately catch your eye. Combined with the city wall, they create an impressive picture.
A striking feature is a tall tower rising into the sky behind the city wall. This is the Butcher’s Tower, built in 1349. It gets its name from the neighboring, former slaughterhouse, the Metzig. It is the oldest defensive tower still standing today. Its height is 36.1 meters including the roof and has six floors inside.
This tower is not entirely upright either, as timbers used in the tower’s construction have rotted away. The reason for this was the lowering of the groundwater level when the city wall was built in 1480. Today, the tower has a concrete foundation and a slope of 3.3 degrees. The roof structure, made of colored glazed tiles, is original from bygone times.
Those who stroll along the panoramic path on the city wall will automatically arrive at the Rose Garden. This special gem on the banks of the Danube, formerly known as the “Garden of Misery,” was created in 1962/63 and opened to the public in 1964. Covering an area of 3,000 square meters, there are approximately 2,000 varieties of roses, as well as over 1,300 individual specimens arranged to create a special interplay of colors.
Even when the roses aren’t in bloom, the Rose Garden is a lovely place to linger. From the benches, you can enjoy the view of the Danube and across to the Neu-Ulm side.
Historical information and history of the city wall with the Rose Garden and the Butcher’s Tower
Ulm’s current city wall no longer looks the same as it did when it was built in 1480 as a protective barrier against enemy armies. If you take a look at the Schedel Chronicle and the view of Ulm from 1493, you will notice that the city wall stood directly on the banks of the Danube at that time. According to tradition, it was even built in the riverbed near the bank, surrounded by the rushing current of the Danube. The meadows in front of the city wall today did not exist back then.
If you take a closer look at the city wall facing the Danube, you will discover rings. These were originally intended for mooring boats. These areas are therefore alluvial deposits from the Danube, which today form the Danube meadows.
If you turn your gaze away from the Danube and look at the cityscape from the panoramic path on the city wall, you will quickly notice that, contrary to earlier records, there are no towers. The only tower that has survived is the Butcher’s Tower.
In 1800, Napoleon ordered the demolition of the fortress, whereupon the upper section of the city wall and several towers were demolished. The remaining section was allowed to remain standing as protection against flooding.
The entrance gate, which once sat atop the wall, also no longer exists. It was located at the height of the Fischerplätzle. Because this gate had a narrow passage, the people of Ulm decided to remove it in the 19th century because strolling had become fashionable. Today, only pitiful remnants of it, made of limestone, remain in the city wall.
The Butcher’s Tower was used as a defensive tower. Watchmen stationed there. They reported when a fire broke out in the city. The four dark rooms in the tower were later used as dungeons. Old ovens dating back to that time can still be found on three floors.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of the city wall, including the Rose Garden and the Butcher’s Tower
Directly along the city wall and on the way from the Butcher’s Tower, the city wall, and the Rose Garden back toward Ulm’s old town, there are many sights and attractions to discover and admire. These include not only the well-known sights, but also interesting things that simply blend into the cityscape and might not even be noticed at first.
Directly on the city wall is a giant pair of stainless steel scissors, erected in 2012. The work of art is three and a half meters high and is intended to commemorate Berlinger’s failed attempt at flying. It is located below the Eagle Bastion, near the takeoff point. The artwork was created by Johannes Pfeifer. A special feature are the delicate steel cords on both sides of the scissors, which resemble filigree wings. This creates a modern connection to the tailor’s guild and the aviation pioneer Berlinger.
Also located on the city wall is the Danube Swabian Ancestral Emigration Monument. It is a memorial to the first Danube Swabians and is located at Schweinemarkt 9. The monument is considered the epitome of the Danube Swabian identity and depicts a ship with two people combined with a cross.
A historical landmark is the Christopher Fountain in the Weinhof. The fountain is adorned with a statue of Saint Christopher, which is 1.80 meters tall and dates back to 1480. The figure was created by Jörg Syrlin. It originally stood in a church in Ulm. The statue was placed on the fountain column at the end of the 16th century. Today, the original figure is no longer found on the fountain. It is housed in the Ulm Museum.
Cafés and restaurants near the city wall with the Rose Garden and the Butcher’s Tower
After a stroll along the panoramic path on Ulm’s city wall and a visit to the Butcher’s Tower and the Rose Garden, numerous cafés and restaurants offer delicious delicacies and drinks in a pleasant atmosphere, allowing you to reflect on what you’ve seen and experienced.
The Bistro Flair on Turmgasse offers its guests delicious, lovingly prepared food and drinks in a cozy atmosphere. The menu includes not only Swabian specialties, but also salads and other snacks.
Address: Bistro Flair, Turmgasse 5
Taverna Azzurra
Those in the mood for Italian delicacies will be in good hands at the Taverna Azzurra on Kronengasse. The kitchen serves traditional, delicious pasta dishes, generously topped pizzas, Mediterranean salads, and authentic Italian desserts. Delicious wines, a cold beer, and a strong espresso to finish off the experience.
Address: Taverna Azzurra, Kronengasse 4/2
At Eiskaffee Michelangelo, on Herdbruckerstraße, right near the Rose Garden by the city wall, you’ll find fantastic ice cream creations and delicious coffee specialties. Depending on the season, waffles with hot cherries, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream are also available. If you don’t feel like sitting down, you can also order ice cream to go.
Address: Eiskaffee Michelangelo, Herdbruckerstraße 30
Insel vom Stein
If you cross the Herdbrücke bridge to the island, you’ll find Insel vom Stein, a steakhouse with a beautiful beer garden and a wonderful view of the Rose Garden, the city wall, and the Danube meadows. The menu features delicious meat dishes with tasty side dishes, which are especially enjoyable in the beer garden during the warmer months.
Address: Insel vom Stein, Insel 1
Ronnie Biggs – Burgers & Drinks on Schellergasse offers delicious burger creations with homemade sauces. They use juicy patties made from a whole piece of meat, such as entrecote, which is freshly ground before preparation. If you’re looking for a special burger and a truly delicious experience, this is the place for you.
Address: Ronnie Biggs – Burgers & Drinks, Schellergasse 6