The world’s tallest church tower at over 161 meters
Address: Ulm Minster, Münsterplatz 21, 89073 Ulm | Built: 1377 to 1890 | Architectural style: Gothic | Height: 161.53 m
Ulm Minster is a monumental building and impresses with its Gothic architecture. Turret-like ledges can be found throughout the church.
Also known as the Minster of “Our Lady in Ulm,” the church is the largest Protestant church in Germany. When the Minster was finally completed in 1890, the tower had a height of 161.53 meters and is considered the tallest church tower in the world.
Directions and location of Ulm’s landmark
The Gothic church is located at the eastern end of Münsterplatz and is impossible to miss due to its tall tower and distinctive architecture. Hirschstraße, Ulm’s main shopping street and a pedestrian zone, leads to the square from the west. Platzgasse is located on the north side of the square, and there is a connection to Neue Straße to the northeast.
Münsterplatz is a car-free zone. Ulm Minster stands in the heart of the city, surrounded by commercial buildings. Most of these were built after World War II. St. Valentine’s Chapel is located in the immediate vicinity. Also located on Münsterplatz is the Stadthaus, whose modern architecture provides a striking contrast to the Gothic style of the church.
Opening Hours and Tours
The impressive Gothic architecture of Ulm Minster can be admired from the outside at any time of day. The view is particularly impressive in the evening, when large spotlights illuminate the monumental building, creating a unique play of light and shadow.
The opening hours for the interior of the church are as follows:
Ulm Minster Opening Hours
April – September
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
October – March
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Christmas Market
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
New Year’s Eve
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Admission to the church tour is free.
Tower Climb Opening Hours
April – September
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
October – March
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Admission prices for the tower climb of Ulm Minster can be found here.
Visits are not possible during church services or devotions. This also applies when concerts are taking place.
Ulm Minster Admission Prices
There is no admission fee to admire the church and its Gothic architectural style, both inside and out. Those wishing to attend a concert inside the church and experience its unique acoustics require a ticket. The following admission prices apply to climbing the tower:
Tower Admission Prices
Single Adult Ticket
€7.00
Single Child/Youth Ticket (7-17 years and concessions)
€4.50
Single Child Under 7 Ticket
free
Family Ticket
€18.00
Group Adult Ticket (10 or more people)
€6.00
Group Child and Youth Ticket (10 or more people)
€4.00
Tickets are available in the Minster Shop.
Guided Tours of Ulm Minster
There are numerous impressive works of art in Ulm Minster, dating from various eras and telling of saints’ legends and Bible stories. The church can be explored independently or with various guided tours:
The general tour provides an insight into the building’s history and shows off its most important features, such as the choir. Plan approximately one hour for this tour.
The short tour focuses on a specific work of art or a special theme. This provides visitors with a constant stream of selected information, gradually revealing an overall picture.
Ulm Minster also offers special tours to discover less obvious and hidden treasures. The church contains undiscovered treasures and art that are highlighted during such tours. There are also insights into rooms and chambers that are not normally accessible to the public.
Family tours are also available, which cater to the special needs of children.
The tour also includes family tours. Meditative tours are certainly of interest to those who wish to experience and discover Ulm Minster in a special way. These tours share stories, provide explanations, and also offer time to absorb the church’s interior in a spiritual way.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Ulm Minster
What is Ulm Minster?
Ulm Minster is a Gothic church in Ulm. It is the city’s most famous landmark.
How tall is the tower of Ulm Minster?
The tower of Ulm Minster reaches a height of 161.53 meters. This makes it the tallest church tower in the world and an impressive example of medieval architecture.
How many steps are there to the top platform in the Minster tower?
After 768 steps, you reach the top platform. From there, you have an impressive view of the city and the surrounding area.
When was Ulm Minster built?
Construction of Ulm Minster began in 1377. The church tower was completed in 1890.
What is the significance of Ulm Minster today?
Ulm Minster still serves as an active church for services and religious events. It is also an important cultural and tourist destination in Germany.
Is Ulm Minster Protestant or Catholic?
Ulm Minster is a Protestant church and serves as the main church of the Evangelical Church in Württemberg. It became Protestant in the 16th century during the Reformation. Today, it is an important Protestant church and a landmark of the city of Ulm.
Ulm Minster – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The Minster in Ulm is a unique cultural monument in the Gothic architectural style. The tower rises 161.53 meters into the sky, making it still the tallest church tower in the world.
Two choir towers complete the choir and rise 86 meters high, which is quite a unique feature. The building is 123.56 meters long and 48.4 meters wide. Anyone who wants to admire the unique ceiling structure in the nave will have to crane their necks back, as it is located at a height of 41.6 meters. The side aisles are lower and reach a height of 20.55 meters.
Ulm Minster was never a bishop’s seat. That’s why this church only has the tall tower, which dominates the central part of the building on the west side. Two towers are found only in abbey churches and bishop’s churches.
Anyone wishing to visit the crypt in Ulm Minster will search in vain. Crypts were usually reserved only for abbey churches and bishoprics. In Ulm Minster, there are tombs in other areas and in chapels attached to the church itself. These were the burial sites of patrician families. Today, these are either no longer preserved or only partially preserved.
In addition to the world’s tallest church tower, Ulm Minster has a lot more to offer.
In addition to the world’s tallest church tower, Ulm Minster has a lot more to offer. A main organ with around 8,900 pipes and 100 stops. Anyone who takes a closer look at the church windows in Ulm Minster will also discover something special.
The design of the Window of Promise depicts the history of the development of science. Ulm-born Albert Einstein is also immortalized there with his famous formula.
Historical Facts and History of Ulm Minster
The history and story of Ulm Minster has a very special story to tell. In 1377, the people of Ulm began construction of this unique monument. It took approximately 500 years to complete the construction of Ulm Minster, which boasts the world’s tallest church tower. On May 31, 1890, the last stone was laid. During the 513 years of construction, 11 master builders worked on Ulm Minster. Dean Adolf von Bilfinger used the day of completion as an opportunity to deliver a celebratory sermon in the now completely finished church.
Ulm Minster is one of the largest city churches from the late Middle Ages and boasts enormous dimensions. The choir alone is over 20 meters high. The rooms of the church building are incredibly spacious and showcase the distinctive character of the Gothic architectural style. Ulm Minster served as a unique way for aristocratic patricians to distinguish themselves from others. Since no ties to a monastery or bishopric were desired, the church was built with donations from Ulm citizens. In church history, this independence from a monastery was a bold step, almost tantamount to emancipation.
The wealthy patricians repeatedly donated both large and small sums of money to finance the construction of the cathedral, its ornate altars, and precious paintings. This was intended to demonstrate to the world that the people of Ulm were rich and prosperous. The Ulm Cathedral quickly became a symbol of independence and wealth.
At the beginning of the 16th century, construction was halted because Luther, with his church reforms, criticized the fact that so much money was being spent on building a church but not on the actual Christian mission. As a result, numerous works of art and valuable altars were removed from Ulm Minster and distributed to the poor as firewood.
Construction on the Minster did not resume until 300 years later, in the 1830s, to complete the monument. For the people of Ulm, Cologne Cathedral, with its two spires rising 157 meters into the sky, was a great role model. Today, the Minster Construction Workshop is responsible for the preservation of the Protestant church.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of Ulm Minster
If you explore the area around the Minster with your eyes open, you’ll spot a special fountain just a few meters away. The Syrlin Fountain, also known as the Fish Box, is the oldest surviving fountain in Ulm. Because of its former function, this fountain is also called the Fish Box. In earlier times, live fish were kept in it. Its proximity to Ulm Minster explains why the fountain is adorned with a church steeple.
A weekly market is held every Wednesday and Friday at the foot of the church on Münsterplatz. It’s a colorful and lively place. There you’ll find not only local vegetables and fruit, but also fragrant herbs, beautiful flowers, and numerous market stalls offering delicious Swabian specialties, all homemade, of course!
Architecture enthusiasts will find numerous modern and historic buildings in Ulm. Anyone starting from Ulm Minster will inevitably come across a glass pyramid sooner or later. This houses the city library. There’s a book flea market in the basement for bookworms. A look down into the elevator shaft reveals the fire-red staircase that winds around the elevator shaft to the top.
Small works of art can also be found near Ulm Minster. Sometimes you might have to look a little closer. Near the city library and at other locations, you can find the Ulm Sparrow, which has a different design each time.
Cafés and Restaurants Near Ulm Minster
If you’re craving a delicious coffee or something to eat after a long sightseeing tour or a guided tour of Ulm Minster, you won’t have to look far. There are several cafés and restaurants in the immediate vicinity that cater to your culinary needs.
Café Kammerzelt – Coffee & Indulgence
With a view of Ulm Minster, coffee specialties, cakes, and delicious dishes are served in a cozy atmosphere. Breakfast is also available there. The menu includes special breakfast creations, Mediterranean delicacies, and a wonderful selection of cakes.
Address: Café Kammerzelt – Coffee & Indulgence Kohlgasse 4
Bella Vista
High above the rooftops of Ulm with a view of the Minster, the Bella Vista bistro on Münsterplatz not only serves delicious coffee. The bistro also offers light meals such as delicious goulash soup and cakes, along with friendly service and a great view.
Address: Bella Vista Münsterplatz 35
Café Stadthaus is located directly on Münsterplatz. Its glass facade offers guests a clear view of Ulm Minster. In addition to coffee specialties, the menu also includes delicious homemade cakes, select breakfast creations, and tasty German dishes.
Address: Café Stadthaus Münsterplatz 50
Ciao Bella
Those who want to enjoy Italian cuisine will find what they are looking for at Ciao Bella, located directly on Münsterplatz. In a wonderful atmosphere, guests are served pasta dishes, delicious pizzas, salads, meat, and fish. For dessert, there are espresso, latte macchiato, or a delicious dessert.
Address: Ciao Bella Münsterplatz 7