Ulm Minster
Church Gothic church with the world's tallest church steeple
Ulm Minster features the world’s tallest church steeple; visitors climb its spire for panoramic views, study Gothic stonework and wander the surrounding old town on the Danube’s edge.
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Ulm Minster (Ulmer Münster) is a large Gothic parish church in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, noted for having the tallest church steeple in the world. Construction began in the late 14th century and the building was completed in the 19th century.
The interior contains a long, lofty nave and choir with extensive medieval stonework and carved fittings. The tower rises to about 161.5 metres; visitors may climb 768 steps to reach a viewing platform that looks out over the city and surrounding countryside.
The church was built by the citizens of Ulm beginning in 1377 and completed in 1890 after intermittent construction phases. It has served as a significant civic and religious landmark for the city since the Middle Ages.
Located in central Ulm on the banks of the Danube, the Minster is the city’s principal historic landmark and is readily accessible on foot from Ulm’s old town.
- Tallest church steeple: The church's steeple reaches approximately 161.5 metres, making it the tallest church tower in the world.
- Climb to the top: Visitors can climb 768 steps to a viewing platform that offers panoramic views across Ulm and the Danube valley.
What to See #
- Tower and viewing platform: The tower provides a viewing platform reached by a staircase of 768 steps and is the church's most prominent feature at about 161.5 metres tall.
- Nave and choir: The late Gothic nave and choir form an expansive interior space, notable for its vaulted structure and medieval fittings.
How to Get to Ulm Minster #
Ulm Minster is located in Ulm’s city centre at Marktplatz. It is a short walk from Ulm Hauptbahnhof (main station) and served by local buses and trams.
Tips for Visiting Ulm Minster #
- Buy a timed ticket for the Ulm Minster tower climb if available-the ascent is long but the view over the Danube plain is unmatched.
- Visit the treasure room to see medieval garments and liturgical objects preserved over centuries.
- Photograph the southern façade in late afternoon to catch the carved choir stalls and pinnacles in warm light.
Best Time to Visit Ulm Minster #
Late spring through early autumn is ideal for climbing the tower and enjoying the city's outdoor terraces; winter visits are quieter and atmospheric.
Weather & Climate near Ulm Minster #
Ulm Minster's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (761 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 95 mm of rain.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
