Ulm Münster
Ulm Münster, the tallest church in the world. Photo by David Small.
A riot of Gothic carvings and pinnacles. Photo by Gruber Roman.
Gargoyles guard against evil high on the tower. Photo by Gruber Roman.
Central portal (by Craig Wyzik) and the spectacular nave (by Thomas).
Stained glass windows. Photo by Juska Rantanen.
Ulm Münster is the tallest church in the world and probably the finest example of Gothic church architecture in Germany. Now Protestant, this church has dominated the city and the region for hundreds of years and has become closely associated with the city of Ulm.
History
Construction on Ulm Cathedral began in 1377, financed by the city's inhabitants. After a long period of no building – and long after the church became Protestant – the spire was added in 1890.
What to See
At 161 meters, the Munster's great Gothic spire towers over all others. Those who climb its 768 steps of well-worn stone are rewarded with a superb panoramic view of Baden-Württemberg's Ulm and Bavaria's Neu-Ulm and, in the right weather conditions, a vista of the Alpine range. Climbers also come face-to-face with a variety of stone gargoyles and monsters.
This great work of architecture also houses important pieces of art. The 15th century choir stalls by Jörg Syrlin the Elder enjoy world-wide acclaim, in particular the carved busts which have gone down as masterpieces in the history of art.
Other works of distinction in the Münster include Hans Multscher's Man of Sorrows on the main portal and the pulpit canopy by Jörg Syrlin the Younger, also the altar and window in the chancel.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Ulm Münster; Ulm Cathedral |
| Type of site: | Cathedral |
| Faith: | Lutheran (originally Roman Catholic) |
| Date: | 1377; spire added 1890 |
| Address: | Munsterplatz 1, Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany |
| Phone: | 0731/15-11-37 |
| Bus: | 2, 7, or 9 |
| Hours: | Nov-Feb daily 9am-4:45pm; Mar daily 9am-5:45pm; Apr daily 9am-6:45pm; May-June and Sept daily 8am-6:45pm; Oct daily 8am-5:45pm; July-Aug daily 8am-7:45pm |
| Cost: | Münster free; tower 3€ adults, 2€ children. Buy tickets an hour before the climb. |
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of Ulm Münster. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, get our free Google Earth download.
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