Ulm Münster
Ulm Münster, the tallest church in the world. Photo
David Small.
A riot of Gothic carvings and pinnacles. Photo
Gruber Roman.
Gargoyles guard against evil high on the tower. Photo
Gruber Roman.
Central portal (by Craig Wyzik) and the spectacular nave (by Thomas).
Stained glass windows. Photo
Juska Rantanen.
Location map and aerial view of Ulm Münster. For a larger interactive view, see our Germany Map.
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
Site Information |
| Names: | Ulm Münster; Ulmer Münster; Ulm Cathedral |
| Location: | Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany |
| Category: | Cathedrals |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Original/Primary: Catholic Current/Secondary: Lutheran |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1377; spire added 1890 |
| Architecture: | Gothic |
| Size: | Spire: 161 meters tall |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 48.398537° N, 9.992602° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Munsterplatz 1, Ulm, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany |
| Hours: | Nov-Feb: daily 9am-4:45pm Mar: daily 9am-5:45pm Apr: daily 9am-6:45pm May-Jun, Sep: daily 8am-6:45pm Jul-Aug: daily 8am-7:45pm Oct: daily 8am-5:45pm |
| Cost: | Münster free; tower 3€ adults, 2€ children. Buy tickets an hour before the climb. |
| Public transport: | Bus 2, 7, or 9 |
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Ulm Cathedral - Structurae
- Ulm Münster - Frommer's
- Ulm Munster (Ulm Cathedral) - Virtual Tourist user reviews
Article last updated: 10/14/2009.
