Ulmer Münster (Ulm Minster) is a Evangelisch-Lutherische (Lutheran) church located in Ulm, State of Baden-Württemberg. It is currently the tallest church in the world and will likely remain so until Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is finally completed. The church is the fifth-tallest structure built before the 20th century, with a steeple measuring 161.5 meters (530 ft.). Ulmer Münster was begun in the Gothic architecture of the Late Middle Ages (1377) but the building was not completed until the late 19th century (1890) after a hiatus of centuries. When work ceased in 1543, all of the church except the towers and some outer decorations were complete, unlike at Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) where less than half of the work had been done before construction halted in 1473 (started in 1248). Visitors can climb the 768 steps that lead to the top of the minster's spire. At 143 m (469 ft.) it gives a panoramic view of Ulm in Baden-Württemberg and Neu-Ulm in Bavaria, and, in clear weather, a vista of the Alps from Säntis to the Zugspitze (highest point in Germany). Though it is sometimes referred to as Ulm Cathedral because of its great size, the church is not a cathedral as it has never been the episcopal see of a bishop. Though the towers and all decorative elements are of stone masonry, attracting the attention of visitors, most of the walls, including the façades of the nave and choir, actually consist of visible brick. Therefore, the building is sometimes referred to as a brick church. As such, it lays claim to the rank of second- to fourth-largest, after San Petronio Basilica in Bologna and together with Frauenkirche in München and St. Mary's Church in Gdańsk. The tower, however, was mainly built from sandstone. The tale/legend of the Ulmer Spatz (sparrow) is an interesting story. I received a pamphlet at the Tourist Information: the inhabitants of Ulm needed a particularly large beam for the construction of Ulm Minster, but could not get it through the city gate. As they were about to tear the gate down, they noticed a sparrow carrying a straw for its nest; which turned it from crosswise to lengthwise in its beak. A realization descended on the people of Ulm. Since that epiphany, they have placed long loads along rather than across their carts and were able to enter the city without rebuilding their gate. It's a must visit when you are in Ulm. Gothic architecture is magnificent, and you'll earn bragging rights of having been to the tallest church in the world!! read more

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What a beautiful and amazing church. The inside of the church is absolutely worth walking around and looking at. Gorgeous. Make sure you are prepared to climb 700+ stairs. Pay the €5 and climb it. The view is amazing. It is very difficult, but worth it in the end. If you find yourself in Ulm, you must visit the cathedral. You won't regret it. read more

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After a long 10 hour flight, a 3 hour drive from Frankfurt International Airport, and a bathroom break...we reached Ulmer Munster and this was the first main attraction during my Europe tour trip (in April 2011). I never have seen a tall Gothic church before and this is the tallest one in the world! We stepped inside for a bit and the tour coordinator told us some history about the place. I also remember that it was chilly inside the church too even though it was warm outside. We didn't go up the staircase of the church to see the view of Ulm though. If you are around Ulm, drop by to see this church. read more

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If you are in Ulm then don't miss it. Also take the 768 step challenge and climb up to the top. You won't regret it and the view is simply amazing. Really there are no words to describe such places for me. You have to experience it for yourself. Amazing that this is a monument that has stood the test of time and probably just as beautiful now as it probably was when built. read more

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Remarkably breathtaking is all I can say of this magnificent religious structure. Being of a Lutheran upbringing and one that has always found the study of the church history to be fascinating, this was my favorite site to visit on my last trip to Germany in the late winter of 2010. Unfortunately for me, the Cathedral was closed to visitors so I was unable to take the nearly 800 step hike to the top to breathe in the beauty of the rolling Bavarian countryside. I was however able to pick up some literature that helped me to understand the history of the cathedral, learning that the foundation was laid in the 14th century but that the structure was not finalized until the 19th century. Construction of the church was put on hold a number of time due to political and religious events that took precedence to the building, including the reformation and Columbus' voyage to America. The house of worship became a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Germany in the 1500s around the time of the Lutheran Reformation and remains as such today. How cool is it to think that Mozart once played his masterpieces in this venue in the 18th century? I've walked where he has walked! Over time major renovations and restorations have helped to maintain this giant structure including minor reconstruction of damages caused by WWII bombings. Call me a religious freak if you will, but I think visiting and understanding the historical significance of Ulmer Munster was one of those awe-inspiring events that really solidified my Christian beliefs. read more

Truly a magnificent cathedral which is definitely worth visiting when in the area. The architecture is truly captivating and it makes you stop and take a breath just to appreciate the complexity of what the builders were able to accomplish. I highly recommend the climb all the way up to the top, although I will warn you that it is not for the faint hearted! The gorgeous view once you get there will truly be worth it. Tip: Students do get a discount so ensure you carry student ID. read more

Ulmer Münster - Churches Near Me - Ulm, BW

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It is almost 20 years since I've been here but I can remember my visit as if it were yesterday. Why? We climbed the tower and I can honestly say it was a pretty scary experience. It's a long, long climb, and the views from the top are as stunning as you would expect; but the climb itself was not at all comfortable because the staircases were open to the elements and you felt as though you were climbing an old pile of masonry with not much to stop you falling off. Maybe they've changed that since, but I never realised I suffered from very slight vertigo until I went to Ulm. It's not at all a problem, thank you for asking, but be warned: the tower is not for the faint-hearted. Or at least it wasn't 20 years ago. read more

Ulm Munster is one of the most beautiful places I have seen, to stand in the main square in Ulm and look up at the shear scale of this magnificent piece of architecture is awe inspiring in its self and as you ascend the steep and very narrow steps to get to the top is yet another marvel, but the real prize is when you reach the top, What a view, where else can you see the Alps, the Danube and the house where Einstein was born. But be aware this accent is not for the faint at heart, but the reward is well worth it. read more

It was fun climbing up the stairs..!!! One should give it a try atleast once..!!!

I climbed the tower it took me half an hour alongside with other 50 people climbing up and down on a tiny ladder, it was hilarious aalthough the view on top is breathtaking read more

I went here in Summer 2010. The church tower of Ulmer Munster in Ulm has 768 steps going up the spiral staircase leading to the top. I did made it to the top in about half an hour of huffing and puffing. I think this is the highest church tower in Bavaria (Southern Germany). You will get rewarded with a 360 degree view of Ulm and the Bavarian countryside. In front of the church is the church square which is surrounded by several shops where you can get anything from hats to eisbein (pork leg). When we got back down on the ground, I had to quickly look for a WC or water closet (this is how the Germans call the toilet) to wash my face as I was sweating profusely.The parking garage is about a 20-minute walk since cars are not allowed near the church perimeter. Mind you, the parking spaces in Germany is really very small and narrow compared to what we have here in the US. The roads are narrower so the cars are mostly smaller in sizes except for the S-class Mercedes Benzes and the 7-series BMWs. The church is also near the river Danube (yes, The Blue Danube). However, the water flowing is not really blue but a bit brownish in color, but that's for another review. read more

I was living in Ulm an der Donau after we got bomt out in Berlin. The Ulmer Münster is a butiful Church and I believe over 100 Years to compiet. The Münter was my Church and I attended every Sunday. Dit you know the Ulmer Münster has the tolest Tower and on very clear Day looking south you can see the German Alps. There are many story's about Ulm, checke it out on the Internet.. read more