ULMER MÜNSTER - ULM CATHEDRAL

With its monumental west tower, the Gothic cathedral overlooks the city centre. It is known worldwide as the highest bell tower in the world at 161.5 metres high. The cathedral was built by the citizens of the city in a joint effort, and is the second largest Gothic cathedral in Germany after Cologne.

From the viewing platform at the top of the tower (143 metres, or 768 steps, after all!), the view is quite breathtaking. On a clear day, you can even see the Alpine peaks. The first phase of construction of the Münster, then a Catholic church, lasted from 1377 until the first half of the 16th century, when Ulm joined the Reformation. Before that, several master builders succeeded one another in constructing a building that was already tall and massive, and richly decorated by many artists - such as Schulin for the fresco of the Last Judgement on the triumphal arch at the entrance to the choir. The construction of the building was not completed until 500 years later. The construction had to be stopped regularly over the centuries due to a lack of funds, as the costs were entirely borne by the citizens and not the clergy. At the end of the 19th century, the building site was restarted and the west tower became the highest bell tower in the world at 161.5 metres. A visit is recommended to learn more about the history of the city of Ulm and to enjoy the view from the very high tower!