Ulm

On the banks of the Danube, the birthplace of Albert Einstein was one of Europe’s most powerful cities in medieval times.

Reflecting that importance is the towering spire of the Minster, the world’s tallest. But there is much more, especially the charming old fishermen’s and tanners’ quarter (Fischerviertel), with its medieval half-timbered houses, little bridges and alleyways so narrow that the houses almost touch. That’s how Kussgasse (Kissing Alley) got its name!

Highlights

• Minster (Münster): Although work began in 1377, this Lutheran church was only finished in 1890. Then, it was the world’s tallest building – until 1901, when Philadelphia’s city hall was completed. But with its 530-ft tall steeple, it is still the tallest church in the world, the equivalent of 66 storys high!
• Museum of Bread (Museum der Brotkultur): A social history of bread in a country that makes some of the world’s best bread! There are even bread-related paintings by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Man Ray.
• Town Hall (Stadthaus): This hip glass building across from the cathedral contrasts with the medieval architecture.