The university city of Ulm is located on the southern edge of the Swabian Alb in Baden-Württemberg. But the birthplace of Albert Einstein is not only known for its love of science, but is also considered an ideal starting point for hiking. The Blau and Donau rivers, for example, are ideal for hiking. Explore Ulm and its surroundings on your hiking adventures!
The 10 most beautiful hikes in Ulm
Hikes with a historical background in Ulm
It is not only Ulm's city centre with its imposing Münster that has a long history in Ulm. The federal fortress, which is still preserved both in Ulm in Baden-Württemberg and in its Bavarian sister city Neu-Ulm, impresses visitors with its size. On the Fortress Trail in Ulm/Neu-Ulm you can follow in the footsteps of Europe's largest fortification.
You should allow about four hours for the 13-kilometre walk. Those interested in history have the opportunity to learn more about the history of the fortress on the 32 information boards along the way. Those who do not want to hike the whole route can also do it in different stages. Hikes around Neu-Ulm are particularly suitable for families with children, as there are various playgrounds and beer bars that invite you to stop for a break.
There are people from Ulm who claim there are two significant buildings in the Danube city. One vertical and one horizontal. Clearly, the vertical ...
Hiking in the Ulm region: day trip to Blautopf
Not directly in Ulm, but only twenty minutes by car from the university town lies the famous Blautopf Lake, the pearl of the Swabian Alb. Particularly beautiful hiking trails from the town of Blaubeuren will take you to this natural spectacle.
You start your easy hike from the old town and follow the path to the Brillenhöhle into the rock labyrinth. On the way, you will also come across the whimsical rock formation „Küssende Sau“ - a souvenir photo is a must here!
The highlight of your hike is the legendary Blautopf. As the name suggests, this karst spring is known for its intense blue colour. It is even said to have magical powers. On the Rückweg you can also visit the Museum of Prehistory „Urmu“ or refresh yourself in one of the small cafés in the charming old town of Blaubeuren. Hiking routes from Blaubeuren to the Blautopf are suitable for every level of fitness. This one is just under seven kilometres long and will take you a good two hours if you take it easy.
Another beautiful, moderately difficult hike that also passes the Blautopf is the Alb-Donau-Kreis Eiszeitpfad „Blaubeurer Felsenstieg“. Ice Age Trails“ are the name of the quality trails in the Swabian Alb that lead through the most impressive landscapes. The Felsenstieg circular trail leads around the town of Blaubeuren in about 3.5 hours.
Tip: If you are ever in Blaubeuren, you should not miss a visit to the Ice Age caves (e.g. Sirgensteinhöhle, Kleine Grotte)! The caves of the Swabian Alb are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are the site of some of the oldest musical instruments and carved works of art in the history of mankind.
Pilgrimage on the hiking trails around Ulm
The many pilgrim walks on the Way of St. James lead all the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. But if you don't have the stomach for such a long hike and would like to get a taste of pilgrimage air, you can choose a shorter route for your hike.
The Upper Swabian Way of St James, for example, leads from Ulm to Constance on Lake Constance. The famous scallops serve as a signpost. The stage from Ulm to Oberdischingen marks the beginning of the 160-kilometre pilgrimage route. It is just under 21 kilometres long and you should allow about five and a half to six hours walking time.
The hiking trails of the first stage take you from the starting point, Ulm Cathedral with the highest church tower in the world, into the middle of the Danube valley. On the way, you will be greeted again and again by wonderful views over the fields, meadows and forests. If you are not in a hurry, the Renaissance castle on the Erbach Schlossberg or the baroque church of St. Martin are definitely worth a detour. You will then reach your destination for the day in the small community of Oberdischingen.
More excursion tips and sights for visitors to Ulm:
- Ulmmer Münster: the tallest church tower in the world!
- Art trail of Ulm University with more than 60 works of art
- Strolling through the fishermen's quarter in the old town
- Hiking to the mammoth trees on the Rote Berg
- Visit the zoo in Ulm with the Danube Aquarium


