Best things to do in Ulm

Ulmer Münster, built in 1377, ranks as the tallest church in the world. The 161.5 m (530 ft) tall steeple is a fusion of Gothic and later styles. That's because it took a long time to complete. Climb the 768 steps to the top of the tower if you'd like to look out over Ulm, Neu-Ulm, and even the Alps. The stairs to the viewing platform are quite steep. Those with mobility issues may want to skip the climb. Everyone can enjoy the church's intricate interior architecture. The nave, sculptures, stained-glass windows, and a series of grandiose oak pews are especially impressive.

Feel like a kid again with more than 43 hectares (107 acres) of family fun attractions at LEGOLAND Deutschland. The adventure park, built almost entirely out of Legos, boasts dozens of rides and themed exhibits. Its Miniland is filled with Lego replicas of famous European landmarks. In the surrounding holiday village, you'll find accommodations and several options for dining and shopping. Fly in life-size Lego airplanes at the park's airport. Next, visit Legoland Atlantis, the park's Lego-constructed aquarium featuring more than 2,000 fish. For a full tour of the park, ride the Legoland Express.

Eye-catching, brilliantly colored exterior murals from the mid-16th century draw visitors to Ulmer Rathaus, one of the city's must-sees. The building was constructed in 1370, and its intricate astronomical clock was added in 1520. A popular restaurant inside serves traditional Bavarian food. If you're here near Christmas, the squares and streets stretching toward the Ulm Minster cathedral are covered with market stands and vendors.

See the world's largest ceiling fresco at Würzburg Residence, the majestic residence of the prince-bishops of Würzburg. Constructed in the early 18th century, the palace combines aspects of French chateau and Viennese Baroque architecture. The fresco is above the palace's grand royal staircase. You can wander through the Imperial Hall with its stucco sculptures, colorful murals, and gold ornamentation. Although you must pay to enter the palace, you can roam the tranquil residence gardens free of charge. This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Explore the deep caverns and rushing waters of one of Germany's most notable natural wonders at Partnachklamm. The historic gorge--more than 80 m (262 feet) tall--features a dramatic combination of waterfalls, rapids, and deep-water basins. You can journey through the 702 m (2303 ft) of dark caverns and rushing water to enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty of the gorge. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride from the parking lot to the entrance as a fun alternative to walking. Be sure to wear a rain jacket and sturdy shoes when exploring the gorge.

The Botanischer Garten der Universität Ulm (28 hectares), also known as the Botanischer Garten Ulm, is a botanical garden and arboretum maintained by the University of Ulm. It is located at Hans-Krebs-Weg, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The garden was begun in 1981 on a former shooting range southeast of the university on the Upper Eselsberg. Its first greenhouses were built in 1986, its arboretum created in the years 1992–1996, and two additional tropical greenhouses were added in 1997. A farmer's garden was created in 1998, a rose garden in 1999–2000, and in 2001 an herb garden was created in cooperation with the pharmaceutical company Ratiopharm.

Today the garden contains a medicinal garden, daylily garden, arboretum, pond, rose garden, cottage garden, and meadow. Its herbarium contains some 80,000 documents with a focus on Europe, South America, and Central America, including a tropical collection of about 50,000 specimens, about 20,000 specimens of mosses and lichens, and some 10,000 phanerogams. The garden is open to the public on weekdays at various hours.

Discover one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Germany from the Rothenburg Town Walls. Constructed in the Middle Ages, the walls surround the historic city center. They're dotted with fortified towers and impressive 15th-century gates. Walk the towering walls for a view of the city's skyline and preserved medieval structures. You also can climb to the top of the watchtowers for a bird's-eye view of the countryside and city center. Bring a city map with you while walking the wall. By identifying the city buildings, you'll be able to orient yourself.