Metzgerturm Butchers' Tower
A charming medieval tower in Ulm, Germany, famous for its subtle 3.3-degree lean and the fun legend of the butchers.
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Metzgerturm Butchers' Tower
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming medieval tower in Ulm, Germany, famous for its subtle 3.3-degree lean and the fun legend of the butchers.
"A beautiful entrance to the charming old town and the fishing district."
📸 Capture the Tilt
Look for the tower's lean! It's subtle but a fun detail to photograph as you explore Ulm.
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
The tower is a beautiful gateway to Ulm's charming fishing district and historic old town.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Leaning Tower
Entrance to the old town
Marvel at the 3.3-degree tilt of this medieval tower, a quirky landmark with a fun legend.
Gateway to Old Town
Old Town entrance
This tower marks a picturesque entry into Ulm's charming historic district and fishing quarter.
Medieval Fortifications
City walls
A well-preserved part of Ulm's once-mighty city defenses, offering a glimpse into its past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Lean
Best Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Tilt
Look for the tower's lean! It's subtle but a fun detail to photograph as you explore Ulm.
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
The tower is a beautiful gateway to Ulm's charming fishing district and historic old town.
📜 Read the Legend
Discover the funny story about butchers causing the tower to lean – it adds to the charm!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Tilt
Look for the tower's lean! It's subtle but a fun detail to photograph as you explore Ulm.
🚶♀️ Explore the Old Town
The tower is a beautiful gateway to Ulm's charming fishing district and historic old town.
📜 Read the Legend
Discover the funny story about butchers causing the tower to lean – it adds to the charm!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Metzgerturm a charming and historically significant landmark, particularly appreciated as an entrance to Ulm's picturesque old town and fishing district. While its lean is subtle compared to Pisa, the accompanying legend adds a fun, memorable element. It's a well-preserved piece of medieval fortifications that offers great photo opportunities.
"Nothing intresting"
Abdelrhman Bondok
"Beautiful entrance to the charming old town and the fishing district"
Michael Sachenbacher
"The Butcher's Tower owes its name to the medieval slaughterhouse that was established here in 1350 outside the city walls. Because the site was already swampy under the influence of the Danube, additional wooden piles were driven into the ground to give it greater stability. However, over the centuries, the structure has tilted toward the old town.
The tower's inclination is 3.3 degrees, and it tilts by a further 0.2 millimeters every five years.
According to legend, its tilted position is due to some butchers who were imprisoned here in the 18th or 19th century "for allegedly stretching their sausages with sawdust."
The butchers were said to have been so strong that their weight caused the tower to lean. One day, when the mayor, accompanied by his executioner, visited the fat men to punish them for the stretched sausage, they are said to have huddled in a corner out of fear—and the tower began to lean.
If you want to hear more stories from Ulm, check out the lialo app and search for the tour "Ulm City Tour Fischerviertel Münster." You'll be guided through the old town in a playful way using your smartphone and discover numerous sights."
meinberlin erleben
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Metzgerturm is located in the heart of Ulm's old town, easily accessible on foot from the city center. If arriving by public transport, take a tram or bus to the 'Marktplatz' or 'Fischerviertel' stop, both within a short walking distance.
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the old town can be challenging. It's recommended to use one of the public parking garages in Ulm, such as 'Parkhaus am Münsterplatz' or 'Parkhaus Donaubad', and then walk to the tower.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Metzgerturm is an external landmark and part of the historic city fortifications. You can view and photograph it freely as it serves as an entrance to the old town.
As an exterior monument, the Metzgerturm does not have specific opening hours. It can be viewed at any time of day or night.
Typically, the Metzgerturm is not open for public interior tours. Its primary function is as a historic gateway and a point of interest for its unique lean.
📸 📸 Photography
To emphasize the lean, try shooting from a distance with a wide-angle lens, or get creative with foreground elements to highlight the angle. The tower's subtle tilt is part of its charm.
Yes, the area around the tower, especially the entrance to the fishing district, offers picturesque views. Experiment with angles from the adjacent streets and squares.
🎫 📜 History & Legends
The tower leans due to the swampy ground and wooden piles it was built on in 1350. It tilts about 3.3 degrees and continues to shift slightly over time.
Legend has it that the tower's lean was caused by the weight of butchers imprisoned for stretching their sausages with sawdust. Their fear allegedly made them huddle together, causing the tower to tilt.
The Metzgerturm was established in 1350 as part of the medieval city fortifications, originally near a slaughterhouse.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's also a perfect starting point for exploring Ulm's charming old town and fishing district, which offers plenty of visual interest with its canals and old houses. The relatively flat terrain around the tower makes it easy for strollers, and the area is generally safe for children to explore. Consider bringing a smartphone with the lialo app for an interactive tour that can make the history come alive for younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
It's also the perfect starting point for exploring Ulm's historic Fischerviertel on foot, which is an experience in itself. Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the nearby squares, or grab an affordable local snack from a bakery. The real value here is in the history and atmosphere you can soak in for free.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Lean of the Metzgerturm
The tower's leaning is a testament to medieval engineering challenges and the dynamic nature of the ground it stands on. While the exact cause of the initial tilt is attributed to the unstable soil and the need for extensive wooden pile foundations, a popular local legend adds a whimsical layer to its history. This legend suggests that the tower's lean is a result of the immense weight of butchers who were imprisoned within its walls for allegedly adulterating their sausages with sawdust. The story goes that their fear of punishment caused them to huddle together, shifting the tower's balance.
Today, the Metzgerturm stands as a picturesque gateway to Ulm's charming old town and its fishing district. It's a well-preserved piece of the city's historical fortifications and a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. While you can't typically go inside, its external presence and intriguing backstory make it a must-see when exploring Ulm's historic core. The tower serves as a constant reminder of the city's rich past and the enduring stories that shape its identity.
Exploring Ulm's Historic Fishing District
Many of the old houses in the Fischerviertel were once inhabited by fishermen and artisans. Today, many have been lovingly restored and now house charming cafes, small shops, and restaurants. The area is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the light casts a warm glow on the historic buildings and the water. It's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, to enjoy a coffee, or to simply soak in the historic ambiance.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the area's history and stories, the lialo app offers a 'Ulm City Tour Fischerviertel Münster' that guides visitors playfully through the old town using their smartphone. This can enhance the experience by revealing hidden details and anecdotes about the sights, including the Metzgerturm itself.
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