A number of my ancestors came from towns near Ulm in the early 1700s. My wife and I plan to visit the area for a few days in early July 2012 and would appreciate any recommendations on lodging (~100 euro/day) and attractions in the area. We will have a rental car and will be going on to Augsburg and then a few places in Austria and Switzerland after our stop in the Ulm area.

Well the big drawer is the city centre, the Catholic and Protestant churches, the old town, the painted buildings and the river.

About 23 years ago my daughter went to Ulm with her gymnastics team. She was 11 or 12 and all the girls stayed with families of girls from the team they were visiting. They visited a nearby castle, and received, as souvenirs, little sparrow figures with a twig in their beaks, as there was a legend about the birds helping to save the town ( or something along those lines). The snapshots she brought back were lovely. It looks like a beautiful region. I wish I could tell you something USEFUL, but I was surprised to see Ulm mentioned on the forum here! We knew letting her go on that trip would instill a love of travel at an early age and have never regretted that decision. I only wish we'd been able to go along as chaperones, but some of our best friends did that so we knew the girls would be well-looked after.

Well, I really like Ulm! We were there last June. We stayed at the Ulmer Spatz which is right across from the Cathedral (which is amazing!) It is within your price range. I recommend it except they may appear unfriendly at reception. Do you speak German? The lady at the desk was sort of grim until she realized that we spoke some German and understood exactly what the rate was. From that point on it was nice as can be. The location could not be better. We walked from the train station and everywhere. It is charming and lovely. There is a big market around the Cathedral (I think on Sat.) I will check my notes. Have a great time. I wish I were going back.

If one of the towns you will be in is Munderkingen, I highly recommend you stay at Cafe Knebel. It is a very special small hotel above the Cafe, Each room is decorated around a theme and is delightful. We stayed in the Penguin room and thought it was special til I saw the (I think it was) Arabian Nights room. May not be called that but that is what it looks like. There are a couple of good restaurants in town. The owner of the hotel Chris (the baker) spent some time in the States so his english is very good. We were there while my sister-in-law did some research on her roots. She was warmly welcomed and entertained so my husband and I just poked around. The Danube bike path runs thru town so there are bicyclists around in the evening. Have a great trip! CJ

I should have mentioned that we do not speak German. I know some words and phrases, enough to read some signs and order some items, but not sufficient to hold a conversation. We've managed to get by in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland during past trips, but nearly ended up sleeping in our car one night.

My Brother-in-law used to live in the old town down by the river. Some lovely little hotels in this area, buildings all rebuilt but rebuilt at the angle they were found at! I'd stay there

http://tourismus.ulm.de/tourismus/en/index.php

While I find Ulm, besides the tall cathedral, to be somewhat underwhelming, it is an excellent base to explore the surrounding sights.
Zwiefalten monastery or Beuron abbey are true gems.
But the whole region is dotted with cute towns, castles and monasteries.
If you look at the left hand side of the following website under "Around Ulm" you will find the links to the TI websites or the surrounding regions:
http://www.tourismus.ulm.de/tourismu..._ulm_herum.php

Thanks to everyone for the responses.

Hi L,

Ulm is only about 1 hr by car from Lindau - a very attractive city in which to base.


Unfortunately, our favorite hotel is outside your budget.
(http://www.hotel-schreier.de/hotel/prices/?lang=en)

Enjoy your visit.

You may want to have a lok at my Ulm tips here: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/f86bd/329f/ There is a lot more to see and do in Ulm than just the "cathedral" (which is in fact just the city's main parish church).

Thanks quokka.

Also, thanks ira. I got some very good tips from you several years ago.