Ulm is a city that combines striking architecture, charming neighborhoods, and family-friendly attractions — all perfect for exploring through a variety of tours and experiences. What sets Ulm apart is its compact size and walkable streets, making it easy to see the highlights at your own pace. We especially like the Ulm: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Walking Tour for its fun, interactive approach to sightseeing, and the Ulm Card for those who want to maximize their time and savings. For families or teddy bear fans, the Giengen: Steiff Museum offers a delightful peek into the world of plush toys and craftsmanship.
If you’re planning your visit, consider which experience best matches your interests — from independent exploration to cultural immersions or family outings. All three options give you a different way to see Ulm, so it’s worth thinking about what kind of adventure you’re after.
Quick Overview
This list features three top tours & experiences in Ulm, each offering a different way to see the city or enjoy local culture:
- A self-guided scavenger hunt that combines sightseeing with interactive fun (Ulm: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Walking Tour)
- The Ulm Card, which grants access to 20+ attractions and public transport (Ulm Card: 20+ attractions and optional public transportation)
- A family-friendly visit to the Steiff Museum in Giengen, exploring teddy bears and plush toy craftsmanship (Giengen: Steiff Museum)
1. Ulm: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Walking Tour
This self-guided scavenger hunt offers a lively way to explore Ulm’s main sights at your own pace. For $45 per group (up to 10 people), you’ll receive a package of riddles and clues that guide you through places like the Ulm Minster, the Grabenhäuser, and the Fischer- and Gerberviertel — some of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods. The tour lasts around 3.5 hours, but you can pause the game whenever you need a break or want to snap photos.
What makes this tour stand out is its interactive nature. You’re not stuck with a guide or a rigid schedule, making it ideal for families, couples, or friends who enjoy a little friendly competition. The questions challenge your knowledge of local legends and architecture, making it a playful way to learn about Ulm’s history without feeling like a classroom lesson. Plus, it’s flexible — you can start when it suits you and go at your own speed.
Reviewers love this activity for its balance of fun and sightseeing. One reviewer said it was “a fantastic way to see the city without the fuss of group tours,” particularly praising its flexibility. Just be aware that it’s a self-led activity, so it works best if you’re comfortable following directions independently.
Bottom Line: If you want a personalized, engaging way to see Ulm’s highlights without the crowds or schedules, this scavenger hunt is a smart choice.
2. Ulm Card: 20+ attractions and optional public transportation
For around $27 per person, the Ulm Card unlocks free access to over 20 attractions and provides convenient public transportation options for one day. It includes a free guided walking tour, which is a nice bonus if you want some expert insights without paying extra. The card is designed for visitors wanting an affordable, flexible way to cover major sights and enjoy the city at their own pace.
The value here comes from the wide array of included attractions — from museums to historic sites — plus the ability to hop on buses or trams without extra cost. This makes it a great option if you plan to do several sites in one day. The card also offers discounts on some shops and restaurants, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Reviewers note that while the price is attractive, some found the overall experience rating of 3.4/5 to be middling, mainly because of limited reviews. Still, the cost savings and convenience often outweigh this, especially for those wanting a structured day with easy transit.
Who’s it for? This pass is perfect if your goal is seeing many attractions efficiently — especially if you plan to visit the Ulm Museum, Fischerviertel, or Ulm Minster. It’s less ideal if you prefer a more curated or guided experience.
Bottom Line: The Ulm Card offers good value for budget travelers eager to explore many sights on their own, with the convenience of included transportation.
3. Giengen: Steiff Museum, learn about the fascinating world of Steiff
A visit to Giengen’s Steiff Museum is a must for families, toy enthusiasts, or anyone curious about how teddy bears and plush animals are made. For just $14 per person, this full-day experience takes you into the heart of the Steiff story, which began in 1903 with the search for 3,000 lost teddy bears. The tour starts by retracing that journey and then moves into hands-on experiences, like watching artisans craft bears by hand.
What makes this experience special is its interactive approach. You’ll see the largest Steiff petting zoo and can slide down the longest Steiff snake slide, making it perfect for kids and the young at heart. The Steiff Museum Shop and factory outlet are great places to pick up souvenirs, and the museum showcases how each plush toy is made with meticulous detail.
The reviews highlight the charming storytelling and the craftsmanship involved in each Steiff animal. Visitors describe it as “a magical place where childhood memories come alive,” with many appreciating the entry price for such a comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: This museum offers an engaging, family-friendly day out that combines entertainment with insight into plush toy making, making it ideal for a relaxed, hands-on experience outside Ulm.
How to Choose
Choosing between these three experiences depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you prefer independent exploration with a playful twist, the Ulm: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Walking Tour is a great choice, especially for families or groups who like a bit of competition. For those wanting maximum flexibility and savings, the Ulm Card covers many attractions and public transit options for a single day — perfect if you plan a busy sightseeing itinerary. If traveling with children or teddy bear fans, the Steiff Museum offers a cozy, fun way to step outside the city and enjoy a hands-on museum experience in Giengen.
Think about how much time you want to spend and what kind of activity suits your travel style. Booking early is recommended, especially for the scavenger hunt and the Ulm Card, to ensure availability during peak seasons.
Final thoughts
Ulm offers a variety of ways to explore, from interactive self-guided tours to cultural passes and family-friendly museums. For a flexible, fun-filled day, the Ulm: Scavenger Hunt Self-Guided Walking Tour is hard to beat, while the Ulm Card provides excellent value for those wanting to see many sights with minimal hassle. Families or Teddy bear fans will treasure the Steiff Museum, which combines learning with play.
Whichever experience you choose, booking ahead and planning your time wisely will ensure you enjoy Ulm without missing out. Each of these options makes discovering this charming German city easy, affordable, and memorable.