All tours in Ulm

Ulm

The Power and the River: Ulm's Currents of Change

5.6 km147 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover the hidden engines of Ulm. This isn't just a walk along the water; it's a journey through the very veins of human progress and ecological consequence. From medieval watermills that shaped the city's oldest quarters, to the massive industrial taming of the mighty Danube, and finally to the cutting-edge laboratories designing our renewable future. Join an urban planner and an ecological historian as they debate the true cost of power, the beauty of engineering, and the fragile balance between harnessing nature and destroying it. You will never look at a river, a bridge, or a light switch the same way again.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Lochmühle im Fischerviertel

A historic mill in Ulm's oldest quarter, representing the dawn of mechanical water power and the early engineering of the Blau river.

Lochmühle im Fischerviertel

Image by Jorge Franganillo on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

1.34 km • 21 min
2

STOP 2

BUND-Solaranlage Information Board

A citizen-funded solar installation representing the grassroots shift towards decentralized renewable energy.

1.66 km • 26 min
3

STOP 3

Donausteg History Board

A bridge over the Danube highlighting the river's historical role as a wild border and its transformation into an engineered trade route.

2.23 km • 34 min
During your walk

Interlude

A reflective walking segment exploring the deep ecological changes to the Danube's floodplain.

4

STOP 4

Die Francis-Turbine

A monument to industrial hydroelectric power, showcasing the leap in fluid dynamics and efficiency.

0.07 km • 1 min
5

STOP 5

Die Dampf-Turbine

A massive steam turbine representing the decoupling of power from geography and the dawn of fossil fuel dependence.

0.35 km • 5 min
6

END

Energiepark THU (Technische Hochschule Ulm)

An educational campus showcasing modern energy research and the future of decentralized, ecological power generation.

Energiepark THU (Technische Hochschule Ulm)

Image by Philipp Niemöller/Hochschule Ulm on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, environmentalists, and urban explorers interested in the intersection of technology and nature.
  • Best time Daytime, preferably in the morning or late afternoon when the light hits the rivers and the city is active.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes and a curious mind. The path along the river can be breezy.
  • Pacing Take your time at the interlude to really observe the flow of the Danube.
  • Audio Use noise-canceling headphones to fully immerse yourself in the dialogue over the city sounds.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Tom Bennett
Audio sample
0:000:00

Tom Bennett

  • Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
  • Northern England

Architecture and urban planning professional. Explains the city's hidden systems – from mobility to water pipes – clearly and vividly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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