Ulm: Discover the impressive history of the federal fortress

Ulm: Discover the impressive history of the federal fortress

in Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, an impressive fortress that is not only historically important, but also the best preserved of its kind in Europe. This fortress goes back to the time after the Battle of Waterloo, when Napoleon Bonaparte influenced the European power game in a typical Napoleonic way. The four big powers of the time - Austria, Great Britain, Prussia and Russia - decided to build a number of fortresses to protect against future attacks.

The construction of the Federal Fortress Ulm began in 1841, after the powers had agreed to this strategic location in a difficult decision. Ulm was selected due to its geographical location on the Danube, and the nearby city of Neu-Ulm was also included in the planning. This fortress was not only designed as a military facility, but also as a symbol for a joint security interest in the states involved.

a military building of superlatives

The Federal Fortress Ulm was built over a period from 1842 to 1859 under the direction of the Prussian fortress construction director Moritz Karl Ernst von Prittwitz and Gaffron. Up to 10,000 workers were involved in this monumental project. Up to 5,000 soldiers should be stationed here in peace and even up to 20,000 in the event of war. In order to make the enormous potential of this system clear, even up to 100,000 soldiers were considered as a possible crew in the plans.

An outstanding feature of the federal fortress is the so -called polygonal system, which represents a modern form of defense systems. The closed, polygonal wall train around Ulm and Neu-Ulm was surrounded by a series of forts that were further distributed in the surrounding area. This construction was possible because the city was surrounded by hills that significantly improved the defense of the plant.

from the federal fortress to the Reich Fortress

After the dissolution of the German Confederation in 1866 and the withdrawal of the Austrian troops, the fortress became known under the name "Reich Fortress" when the German Reich was founded in 1871. From now on, the administration of the fortress in the hands of Württemberg and Bavarian troops. Even if some parts of the fortress were destroyed in World War II, the majority of the building fabric remained, which made the Federal Fortress Ulm one of the largest fortress monuments in Europe.

The status of the fortress lasted until 1938 when it was lifted. Many of the original structures are still visible, but some are threatened by decay. The forts in particular and various concrete systems of the Reich Fortress are at risk, and renovation measures are urgently required.

One of the most spectacular buildings in the federal fortress is the citadel located on the Michelsberg. The Wilhelmsburg, which was completed in 1848, is now a popular event location and has an actual area of more than 24,000 square meters. This citadel served various purposes over the years, starting as barracks to a refugee camp after the Second World War.

The training offers and public events organized by groups such as the Förderkreis Bundesfreudung Ulm help to keep the history and importance of this impressive complex alive. Visitors can visit numerous parts of the fortress and learn more about the history of the federal fortress.

For those who don't just want to spend a day in the city, it is advisable to stay in Ulm for several days to explore the different aspects of this monumental system. It is an invitation to experience history up close and to discover the remains of a fascinating military past.

Further information on the history and tours can be found on the homepage of the Bundesfreunde Bundesfachung Ulm, so that interested deeper insights into this impressive fortress can gain.