Ulmer Narrensprung (Ulmzug)

Swabian-Alemannic Carnival in Ulm

The Swabian-Alemannic Carnival is one of the oldest and most intense carnival traditions in Southern Germany — rooted in Catholic customs, characterized by carved wooden masks, traditional costume wearers, and jester calls instead of the Rhineland's “Helau”. In Ulm, the Narrenzunft Ulm has been preserving this tradition since 1925. The Ulmzug on Carnival Sunday is its highlight and one of the largest parades of the Swabian-Alemannic Carnival.

Start at 1:13 PM — the Carnival Hour

The symbolic start time of 1:13 PM refers to the carnival "eleven" number — the beginning of the jesters' revelry. The participating groups gather in front of Ulm Minster from late morning, and precisely at 1:13 PM, the parade sets in motion. The Narrenzunft Ulm traditionally leads the procession, followed by friendly guilds from Upper Swabia, the Allgäu, and Baden.

74 Groups, 4,500 Jesters

In 2026, around 74 groups with approximately 4,500 active participants are registered — including jesters, witches, wolves, drum orchestras, fanfares, and dance groups from the entire region. Each group has its own jester call, which is shouted along the route and echoed by the audience. The Ulmer Narrenzunft calls “Zong — raus!”, other well-known calls include “Donau — Hexa!”, “Helau — Blau Blau!” and depending on the guild, also “Hoorig hoorig!” or “Naari naaro!”.

The Parade Route

The Ulmzug starts at Münsterplatz and proceeds clockwise through Ulm's Old Town: Schuhhausgasse, Judenhof, Karpfengasse, Hafengasse, Breite Gasse, Kornhausgasse, Bärengasse, Hafenbad, Herrenkellergasse, Platzgasse — and back to Münsterplatz. A total of about 2.5 kilometers through the historic center. At seven marked points, there is live moderation explaining the guild traditions to the audience.

Narrensprung — The Custom

The "Narrensprung" is more than just a parade: the jesters in their traditional costumes jump and dance rhythmically through the streets, swinging their bells and chimes, giving sweets and small gifts to the spectators. The carved masks are often family heirlooms, and the Häs (costumes) are passed down through generations. Behind the cheerful activity lies an ancient tradition meant to drive away evil winter spirits and welcome spring.

City of Ulm

Ulm is a district city in Baden-Württemberg, located on the Danube, opposite its Bavarian sister city Neu-Ulm. With nearly 130,000 inhabitants, Ulm is the economic and cultural center of Upper Swabia — known for its Minster with the world's tallest church tower (161.53 m), the Fischerviertel with its half-timbered houses, and its close connection to Albert Einstein, who was born in Ulm.