Federal Fortress Ulm-Obere Donaubastion

The Federal Fortress of Ulm, which includes the Upper Danube Bastion, was one of five federal fortresses funded and built by the German Confederation in the 19th century. Between 1842 and 1859, under the direction of Moritz Karl Ernst von Prittwitz und Gaffron, one of the largest fortifications of its time was constructed. The Upper Danube Bastion itself was built from 1843 to 1855 under Major von Schele and could accommodate up to 2,253 soldiers. Its largest and still-preserved element is the four-story Reduit, which served as a defensive barracks. The bastion featured powder magazines, a half-caponier, bonnet casemates, and a firing battery for defending the forefield. It was successively occupied by various Württemberg regiments, the Reichswehr, and the Wehrmacht.