The garden was originally established to provide a therapeutic space for visually impaired citizens in Ulm.
All plant labels in the garden are marked with Braille to ensure accessibility for blind and partially sighted visitors.
The raised garden beds are constructed at specific heights to facilitate wheelchair access and touch-based exploration.
The plant selection focuses on strong-smelling herbs, textured bark, and foliage with varying degrees of fuzziness or waxy surfaces.
The Tast- und Riechgarten (Touch and Smell Garden) in Ulm is a sensory-focused botanical space specifically designed to engage visitors through tactile textures and aromatic plants. Located near the historic city center, the garden features raised beds that allow for easy interaction with foliage and flowers by those with limited mobility or visual impairments. The plantings are selected for their distinct scents and unique leaf structures, emphasizing sensory engagement over visual aesthetics. It serves as an inclusive outdoor space for education and therapy. The garden layout is compact and intentionally organized to highlight the diversity of plant life that appeals to non-visual senses.
The central path between the elevated stone-walled garden beds provides a clear view of the architectural integration.
Visit after a light rain or in the early morning to experience the most potent fragrances from the herbs and flowers.
Bring a companion if you wish to participate in the 'blind-fold test' to guess plant species based solely on touch and scent.
Handle the plants gently, as many are delicate and specifically chosen for their sensory profiles rather than durability.
Do not treat it as a traditional park for picnics or lounging; the space is small and designed for circulation and interaction.
Best experienced during the main growing season from spring through autumn; may be less active during winter months.
Avoid picking flowers or removing plant clippings; respect the garden as a shared sensory space.
