August 9, 2025, 6:34 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Crooked walls, warped windows, and bent beams—what looks like a dilapidated old building is actually a world record holder. In Ulm stands the “Schiefes Haus” (Crooked House) hotel, a building over 600 years old that, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is the world’s most crooked hotel. Why it still doesn’t collapse–and what guests can expect inside.
From Shipmaster’s House to World Record Hotel
Located right on the Blau, a tributary of the Danube, the striking half-timbered house was built in 1406, according to a report by BILD. Originally, the late medieval building served as a residence and workplace for shipmasters. However, its location right by the water became its downfall over the centuries.
The soft ground on the riverbank began to slowly sink, causing the building to lean more and more to the side. Renovations that damaged supporting beams further exacerbated the tilt.
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Extreme Tilt with World Record Value
Since 1997, the hotel, named “Crooked House,” has held the title of the world’s most crooked hotel–with an impressive tilt of 9 to 10 degrees. For comparison, the Leaning Tower of Pisa only reaches 3.9 degrees.
The tilt is not only visible from the outside–inside, the effect is even more pronounced. In some rooms, the height difference between the walls is up to 40 centimeters. The fact that the building can still be used is thanks to modern stabilization and renovation measures.
Hotel Operation with Unique Charm
Since 1995, the historic building has been used as a hotel. The “Crooked House” offers eleven rooms where, despite the slanted walls, everything is level–at least the bed. To ensure no one rolls out of bed, a level at the headboard in each room shows that it is straight. The optical illusion may deceive, but the sleeping comfort remains intact.
With the “Crooked House” hotel, Ulm is home not only to an architectural curiosity but also to a globally unique lodging that impresses with its history, tilt, and clever design–and has defended its world record for over 25 years.