Fishermen settled on the land during the Middle Ages. They headed out onto the Danube in small boats and returned with fresh fish. Shipbuilding later developed into an important economic sector, producing shallow wooden boats with box-shaped structures. These later became known as The Ulmer Schachtel (boxes) due to their design. They transported people and goods to countries further down the Danube.

Although you usually hear people refer to the Fischerviertel, the proper name of the district is the "Fischer- und Gerberviertel". The position next to flowing water was also ideal for the tanners ("Gerber"). Their houses bear impressive witness to leather production. The animal skins were processed and left to drip dry on the galleries (balconies) that rise on wooden pillars from the shallow water. The water power also kept a total of seven mill wheels running.