Wuppertal: Suspension Railway, Routes and Industrial Heritage

Through Wuppertal on the suspension railway

The Wuppertal Suspension Railway runs for 13.3 kilometers between Oberbarmen and Vohwinkel and has 20 stations. A complete journey between the terminal stations takes around 30 minutes. This gives you the chance to experience the route as one continuous ride through eastern and western Wuppertal. The railway officially began operating in March 1901, making it part of the city's history as well.

When planning your day, it helps to distinguish between a ride and a longer stay at a destination: the journey between the terminals has an approximate duration, while walks and visits take up different amounts of time. The ride connects the two terminal stations; its length and the number of stations also give you an idea of its scale.

Routes for walking and getting around

The Sambatrasse, about ten kilometers long, runs from Elberfeld to Cronenberg and is now used as a walking and cycling path. It is suitable for walkers, Nordic walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users. This means you can explore the route using different modes of transport. Its length describes a different kind of outing from the suspension railway's roughly 30-minute journey: here, the focus is on a path between two districts, while the railway offers a ride between its terminal stations.

The Nordbahntrasse also offers a distinctive view of Wuppertal. With its gentle gradients, it features wide curves and ravines, as well as tunnels, bridges and viaducts. Blue signs along the route provide information about the city's industrial history. The paved route can be used by mountain bikes, skateboards, inline skates and scooters. Here, landscape features and information about the city's history share the same route.

Landscapes and viewpoints

The Green Zoo Wuppertal combines a zoological garden with a landscaped park. It opened in 1881 and is one of Germany's most traditional zoos. If you are interested in the city and its green spaces, it offers a different perspective from the routes: the zoo combines its zoological focus with the character of a landscaped park.

Along the Panorama Trail in Nordpark, a series of highlights and viewpoints are spread out along the way. Ehrenhain and the Skywalk lie to the east, and Kakaoplatz to the west. These named stops provide clear orientation and make the Panorama Trail another way to experience Wuppertal outdoors.

Discover industrial history and culture

The Wuppertal Museum of Industrial Culture presents the city's industrial history at several historically authentic sites. Its offerings include city tours, industrial heritage routes and maps, as well as events, lectures and workshops. The program ranges from route-planning resources to guided tours and events. If you are particularly interested in Wuppertal's industrial development, you can take these options into account when planning your trip.

The Schwebodrom offers three stations where visitors can experience the history of the suspension railway. It opened on October 21, 2023. The Engels House offers a different historical perspective, introducing visitors to the life and work of Friedrich Engels, considered Wuppertal's most famous son.

The Visiodrom, housed in Wuppertal's gasometer, features Europe's largest 360-degree screen across five floors. Since the program may change, it is a good idea to check the current program before your visit. This lets you plan your trip around the topics that interest you: transport history, industrial history, urban landscapes or culture.

Discover more destinations: Solingen, Remscheid.

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