The article celebrates the Wuppertal Schwebebahn, the world's oldest suspended railway in Germany, which is marking its 125th anniversary. Still operational and carrying 80,000 daily passengers, the railway is highlighted as a unique feat of engineering and a charming urban transport system. The piece delves into its history, including the famous Tuffi the elephant incident, and explores Wuppertal's industrial past and cultural present, showcasing the city beyond its iconic railway.
Riding high in Germany on the world’s oldest suspended railway
Germany holidaysRail travelEurope holidaysTravelRail transport
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The article celebrates the Wuppertal Schwebebahn, the world's oldest suspended railway in Germany, which is marking its 125th anniversary. Still operational and carrying 80,000 daily passengers, the railway is highlighted as a unique feat of engineering and a charming urban transport system. The piece delves into its history, including the famous Tuffi the elephant incident, and explores Wuppertal's industrial past and cultural present, showcasing the city beyond its iconic railway.
- 1 19th century: Wupper valley becomes a major textile production base during Germany's Industrial Revolution.
- 2 October 1900: Kaiser Wilhelm II takes a test ride on the Schwebebahn.
- 3 March 1901: The Schwebebahn officially opens for business.
- 4 1929: Barmen and Elberfeld merge.
- 5 1930: The merged cities are renamed Wuppertal.
- 6 1950: Tuffi the elephant incident occurs.
- 7 1977: Tony Cragg makes Wuppertal his home.
- 8 Late 2023: Schwebodrom railway museum opens.
- 9 Current year (2025): Historische Stadthalle concert hall marks its 125th anniversary.
- Continued operation and preservation of a historic and unique transport system
- Promotion of tourism to Wuppertal
- Maintenance of local history and cultural identity
What: A travel feature highlighting the Wuppertal Schwebebahn, the world's oldest suspended railway, and the city of Wuppertal itself.
When: The railway is 125 years old (opened March 1901, test ride Oct 1900); the article was published on June 8, 2025.
Where: Wuppertal, Wupper valley, Germany. Specific locations mentioned include Vohwinkel, Werther Brücke station, Alter Markt, Adler Brücke stations, Laurentiusplatz, Von der Heydt Museum, Historische Stadthalle, Botanical Garden, and Schwebodrom.
Why: To showcase the unique engineering and historical significance of the Schwebebahn, to promote Wuppertal as a travel destination, and to illustrate how the railway remains an integral part of the city's identity and daily life.
How: Through a first-person narrative of riding the Schwebebahn, detailing its history, mentioning key figures and events (Kaiser Wilhelm II, Eugen Langen, Tuffi the elephant), and describing Wuppertal's cultural institutions, architecture, and diverse community.