1. The Hanging Train
The Hanging Railway is probably the first association with Wuppertal. Since 1901, it has been carrying Wuppertalians safely through the valley. Regardless of weather and traffic jams, 85,000 passengers pass through the city every day. Now also in new, comfortable carriages with air conditioning and upholstered seats.
2. German San Francisco
Director Tom Tykwer called Wuppertal with its steep streets a German San Francisco. Beautiful villas and old flats from the Wilhelminian period characterise the cityscape. Not every corner looks attractive, but nevertheless Wuppertal has real charm. The city is not snobbish and rents are pleasantly affordable compared to other big cities like Berlin or Munich.
3. Wuppertal Holstein staircase
Wuppertal cares about fitness! If you choose to explore the city on foot, you won’t miss a single step. There are more than 500 stairs in the whole of Wuppertal, which add up to a total of more than 12,000. However, you will quickly find out that stairs don’t have to be just a nuisance, but can also liven up the cityscape in an artistic way. You will find colourful and illuminated staircases, and one (with the melodious name Tippen-Tappen-Tönchen) has even had its own song dedicated to it.
4. Rain in Wuppertal
It is very rainy in Wuppertal. The fact is that every year it rains 1154 litres of water per square meter. That’s about twice as much as in Berlin. They even say jokingly that children are born with umbrellas there. But the people of Wuppertal see the positive in everything, and in this case it is the wonderfully green cityscape.
5. Green City of Germany
Wuppertal is Germany’s green city. Forests, parks and gardens cover more than a third of Wuppertal’s land area. So if you want to enjoy the sun in the green (when it’s not raining) you don’t have to look far. From Hardt via the Barmer Anlagen to the famous Wuppertal Zoo, you’ll find plenty of space for recreation and walking.
6. Wuppertal’s Northern Railway Route
In order to prevent the former railway lines running through Wuppertal from lying fallow after the end of the railway traffic, the idea came up to convert them into recreational paths. Thanks to the commitment of the people of Wuppertal, the Nordbahntrasse was realised despite all the obstacles. Since its opening this route has connected several parts of the city for non-motorised traffic. As a result, Wuppertal was named “Catch-up City of the Year” in the climate test. The route has also become a popular meeting place for people of different races and cultures.
7. Utopiastadt
Utopiastadt is located in the heart of Wuppertal. In the former Wuppertal-Mirke railway station building a central contact point for the creative development of the city has been created. It is a place for everyone who wants to experience the creative use of computer technology. The integrated café “Hutmacher” forms the entrance to Utopiastadt. It is a popular meeting place for all users of the route. Concerts are held there, as well as the exchange of information on current projects.
8. Universities and Colleges
Wuppertal is a student city. Almost 22 000 young people study there. Besides medicine and law a wide range of subjects is offered. Especially in the fields of physics, architecture and media design the university achieves good results in comparative studies every year. It also regularly receives awards as a location for start-ups and has already reached the top position in this ranking three times. With the help of the university various start-ups have already appeared on the market, which show the “creative potential” of Wuppertal.
9. Wuppertal’s nightlife
Wuppertal is “a bit like Berlin”. The beautiful Luisenviertel district with its numerous bars invites you to have a beer with friends after work. Whether you want to chat, dance or play table football: from the Köhlerliesel to the Beatz und Kekse to the Viertelbar, there is a suitable address for everyone. Those who want to party in a club will find a free scene where all musical tastes are catered for. For example, the U-Club focuses on reggae, the Butan offers house, rock and techno, and the relatively young club Mauke has set itself the goal of further developing music and club culture. This nightlife culture has a successful tradition in Wuppertal.
10. Wuppertal districts
Arrenberg is a district that perfectly reflects the character of Wuppertal. A colourful mix of students, migrants, artists and the elderly live in well-preserved Gründerzeit housing. Formerly a social meeting place, it now houses renovated flats, shops and social institutions such as the Arrenberg support centre. Art exhibitions are held there and social projects are promoted.
Moving
If you were not sure if Wuppertal is the city for you, I think your doubts have been dispelled. It’s a city for everyone, young, old, active or passive, student or serious businessman. If you want to move to Wuppertal, it’s your time. You will certainly meet many interesting people there, but also places that will captivate you. Plan your move with a moving company and enjoy the attractions that Wuppertal has to offer.
