Overview:

: The Wuppertal Suspension Railway, also known locally as the Schwebebahn (German for "suspension railway"), is a suspension railway in Wuppertal, Germany. Constructed in 1901, this 117 year old railway is the oldest electric suspension railway in the world. It runs 13.3 kilometers (8.3 miles) through the city, passing over the Wupper River and running up the steep hillsides. The entire route has eight stations, the longest being the final station “Vohwinkel”, 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) from the first. The entire trip takes 25 minutes. The railway is divided into several parts; the main section consists of a single track suspended on steel cables alongside the elevated river valley. There are also two additional branches, one to Zoo/Stadion and the other to Oberbarmen. The railway is operated by WSW (Verkehrsgesellschaft Wuppertal WSW) and is used by approximately 80,000 people per day. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Germany
Prominent Features:

1. Traditional steel trams: The Wuppertal Suspension Railway is made up of ten steel trams that transport passengers along the 13.3 km route. 2. Heightened track: The monorail has tracks that are elevated which helps to reduce the impact of traffic noise on the local area. 3. Detailed stitch-work: The beautifully crafted stitch-work on the trams provides an art-like aesthetic to the ride. 4. Creative lights: Unique lights illuminate the cars of the railway to create an additional atmosphere onboard. 5. Advanced brake systems: The braking systems used on the Wuppertal Suspension Railway are often more advanced and have an increased safety rating than many other suspension railways. 6. Smooth ride: To reduce any discomfort, the suspension railway is designed to have a smooth and consistent ride. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Germany.

History:

The Wuppertal Suspension Railway in Germany was constructed as part of a total renovation of Wuppertal’s public transportation network that took place between 1903 and 1912. It was designed by Eugen Langen, a German engineer. It was the first electrically operated overhead monorail system in the world, and it is still in use today, serving more than 80,000 passengers daily. The Wuppertal Suspension Railway comprises three main sections: the Wuppertal-Cronenberg line (1903), the Hauptbahnhof-Barmen line (1907) and the Barmen-Vohwinkel line (1912). The railway runs through the Wupper Valley, and its highest point is approximately 125 feet above the river below. It has a total length of about 12.3 miles, making it the longest monorail in the world. The railway was initially used only as a freight line, however in 1910, it opened to passengers. It initially used electricity generated by 3 steam locomotives, however in 1918, a hydroelectric power plant was built, allowing for renewable and more efficient energy usage. The route has remained largely unchanged since its creation, and in 1999, the system was declared a Historic Monument. Furthermore, since 2007, the entire route is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the Wuppertal Suspension Railway is a vital part of transport in the city of Wuppertal and is still in active use. Visit one of the famous monuments of Germany with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. It was the first and only suspended railway track in the world when it opened in 1901. 2. Over 80 million passengers have used the line since opening. 3. The railway is powered by electricity and has a maximum speed of 85km/h. 4. The railway is 12.3 kilometres long and has 20 stations. 5. Initially intended as a freight line, the railway has become increasingly popular as a passenger transport service. 6. The railway is owned and operated by the regional transport authority, WSW Wuppertaler Stadtwerke. 7. The railway was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. 8. The railway has been subject to major renovations over the years, and underwent its biggest upgrade in 2012. 9. The Wuppertal Suspension Railway is one of the most successful urban rail transport systems in the world. 10. The railway is a popular tourist attraction, with various special tours being offered on the line. One of the historical monuments of Germany, it tells the story of a bygone era