- Wuppertal Schwebebahn is the world's oldest suspension railway, operating since 1901
- The train hangs up to 29 feet above ground, offering views of the Wupper river and city
- The Schwebebahn serves 80,000 daily riders and costs 8.80 euros for a 24-hour pass
At first glance, it looks like something out of a futuristic film: a train that hangs beneath its tracks and floats above a river, weaving through a compact German city. But the Wuppertal Schwebebahn is anything but new. This remarkable suspension railway has been running since 1901, making it the oldest system of its kind in the world. More than a century later, it continues to carry thousands of commuters while drawing travellers who come to experience its unusual charm.
Hop On The Spectacular Wuppertal Schwebebahn
Set in the lively city of Wuppertal, the Schwebebahn moves along a series of tall iron arches, giving the impression that the train is effortlessly flying above the streets. As the carriages sweep over roads, market areas and pedestrians, the route eventually opens up to wide views of the winding Wupper river. For many visitors, this elevated perspective is reason enough to hop aboard.
Suspended up to 29 feet above the ground in some sections, the journey offers a unique vantage point that blends engineering ingenuity with scenic city-watching.
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A Brief History Of The Gravity-Defying Train
The story of the Schwebebahn dates back to the late 19th century. Construction began in 1898, and after early test runs, the first stretch opened to the public in 1901. What began as a solution to a geographical challenge soon became a defining symbol of the city.
Over the years, the railway has been modernised several times, with new carriages replacing older models. Yet Wuppertal has preserved a piece of its past: the first-ever carriage from 1901, known as the Kaiserwagen. Named after Kaiser Wilhelm II, who once rode it, this historic wagon can still be hired for private tours.
Why This City Needed An Upside-Down Train
In the 1880s, Wuppertal's booming textile industry transformed the town into a growing urban centre. With the population rising and movement becoming essential, the city needed a transport network that didn't interfere with its narrow river valley. Traditional trams and railways would not fit along the twisting banks of the Wupper.
Engineer and entrepreneur Eugen Langen offered an unconventional answer. Having experimented with a suspension railway for transporting goods, he proposed a similar system for Wuppertal. The city embraced the idea, and by 1901, a new era of upside-down rail travel had begun.
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How The Hanging Train Mechanism Works
Rather than rolling over tracks, the train hangs from them. The wheels are not at the bottom as the train connects to the tracks from the top. Passengers sit upright as the city flows past from below, creating an almost floating sensation.
A full ride across its 20 stations takes about 35 minutes, giving travellers enough time to take in the river, city districts and everyday life happening beneath the tracks.
How To Experience The Upside-Down Train In Germany
Technically a suspension monorail, the Schwebebahn remains an essential part of daily transport in Wuppertal, carrying more than 80,000 people every day. As noted on its official website, it serves both residents and curious visitors who come simply for the experience.
Many of Wuppertal's attractions are just a short walk from the stations, making the Schwebebahn not only a novelty but also a practical starting point for exploring the city.
Cost of Ticket: A 24-hour pass costs 8.80 euros (Rs 905) per person, with additional passengers charged 4.40 euros (Rs 452). Children under six travel free of charge.
