Wuppertal: Nature’s beauty

In my last blog I already talked about one of the University in Wuppertal but I did not put much light on the city Wuppertal.

So this blog would be about the interesting facts and sightseeing in Wuppertal.

Wuppertal is a city in the Federal Republic of Germany, located in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia on the Wupper river, which is a tributary of river Rhine, one of the longest and most important river in Europe with its sources in Switzerland. The river is the most important arteries of industrial transport in the world, hence Wuppertal is also an important transportation junction as well as significant industrial and commercial center. Wuppertal is the amalgamation of different smaller towns such as Barmen, Elberfeld. Earlier Elberfeld, Barmen, Vohwinkel and other smaller towns were merged to form Barmen-Elberfeld but later the name was changed to Wuppertal. As I mentioned in my last blog about the University being surrounded by trees and mountains, Wuppertal is considered to be the greenest city of Germany and biggest city in the Bergisches Land.

Besides its steep slopes, its woods and parks, the city is well known for its suspended monorail, which in German is called ‘Schwebebahn’. The city claims it proudly. The monorail appears as if the rail is floating or hanging in the air. It is very unique and follows the course of the river Wupper for a few miles through the city centre. It is used as a public transport and from the window it offers an amazing view of the city. In November 2018, an accident took place due to which it was closed down for nine months but resumed on 1st August 2019. So I just got lucky to have an experience of this world- famous and unique transport.

Wuppertal also offers attractions and sights of many kinds. It has the second highest concentration of historical buildings in North-Rhine Westphalia. The city is also home to many animals, since it has the most beautiful Zoos in Germany, Wuppertal Zoo and an amazing garden called Botanical garden or Botanischer Garten in German. About 5000 animals and different kinds of species from around the world live at the Zoo. It also offers wide-ranging programme of cultural events. There is a Concert hall, Stadthalle with outstanding acoustics and wonderful orchestra. One can enjoy an evening of culture with lovely concerts and orchestra. There is also an Opernhaus which is a German theatre where operas are performed. It is the best place to visit if you love theatre. It is also venue for dance performances. Both these buildings (Stadthalle and Opernhaus) were bombed and heavily damaged by Allied bombing raids in World War II. Elberfeld, a part of Wuppertal is home to the most significant art gallery, Von der Heydt Museum, which has an amazing collection of paintings & sculptures from 17th century. It basically focuses on French 19th century painting. It is worth visiting.

It also has extensive shopping areas. You can discover the local cuisine either in the restraunts or there are shops also in the street corner. I personally have tasted from the street corner and it was delightful.

It is a wonderful city in close proximity with nature where at any place you could just sit back and relax while enjoying nature’s beauty.