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Wuppertal

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Wuppertal is a major city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Wuppertal 7.18769E 51.23313N
Wuppertal 7.18769E 51.23313N

It serves as the capital and largest city of the Bergisches Land region. With a population of approximately 355,000, it is the seventh-largest city in its state. Wuppertal is uniquely known as a "linear city." This shape occurs because the urban area stretches along the narrow Wupper Valley. The city sits near several large urban centers. To the north lies the Ruhr region, which includes Dortmund and Essen. Düsseldorf is to the west, while Cologne is to the southwest.

Elberfeld-Mitte, Wuppertal-0124
Elberfeld-Mitte, Wuppertal-0124

The geography of the area is defined by steep hillsides and the River Wupper. This river is a tributary of the Rhine. Because the city follows the valley, it can appear larger than it actually is. The landscape is very green, earning Wuppertal the title of the greenest city in Germany. Two-thirds of the total municipal area consists of green space. This includes many woods and public parks. From almost any location in the city, a person can reach a park or woodland path within a ten-minute walk. The highest point in the city is the Lichtscheid hill.

Beyenburger Freiheit und Klosterkirche, Wuppertal 4
Beyenburger Freiheit und Klosterkirche, Wuppertal 4

Transportation in Wuppertal features a globally unique system called the Schwebebahn.

Wuppertal-100508-12833-Uferstraße
Wuppertal-100508-12833-Uferstraße

This is a suspended monorail, or a hanging tram, that was established in 1901. Unlike standard trains, the Schwebebahn tracks hang high above the streets and the River Wupper.

Schwebebahn ueber Strasse
Schwebebahn ueber Strasse

This system was built to serve the independent cities of Elberfeld and Barmen. It remains one of the city's most famous technical achievements. The Schwebebahn is so distinct that CNN named it one of 20 places to visit worldwide in 2020.

Wuppertal 7.18769E 51.23313N
Wuppertal 7.18769E 51.23313N

The modern city was formed through a series of mergers in 1929. It combined the industrial cities of Elberfeld and Barmen with Vohwinkel, Ronsdorf, Cronenberg, and Beyenburg. Initially, the city was named Barmen-Elberfeld. However, a referendum in 1930 led residents to adopt the name Wuppertal, which means "Wupper Valley."

Einwohnerentwicklung von Wuppertal - ab 1871
Einwohnerentwicklung von Wuppertal - ab 1871

During the 19th century, the area became a dominant industrial center in northwestern Germany. This growth was fueled by textile mills and blacksmith shops. The Wupper Valley was one of the first highly industrialized regions in the country. This industrial history also made the area a home for many different cultures and languages. In the west, people speak Bergish varieties of the Limburgish language called Platt. In the east, they speak Southern varieties of Westphalian.

Engels 1856
Engels 1856

Wuppertal has a deep and sometimes difficult history. The city was part of Prussia's Rhine Province before becoming part of West Germany. During the Nazi era, the Kemna concentration camp was established in a former factory in 1933. The city also saw significant destruction during World War II. Allied bombing destroyed about 40% of the city's buildings. Despite this, many historic sites survived. The Ölberg district is a protected historic monument. It was once known as Germany's largest original working-class district. Another notable area is the Brill district, which features many large mansions called Gründerzeit villas.

Haus Hohe Briller Viertel 1
Haus Hohe Briller Viertel 1

The city remains a vital industrial and scientific hub. It is home to many different sectors, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. Several famous products originated here. For example, Bayer patented Aspirin in Wuppertal in 1897.

Friedr. Bayer 1863
Friedr. Bayer 1863

The Vorwerk Kobold vacuum cleaner also comes from this city. Wuppertal is also a center for research and international relations. It hosts the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy. Additionally, the European Institute for International Economic Relations is located there.

Wuppertal Nützenberger Str 0117
Wuppertal Nützenberger Str 0117

Culture and sports are central to life in Wuppertal. The city features over 4,500 buildings classified as national monuments. These include many examples of Art Nouveau and Bauhaus architecture.

Wuppertal Stadthalle
Wuppertal Stadthalle

The Wuppertal Opera and the Wuppertal Dance Theatre are world-renowned. For art lovers, the Von der Heydt Museum holds important works, including early pieces by Picasso. The city is also active in sports. Wuppertaler SV is a popular football club that has even played in the Bundesliga. In handball, the team Bergischer HC competes in the top-tier Bundesliga.

Wuppertal Döppersberg 2018 129
Wuppertal Döppersberg 2018 129
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🖼️ Images & Media (18)
File:Wuppertal 7.18769E 51.23313N.jpg
Wuppertal 7.18769E 51.23313N.jpg
File:Elberfeld-Mitte,_Wuppertal-0124.jpg
Elberfeld-Mitte,_Wuppertal-0124.jpg
File:Wuppertal-100508-12833-Uferstraße.jpg
Wuppertal-100508-12833-Uferstraße.jpg
File:Schwebebahn ueber Strasse.jpg
Schwebebahn ueber Strasse.jpg
File:Wuppertal Stadthalle.JPG
Wuppertal Stadthalle.JPG
File:280505 001 Engelshaus Barmen.jpg
280505 001 Engelshaus Barmen.jpg
File:Beyenburger Freiheit und Klosterkirche, Wuppertal 4.jpg
Beyenburger Freiheit und Klosterkirche,...
File:Wuppertal Nützenberger Str 0117.JPG
Wuppertal Nützenberger Str 0117.JPG
File:Haus Hohe Briller Viertel 1.jpg
Haus Hohe Briller Viertel 1.jpg
File:Einwohnerentwicklung von Wuppertal - ab 1871.svg
Einwohnerentwicklung von Wuppertal - ab 1871.svg
File:GER Wuppertal Junioruni 005 2016.jpg
GER Wuppertal Junioruni 005 2016.jpg
File:GER Wuppertal Unimensa 002 2014.jpg
GER Wuppertal Unimensa 002 2014.jpg

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