The Wuppertal Suspension Railway, also known as the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn in German, is a unique mode of transportation located in the city of Wuppertal in western Germany. It was designed by engineer Eugen Langen and completed in 1901, making it one of the oldest electric elevated railways in the world.
The Wuppertal Suspension Railway is a single-track, suspended monorail system that runs along a 13.3 kilometer (8.3 mile) route, with 20 stations along the way. The train cars are suspended from a steel frame that is held up by pillars above the Wupper River. This design was chosen due to the challenging topography of the Wupper Valley, which made constructing a traditional railway difficult.
The suspension railway is a popular tourist attraction and a unique way to see the city of Wuppertal from above. The train cars are spacious and offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The suspension railway also has a rich history, having survived both World War I and World War II, as well as several floods that have affected the Wupper River.
In recent years, the suspension railway has undergone several upgrades and modernizations to ensure its continued operation and safety. It remains a beloved icon of Wuppertal and an important part of the city's transportation infrastructure.