Wuppertal Travel Guide

Discover the top things to do, places to visit, food to eat, and where to stay in Wuppertal with this comprehensive travel guide.


Wuppertal is a city in the Bergisches Land region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It’s a vibrant and colorful city that has something for everyone. From the natural attractions to the cultural and historical landmarks, Wuppertal’s beauty and charm are something to behold. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the top things to do, see, and experience in Wuppertal.

Introduction to Wuppertal

Wuppertal is a city located in the North Rhine-Westphalia state of Germany. It’s situated in the valley of the Wupper River and surrounded by hills and forests. The city is famous for its suspension railway, the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn, which runs above the streets and offers a unique way to explore the city.

Wuppertal is an industrial city with a rich history. It was heavily bombed during World War II but has since been rebuilt and now boasts a thriving economy and a diverse cultural scene. The city is also home to a number of artistic and cultural institutions, including the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, named after its founder, the choreographer Pina Bausch.

List of Places to Visit in Wuppertal

Wuppertal has a lot to offer visitors, from cultural landmarks to natural attractions. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Wuppertal:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Von der Heydt Museum: One of the most popular museums in the region, featuring an extensive collection of 19th and 20th-century paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.

  • Engels House: The birthplace of Friedrich Engels, the philosopher and co-author of “The Communist Manifesto.” It’s now a museum honoring his life and work.

  • Historische Stadthalle: This beautiful concert hall and conference center was built in the early 1900s and is considered a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture.

Natural Attractions of Wuppertal: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wuppertal Zoo: A large, modern zoo with a broad range of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and tigers.

  • Botanischer Garten Wuppertal: A beautiful botanical garden featuring rare and exotic plants from all over the world.

  • Burgholz Arboretum: A vast park spanning over 250 acres of hills and meadows, with trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wuppertal

Wuppertal is surrounded by hills and forests, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking/biking routes in Wuppertal:

  • Wuppertal Rundweg: A circular bike route that takes you through the city and the surrounding countryside, passing by numerous landmarks and scenic views.

  • Königshöhe: A popular hiking trail that takes you to the highest point in Wuppertal, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills.

  • Gräfrather Klosterpfad: A scenic hiking trail that winds through the forested hills and valleys of the Bergisches Land.

Best Things to Do in Wuppertal: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Wuppertal:

  • Take a ride on the Wuppertal Schwebebahn, a unique suspension railway that runs above the streets and offers breathtaking views of the city.

  • Visit the Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, home to one of the world’s most innovative and renowned dance companies, founded and led by choreographer Pina Bausch.

  • Watch a performance at the Opernhaus Wuppertal, the city’s beautiful opera house that features a broad repertoire of classical and contemporary works.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wuppertal

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for your visit to Wuppertal:

Day Activities
1 Visit the Wuppertal Zoo
2 Take the Wuppertal Schwebebahn
3 Explore the Von der Heydt Museum
4 Go hiking on the Königshöhe trail
5 Visit the Engels House museum
6 Tour the Botanischer Garten Wuppertal
7 Take in a performance at the Opernhaus Wuppertal

Food and Drink Scene of Wuppertal

Wuppertal’s food and drink scene is a mix of traditional German cuisine and contemporary fusion dishes. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rhenish Sauerbraten: A traditional German pot roast made with marinated beef, served with dumplings and red cabbage.

  • Himmel und Ääd: A regional specialty consisting of mashed potatoes, applesauce, and fried onions, served with local sausage.

  • Reibekuchen: Fried potato cakes served with apple sauce or sour cream.

Local Beverages

  • Bergische Streifzug: A local beer that is light and crisp, brewed using traditional methods.

  • Küllsches: A sweet and sour cherry-flavored liqueur made using local cherries.

  • Bergische Kaffeetafel: A local coffee tradition featuring a selection of cakes and sweets served with coffee.

Where to Stay in Wuppertal: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Wuppertal offers a broad range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Wuppertal:

  • Greenline Hotel Busch: A cozy budget hotel located in the heart of the city, with clean and spacious rooms and excellent service.

  • Vienna House Easy Wuppertal: A mid-range hotel offering modern amenities and stylish decor, located within walking distance of many top attractions.

  • Boutiquehotel Villa am Ruhrufer Golf & Spa: A luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Wuppertal valley, offering a spa, golf course, and fine dining.

What to Buy in Wuppertal: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Wuppertal has a rich cultural heritage, and some of the best souvenirs and local products to take home include:

  • Bergische Kaffeetafel: A selection of cakes and sweets that are a staple of the local coffee tradition.

  • Bergische Bollen: A pastry filled with marzipan, cinnamon, and raisins, that is a regional specialty.

  • Local artisanal products: Wuppertal is home to many local artisans producing handmade items like pottery, jewelry, and textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of Wuppertal

Wuppertal is a diverse city with a rich cultural heritage. It’s important to respect local customs and traditions, including:

  • Tipping: It’s customary to leave a small tip (5-10%) at restaurants and cafes.

  • Dress code: Germans tend to dress more formally than some other European countries, so avoid showing up in casual or beachwear, especially in upscale restaurants or cultural events.

  • Language: German is the official language, but most locals speak English quite well.

Best Time to Visit Wuppertal

The best time to visit Wuppertal is from May to September when the weather is pleasant, and there are plenty of outdoor events and festivals. However, Wuppertal is a year-round destination, with many indoor attractions and cultural events during the winter months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wuppertal

Do:

  • Take a ride on the Wuppertal Schwebebahn, a unique experience not to be missed.

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

  • Try the local cuisine and drinks.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places, as it’s not allowed in Germany.

  • Be too loud or rowdy in public places, as Germans tend to value peace and quiet.

Safety and Health

Safety in Wuppertal

Wuppertal is a generally safe city, with a low crime rate, but it’s always advisable to take basic precautions, such as:

  • Keep your valuables secure and don’t leave them unattended.

  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Health in Wuppertal

Wuppertal has excellent healthcare facilities, but it’s advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Tap water is safe to drink, but it’s recommended to stick to bottled or filtered water.

Getting to Wuppertal: Transportation Options and Logistics

Wuppertal is well-connected to the rest of Germany and Europe, with several transportation options available:

Airports Near Wuppertal

  • Düsseldorf International Airport: Located 31 km from Wuppertal, it’s the closest major international airport.

  • Cologne Bonn Airport: Located 70 km from Wuppertal, it’s another major airport with connections to many European destinations.

Bus Stations Near Wuppertal

  • Wuppertal Hauptbahnhof: The city’s main bus and train station, served by many regional and long-distance buses.

  • Wuppertal Oberbarmen: A smaller bus station located in the Oberbarmen district.

Other Options

  • Train: Wuppertal is well-connected to the German railway network, with frequent trains linking it to other major cities in the region.

  • Car: Wuppertal is located near the A46 and A1 motorways, making it easily accessible by car.

How to Get Around in Wuppertal

Wuppertal has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and the unique suspension railway, the Wuppertaler Schwebebahn. The city is also compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot.

Where to Go Next from Wuppertal: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Wuppertal is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region, with several nearby destinations and excursions worth visiting:

  • Bergisches Land: A popular hiking and biking destination with beautiful forests and hills.

  • Cologne: A vibrant city located just an hour’s drive from Wuppertal, known for its impressive gothic cathedral and vibrant culture.

  • Düsseldorf: A bustling city located just 30 minutes from Wuppertal, known for its fashion, cuisine, and nightlife.

Conclusion

Wuppertal is a hidden gem in Germany, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and exciting activities. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s history or enjoying the great outdoors, Wuppertal has something to offer everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, you have all the information you need to plan a fantastic trip to this beautiful part of Germany.

Wuppertal Wuppertal The ''Schwebebahn'', the world's oldest monorail system, and its ''Kaiserwagen'' (1900) The ''Schwebebahn'', the world's oldest monorail system, and its ''Kaiserwagen'' (1900)