You won’t believe this German train runs upside down for 124 years — and it still works perfectly

The Wuppertal Schwebebahn glides above the city—offering one of the world’s most surreal and unforgettable train rides.

Would you believe me if I told you there’s a train in Germany that has been running upside down for the past 124 years? Yes—upside down. No futuristic experiments, no sci-fi prototypes—just a real, fully functional railway that has quietly become one of Europe’s most extraordinary travel experiences.

Welcome to the Wuppertal Schwebebahn, a suspension railway that doesn’t ride on tracks—it hangs from them. Since 1901, it has soared above the streets and glided over the Wupper river, carrying thousands of commuters while delighting travellers who come simply to experience the surreal joy of flying through a city.

(Image: Canva)

Hop Aboard the Wuppertal Schwebebahn

Visiting Wuppertal feels a bit like stepping into an engineering fairytale. One moment you’re wandering through a typical German city; the next, a sleek blue carriage swoops overhead, suspended from iron arches like a mechanical bird.

The Schwebebahn’s 13-km route snakes past markets, neighbourhoods, bridges and eventually opens up into sweeping views of the river. As you rise up to 29 feet above ground, the city unfolds beneath you—cars shrinking in size, people going about their day, the river shimmering lazily under the tracks.

It’s strangely peaceful up here. Whether you sit by the window or stand by the door, you get a 360-degree view of a city seen from an angle few ever experience.

(Image: Unsplash)

A Century-Old Marvel

The idea for this upside-down wonder was born in the late 1800s, when Wuppertal was a booming textile hub. The city needed a fast transport solution—but there was one problem: its narrow riverbanks and hilly terrain made it nearly impossible to build a conventional railway.

Enter Eugen Langen, an engineer with a bold vision. He proposed something outrageous at the time—a fully suspended train gliding above ground. And in 1898, construction began. By 1901, the first stretch opened, and Wuppertal had its masterpiece.

(Image: Canva)

The city still cherishes its rich transport legacy. The original 1901 carriage, the Kaiserwagen, named after Kaiser Wilhelm II, has been lovingly restored and can be hired for private tours—a dream for history lovers.

Why Wuppertal Needed an Upside-Down Train

Wuppertal wasn’t trying to be quirky—it simply had no choice. With cramped riverbanks and overcrowded streets, engineers had to think vertically instead of horizontally. A hanging railway meant:

• no destruction of the river valley;
• no interference with road traffic;
• a futuristic solution that worked perfectly with the city’s layout.
• And the best part? It still works brilliantly today.

(Image: Unsplash)

How the Hanging Railway Actually Works

Here’s where it gets really interesting:

The train doesn’t rest on rails—it hangs from a single steel track above it. The wheels sit on top of the track, out of sight, while the carriage swings gently below. You’re seated upright like any normal train, but the world is passing beneath your feet.

The full ride across 20 stations takes about 35 minutes—enough time to admire the river, spot street art, watch locals cycle along the pathways, and marvel at how seamlessly engineering and scenery blend here.

(Image: Canva)

Experiencing the Schwebebahn Today

Despite being more than a century old, the Schwebebahn remains a key part of Wuppertal’s daily life, transporting over 80,000 passengers every day. And yet, it never loses its charm. Travellers deliberately come here—to ride this train, to feel the thrill, to take that once-in-a-lifetime photo.

Stations are conveniently located near museums, parks, cafés and river walks, making it one of the most scenic (and practical) ways to explore the city.

(Image: Unsplash)

Ticket Prices

24-hour pass: €8.80 (approx. Rs 903)

Additional passengers: €4.40 (approx. Rs 451)

Children under 6: Free

Affordable, effortless, unforgettable.

(Image: Unsplash)

A Timeless Encounter with German Ingenuity

The Wuppertal Schwebebahn isn’t just a train—it’s living history, a bold idea from the past that still feels futuristic today. With every glide above the river and every gentle swing along the arches, it reminds travellers that innovation doesn’t always come from technology—it often comes from courage.

And sometimes, that courage leads to a train… that runs upside down.