Wuppertal, a city of 350,000 located on the Wupper River, is one of Germany's most visually distinctive cities. A suspended monorail (Schwebebahn), which was built in 1901 and is the oldest in the world, rises above the city and transports citizens along the steep hills of scenic neighborhoods. Because of the steep hillsides, Wuppertal is built in a non-traditional ribbon-like pattern and threads around the river valley.

Although 40 percent of the city was destroyed in World War II, nearly 5,000 sites in the city are national historic buildings. At the same time, Wuppertal is also a major industrial center for the textile, mechanical engineering and chemicals sectors. Indeed, Aspirin was invented in 1897 by Wuppertal native Friedrich Bayer, founder of the chemical conglomerate that bears his name.

Wuppertal also has much to offer in terms of culture. The Von der Heydt Museum is one of the most famous modern art galleries in Germany. The opulent Stadthalle, built in 1900, is one of Europe's top concert and cultural centers. And the Tanztheater Wuppertal, one of Germany's finest theaters, often hosts touring play productions from London and New York.

For more information, please visit the city's officical website at: www.wuppertal.de