Germany
Wuppertal is a midsize industrial city in the Ruhr, within an hours travel of Cologne Dortmund or Dusseldorf, with a large chemical factory as its main employer. Possibly this explains its absence from any tourist itineraries. But it does have the Schwebebahn - a 100-year -old monorail that runs along above the river and roads, while gently swaying 10 metres above the ground, linking all the town districts together. Spend a day or two here, riding the rail and then visiting Wuppertals excellent zoo. All inclusive tickets are available at the stations. The lion enclosure is particularly recommended. We stayed at the ArtFabrik hotel which although not centrally located has decor and a vibe that seriously added to the fun of the weekend.
Trains from Koln, Dortmund etc.
www.schwebebahn.de/EN
Google map: bit.ly/ibFTxm
www.art-fabrik-hotel.de/gbr
Bockmühle 16-24 - D-42289 Wuppertal
+49(0202) 28370
Google map: bit.ly/eO6uBD