Germany’s Hidden Gem: The Hanging Train That Dropped An Elephant!

Step aboard one of the world’s most unique railways in this 12-minute journey through Wuppertal — a city where trains don’t run on tracks… they hang from them. In this episode of Travel In The Know, Philip explores the legendary Wuppertal Schwebebahn, a 125-year-old suspended railway that glides above the River Wupper and serves as the backbone of the city’s public transport. Join us onboard for a full ride experience, with stunning views and a close-up look at this engineering marvel in action. But this isn’t just a ride — it’s a journey through history. Philip shares some of the most fascinating stories behind the Schwebebahn, including the unbelievable tale of Tuffi the elephant, who famously fell into the river during a publicity stunt in the 1950s. We also step off the railway to explore the roots of one of history’s most influential thinkers, visiting the former home of Friedrich Engels, co-author of The Communist Manifesto. To round things off, we visit the immersive Schwebodrom, where cutting-edge multimedia brings the story of the Schwebebahn to life like never before. You may never have heard of Wuppertal before — but after this, you just might be adding it to your travel list. 🎥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more hidden travel gems across Europe and beyond.