Day 13 - Birthplace of Bayer

Today I visited the birthplace of Bayer, Wuppertal. Bayer was founded in Barmen, which is now part of Wuppertal in 1863. Bayer HQ moved from Wuppertal to Leverkusen in 1912 due to lack of expansion opportunities in the Wuppertal valley. They maintain a presence in Wuppertal to this day.

I left Cologne around noon on a regional train. It took about an hour to get there and I got to see more German countryside that was new.

Cologne Main Station - There are 10 main tracks and 4 smaller tracks underground on either side.


 The regional train I took to Wuppertal.


A short video from aboard the regional train.




The main attraction in Wuppertal is the Schwebebahn hanging train. I spent a good portion of my visit to Wuppertal riding the train.

(A newer) Schwebebahn train entering the station.


The track runs above the river, maximizing the space available for other important things like roads and pedestrian bridges to cross the river.


A view of the Schwebebahn from a pedestrian bridge over the river.


A short video from aboard the Schwebebahn.


A video showing the Schwebebahn turning around at the end of the line.




I rode an ICE train back to Cologne. Boy what a difference from the commuter and regional trains! It took about 30 minutes and was direct from Wuppertal to Cologne. It was also a very smooth and quiet ride.

A short video from aboard the ICE train.


I spent some time relaxing in my room before venturing out for a walk with George. We walked a couple miles down river, past the river cruise boats, street performers, restaurants and shops. We stopped at Hard Rock Cafe for a snack and cold drink on the way back before eventually returning to the hotel.

Some photos from around Cologne.



We came across this tower during our walk. A plaque indicates it is a defense tower that was built in 1262!




Tomorrow I get to visit Stefan's house to watch the Formula 1 race from Azerbaijan!


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