2_0_DiscoverGermany_May2014_Issue14:Scan Magazine 1
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Clockwise, from top left: 1. Müengsten Bridge Park. © Carsten Hahn. 2. Old Town. Beyenburg Wuppertal. © Gunnar Baeldle. 3 Solingen Unterburg. © Carsten Hahn. 4. Wuppertal - The Overhead Railway. © Stadt Wuppertal. 5. Panorama Schloss Burg. © Gerd Krauskopf. 6. Active family cycling in the Bergisch Land. © Kristine Loew
The Bergisch Three
In the heart of it all This fascinating and resourceful region in the far west of Germany is a true jewel for visitors of all ages and interests! The ‘Bergisch Three’ offer industrial heritage, historic town centres, idyllic countryside and plenty of options to relax, explore and indulge in. TEXT: ELISABETH DOEHNE | PHOTOS: BERGISCHES LAND TOURISMUS
‘The Bergisch Three’are three neighbouring major German cities to the north of the Bergisch Land, namely Wuppertal, Solingen and Remscheid. They share both a unique low mountain landscape and an impressive industrial history whose legacy still continues to shape the region. “Each of the three towns has its own industrial history. While Remscheid specialised in tools and machines, Solingen is known for its knives and scissors, and Wuppertal was once a leading centre for chemicals and textiles. A number of different museums, mostly on their original
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sites, are dedicated to telling visitors more about this exciting history,” says a spokesperson for the region’s tourism office. The Bergisch industrial heritage is deeply engrained in the culture of this part of Germany. In fact, the industrialisation of continental Europe started here. Today, locals and visitors can discover many industrial sights through narrated history and stories. They can discover hiking trails and former railway lines, which are now available for leisure cyclists. The scenery - high viaducts, tunnels, rivers, winding roads, and
the low mountain range - is the perfect backdrop for an active and culturally informed cycling or hiking tour. Visitor’s highlights include the 107m high Müngsten Bridge, which is more than 100 years old, and to this day, the highest railway bridge in Germany. Also, the mighty Schloss Burg in Solingen is one of the largest restored castles in western Germany. In Wuppertal, the most famous sight is the suspension railway, the city's landmark, and the renowned Von der Heydt Museum, home to a world-class art collection. Nestled between the Ruhr area, the Rhineland and the Sauerland, this thriving region is easily accessible via motorways (A1, A46, A3), ICE connections in Wuppertal and Solingen, and the airports of Cologne/Bonn and Dusseldorf. With over 1.1 million overnight stays, this culturally rich region is extremely popular among visitors and business travellers hailing from close-by and abroad. www.die-bergischen-drei.de/en