Wuppertal, the Metropolis in the
Bergisches Land

The city of Wuppertal is the metropolis in the region of Bergisches Land. Wuppertal is surrounded by greenery and is the home of the one-of-a-kind Schwebebahn, a suspended monorail. At present, approximately 353,000 people call Wuppertal home. Nestled between forested mountains, the city stretches along the narrow Wupper Valley, unfurling into the rolling meadows and expansive forests of the Bergisches Land at its periphery. Cultivated land, gardens, parks, and woods make up 50% of the city. Wuppertal boasts 490 km of footpaths alone and sprawling parks are only minutes away from any spot in the city.  

Approximately 75,000 passengers use the Schwebebahn daily, riding the 13.3 km long rail line while suspended 12 m above the Wupper River and 8 m above the streets. Operable under any weather conditions, the Schwebebahn is the safest and most reliable means of transportation in the world and the lifeline of the city.

With 4,500 animals from about 450 species, the Wuppertal Zoo is one of Germany’s most attractive landscaped zoos.

With over than 4,500 buildings classified as historic monuments and the largest areas of adjoining old-style buildings, Wuppertal also has a rich history. A total of 496 stairs with 8,723 steps connect the paths between the mountains and valleys. The city has also been blessed with culture. The Von der Heydt Museum is one of the most renowned museums in Europe. The historic civic center, the Historische Stadthalle am Johannisberg, was completed in 1900 and is an architectural and acoustical treasure. The opera house, built in the 1950s, was recently reopened after being completely restored.

Wuppertal is also home to the “Pina Bausch” dance theater, named after the world-famous choreographer. Even after her death, the theater is carrying on her work. In addition to the Luisen Quarter (Luisenviertel), there is also the historic tavern district frequented by all types of artists and university students.

In addition to the HfMT Köln campus, Wuppertal is home to two other higher education institutions – the Bergische Universität and the Kirchliche Hochschule. The Bergische Universität and the HfMT Köln in Wuppertal have a cooperation agreement that allows individual course credits completed at either institution to be counted toward the student’s degree following an examination. It is also quite easy to attend events at either of the institutions.

University Social and Student Services

Amt für Ausbildungsförderung
Max-Horkheimer-Str. 15
42119 Wuppertal
Tel.: +49 (0) 202/439 38 61 or 25 66
E-Mail

Housing Office

Max-Horkheimer-Str. 10
Tel.: +49 (0) 202/4304040

Apartments and shared apartments close to the University are located on Bernhard-Letterhaus-Strasse 9 in Wuppertal-Barmen. Use the following links to find rooms to rent:

• wg-gesucht
• studenten-wg

Bergische Universität

Gaussstrasse 20
42119 Wuppertal
Tel.: +49 (0) 202/4 39 50 00