"The heart of the city is maintained in an orderly and spotless condition"
In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, lies the city of Wuppertal, a historic metropolis known for its industrial heritage and urban transformation. However, its neighbouring cities, Haan, Hilden, and Solingen, each offer unique characteristics that set them apart.
Wuppertal, comprising Elberfeld, Barmen, and Oberbarmen, presents a vibrant urban experience. With a focus on revitalizing its historic architecture, the city has undergone significant changes, particularly in Elberfeld and Barmen, where infrastructure and public transport have seen improvements. The city boasts a diverse economy, although urban decay is a challenge in some areas. Wuppertal's well-developed public transport system, including its famous suspension railway, is a testament to its commitment to sustainable urban planning (click here for more on the Rundschau website).
Haan, located in the westernmost part of Wuppertal, is often referred to as "the garden city." This smaller, more suburban city has a charming local center with historic buildings and a strong sense of community. Its economy is more service-oriented, with a mix of small businesses and retail. Haan benefits from its proximity to larger cities like Wuppertal and Düsseldorf, offering easy access to major transportation hubs. The inner city of Haan is well-maintained and clean, with nothing destroyed by vandalism. The small green spaces are seasonally planted with flowers, adding to the city's charm.
Hilden, another neighbouring city, has undergone significant urban renewal efforts, focusing on enhancing its city center and improving public spaces. Known for its business parks and industrial areas, Hilden offers a strong economic environment with a mix of manufacturing and service industries. The city is well-connected to the surrounding region via major highways and public transportation.
Solingen, famous for its cutlery industry, has been working on revitalizing its city center and improving public spaces while preserving its historical heritage. The city's economy is primarily manufacturing, with a growing service sector. Solingen benefits from its strategic location near larger economic centers and is well-connected by public transport.
Comparatively, Wuppertal offers a more vibrant urban experience with a rich history and stronger cultural institutions, while Haan and Hilden provide quieter, more suburban environments. Solingen excels in manufacturing and has a strong focus on preserving its industrial heritage. Each city has its unique strengths and challenges in terms of urban development and economic vitality.
Citizens of Wuppertal frequently complain about the state of streets and squares in Wuppertal, but this issue does not seem to affect Haan. For shopping and outdoor dining, the speaker drives to Haan or Hilden. Readers can share their thoughts by sending a letter to the website at redaktion@unsere Webseite. Vohwinkel, located in the westernmost part of Wuppertal, completes the circle of neighbouring cities.
In the suburban city of Haan, known as "the garden city," an emphasis on services and retail businesses can be found, offering a different lifestyle contrasting the vibrant urban experience in Wuppertal. Shopping and outdoor dining are popular activities for citizens of Wuppertal, and they often prefer visiting Haan for these experiences.
With a focus on home and garden improvements, smaller cities like Haan, Hilden, and Solingen provide unique opportunities for those seeking a change in lifestyle, offering a mix of suburban environments and service-oriented economies, while maintaining close connections to larger cities like Wuppertal and Düsseldorf.
