Wupper, River and restaurant in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
The Wupper is a river flowing through North Rhine-Westphalia that cuts through Wuppertal before joining the Rhine, running roughly 70 miles (115 kilometers) from its source. The water winds through a valley with steep banks that shape the city layout on both sides.
Starting in the 15th century, mills and workshops along the river powered the region's growth. The flow became essential to textile production, with numerous dyeing and washing facilities operating on its banks.
The river's name has entered German language as a folk expression meaning financial hardship. Locals and visitors often hear the phrase 'going over the Wupper' used to describe bad luck or money troubles.
The city is easiest to explore along the river, especially since the famous suspension railway runs directly above the water. Walking along the banks gives a good sense of the valley and how the city sits within it.
In 1950, an elephant named Tuffi leaped from the suspension railway into the river during a publicity stunt. The animal survived the fall without serious injury and became part of local folklore.
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