Five special railway experiencesFancy a different kind of railway?

In the Sauerland and the Lower Rhine, I had to take a ride per handcar on disused railway lines.

Instead of just waiting for the train and watching, my idea was to simply get on a handcar and become an active part of the journey. The handcars can accommodate 2 to 4 people and light luggage. Some have an electric drive that can be switched on or off as desired. With each turn of the pedal, I passed through wide fields and dense forests, with ever-changing panoramas unfolding. Whether alone, with loved ones or colleagues, riding a handcar is the perfect ‘let's just do it’ activity. If you too want to explore the landscapes without even the slightest stress: try a handcar.

My next trip gave me wings, so to speak. That is because some rides reach quite high – or leave the ground behind altogether.

Every 18 seconds, it soars up to the sky: the Kölner Seilbahn, a cable car that connects the Deutz district with the zoo. The 930-metre ride journeyed gracefully over the Rhine River, offering amazing views of the skyline, and the lively atmosphere beneath. With every moment spent above the city, my pulse quickened as I checked out Cologne from a whole new angle.

Of course, this is by far not the only option to take a tour through the skies in NRW. At Castle Burg, for instance, a cable car transported me and my bike to the historic fortress and allowed me to glide leisurely over the hills of the Bergisches Land.

Cycling where trains once used to rattle? Indeed, and what a delightful way to experience the Bergisches Land and the Ruhr Area…

In the past, these tracks were alive with trains, navigating routes that have become unprofitable, fell into disuse and were ultimately closed. Today, the former rail tracks have been transformed into a paradise for cyclists without any challenging ascents because the trains were incapable of handling steep climbs.

I was particularly struck by how the cycling routes often passed by remarkable industrial landmarks, majestic viaducts, or time-worn tunnels. This made the region's structural changes really evident. Also, the paths provided ample opportunities to pause and relax.

Ascending the ‘Dragon’s Mountain’ is a delightful experience for fans of historic trains as well as of breathtaking panoramas.

The ascent to Drachenfels can be accomplished without haste or heavy breathing, and, thanks to Germany’s oldest cogwheel train at a rather comfortable speed. From the quaint old town of Königswinter the train slowly but steadily winded its way through the picturesque landscape right up to the summit. 

Upon arrival at the top, an incredible view of the Rhine Valley and the stunning Drachenburg Castle awaited. With my camera at the ready, I embarked on my adventure. And upon my return from the Drachenfels I simply couldn't pass by the Königswinter reptile zoo!

Wuppertal and its legendary suspension monorail have been a dream team for over 120 years!

This legendary landmark of the city traverses an impressive 13 kilometres (approx. 8.08 miles), mostly gliding at a comfortable height of 8 to 12 metres (26 to 39 feet). So why walk through the streets when you can simply float above the city of Wuppertal?

I decided to let the monorail take me through the entire city, enjoying the historical flair of the districts below. The trip took about an hour both ways, with the monorail primarily following the river. Many of the stations have been renovated in recent years, either preserving their Art Nouveau design or replacing it with interesting modern architectural structures.