Known worldwide for producing premium steel products since medieval times, this industrial German city on the Wupper river specializes in crafting high-quality knives, scissors, and razors.
Solingen, in western Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region, continues to produce some of the world's finest knives and scissors. You can watch blade grinding at water-powered workshops like Balkhauser Kotten, explore the German Blade Museum's collection of medieval swords, or climb the towers of the 12th-century Castle Burg. The city's industrial past comes alive at preserved grinding cottages along the Wupper River, while the massive iron arch of the Müngsten Bridge spans 107 meters above the valley.
Getting to Solingen
Take the S-Bahn line S1 from Düsseldorf or its airport to reach Solingen. From Cologne Bonn Airport, catch a direct train to Solingen-Hauptbahnhof. Within the city, ride one of the trolleybuses - Solingen maintains one of only three remaining trolleybus networks in Germany.
Museums and Industrial Sites
At the German Blade Museum, you'll find everything from Roman daggers to modern kitchen knives. Watch blade grinding demonstrations at two restored water-powered workshops: Balkhauser Kotten and Wipperkotten, both with their original water wheels still turning. The Industry Museum lets you see the complete blade-making process with working machinery. The unique Plagiarius Museum displays original products next to their unauthorized copies, showing how to spot fakes.
Blade Manufacturing Today
The Wupper River's water power helped establish Solingen as a blade-making center. Today, manufacturers like Wüsthof, Zwilling J. A. Henckels, and Böker still make their knives here. Look for old grinding wheels throughout the city - many decorate gardens and public squares as reminders of the city's industrial roots.
Castle Burg
The stone walls and towers of Castle Burg rise above the Wupper Valley. Built in the 12th century, this former residence of the counts of Berg includes defensive walls, living quarters, and a chapel. Walk through the castle's rooms to see medieval furniture and weapons, or climb the tower for views across the valley.
Walking and Cycling Routes
Follow the Korkenziehertrasse bike path through downtown Solingen and its surrounding districts. This former railway line takes you past old factory buildings and along the Wupper River. The river creates deep valleys as it flows through Solingen for 26 kilometers, with forests and meadows covering half of the city's area.
Müngsten Bridge
The iron arch of the Müngsten Bridge stretches 107 meters above the Wupper River, making it Germany's highest railway bridge. Built in 1897, trains still cross this engineering landmark daily. You can view the bridge from several hiking paths along the valley or from designated viewing platforms.
Gräfrath District
Walk through Gräfrath's narrow streets to see rows of restored half-timbered houses with their traditional green shutters. This former independent town became part of Solingen in 1929 and maintains its medieval street layout.
