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Solingen

The Silent Sparks: Solingen's Stangenbus and the Future of Green Transit

3.6 km107 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the quiet revolution of Solingen's streets. While other cities choked on diesel fumes, this resilient German town clung to its beloved 'Stangenbus'—a sprawling, electric trolleybus network born from the ashes of World War 2. Join architecture enthusiast Tom and Solingen local Alicia as they guide you through a web of overhead wires, political rebellions, and cutting-edge battery technology. Discover how a nostalgic piece of transit history became the ultimate blueprint for tomorrow's green mobility.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Kölner Straße Pedestrian Zone

The main shopping street where the sensory contrast of silent, massive electric buses becomes immediately apparent.

Kölner Straße Pedestrian Zone

Image by WA1TF0R on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.14 km • 2 min
2

STOP 2

Graf-Wilhelm-Platz

The central hub of the network, featuring a massive, complex 'spider web' of overhead wires.

Graf-Wilhelm-Platz

Image by Come back on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.72 km • 11 min
3

STOP 3

Mühlenplatz

A square deeply connected to the cultural memory of the 'Stangenbus' and the famous 'Stange ab' phenomenon.

Mühlenplatz

Image by Nicola on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.52 km • 8 min
4

STOP 4

Rathausplatz (Walter-Scheel-Platz)

The site of municipal governance where the crucial political battles to save the trolleybus system were fought in the 1980s and 90s.

Rathausplatz (Walter-Scheel-Platz)

Image by King Otto on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

0.65 km • 10 min
5

STOP 5

Schlagbaumer Straße / Kuller Straße Intersection

A prime location to observe the specific engineering of the 'Luftweichen' (overhead switches) in action.

Schlagbaumer Straße / Kuller Straße Intersection

Image by Petra Klawikowski on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

1.56 km • 24 min
6

END

Stadtwerke Solingen (SWS) Verkehrsbetrieb Depot

The main depot where historic preservation meets the cutting-edge BOB (battery-trolleybus) technology.

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Transit enthusiasts, urban planners, history buffs, and eco-conscious travelers.
  • Best time Daytime during regular transit operation hours, ideally on a bustling weekday or Saturday morning.
  • What to bring Comfortable walking shoes and a camera to capture the intricate overhead wire webs.
  • Keep an ear out Pay attention to the acoustic environment; the silence of the buses is a key experience.
  • Weather warning The overhead switches are fascinating in the rain or snow, but dress warmly!
  • Take a ride After the tour, buy a ticket and ride the BOB bus to experience the seamless off-wire transition.
  • Museum visits Check the Obus-Museum schedule in advance if you want to see the historic vehicles up close.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Tom Bennett
Audio sample
0:000:00

Tom Bennett

  • Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
  • Northern England

Architecture and urban planning professional. Explains the city's hidden systems – from mobility to water pipes – clearly and vividly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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