SW CH-197 Bergisches Land

Bergisches Land is a low mountain region between the Rhine, Ruhr and Sieg Rivers within the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The landscape is characterised by peaks up to 500 metres high as well as numerous rivers, dams and lakes. The region owes its name to the Counts of Berg, whose influence in the region is recorded as early as the beginning of the 12th century. This region is a popular recreational area.

Wuppertal is the biggest town and seen as the region's capital whereas the southern part nowaday has closer economic and socio-cultural ties to Cologne.

Bergisches Land became famous during the period of its early industralisation in the 19th century.Its twin cities Barmen and Elberfeld at that time were the trading and industrial capitals of Prussia. This economic upswing caused the expansion of the Ruhrgebiet as a coal-mining area.  Then came the industrial downturn of the 1960s. The region lost importance but in recent times, Bergisches Land’s entrepreneurs, active citizens and politicians are striving to bring back economic strength to the region.

This interesting postcard of Bergisches Land shows the Munster Bridge in the main panel. On the 10 small panels are places (and items) of interest in the rest of the region eg the unique train system of Wuppertal, the Schloss Burg, the Bensberger Schloss, etc.

This postcard came from Melanie (16 July 2014) Swap-bot.