I went through Wuppertal on the train in February after FOSDEM and saw the schwebebahn with my own eyes for the first time.
I wish I'd jumped off and taken a ride... but I was on an Interrail ticket, and my seat cost me €50. If I'd given it up, I'd have had to buy another one...
That's quite strange. Unlike in say France or Spain, all domestic trains in Germany should be reservation free for all Interrail ticket holders, including the fastest ICE trains.
I was very nearly thrown off. I tried to buy a reservation in the station; I was told it was full. I decided to take my chances.
It was well under 50% full, but the conductor tried to throw me off anyway. Only when I protested, a lot, did he concede that I although I would not want to I could buy a seat on the train, but it was €50. He was amazed I was willing to pay, but the alternative was paying less at the station and losing yet another hour -- maybe two.
Interrail is cheap, but the big international trains try to make it difficult for you to use it.
I wish I'd jumped off and taken a ride... but I was on an Interrail ticket, and my seat cost me €50. If I'd given it up, I'd have had to buy another one...