Introduction
Welcome to Miniatur Wunderland, the world’s largest model railway located in Hamburg, Germany. This incredible feat of engineering and creativity has been awe-inspiring visitors for over 17 years and continues to be one of the top attractions in Hamburg. As the largest model railway in the world, Miniatur Wunderland boasts over 15 kilometres of track and more than 200,000 hand-made figurines, all of which help bring this miniature wonderland to life.
Sightseeing in Miniatur Wunderland
The sheer size of Miniatur Wunderland is one of its main attractions, with over 1,000 square metres of floor space being dedicated to the model railway. As well as the 15 kilometres of track, there are also numerous miniaturised cities and landscapes to explore. These include the Harz Mountains, the Alps, the USA, Scandinavia and Hamburg. Each of these landscapes is incredibly detailed and realistic, and they all have their own unique attractions.
Visitors can explore the model railway by taking a ride on one of the trains. The trains are operated by a computerised system and visitors can control their speed and direction. There are also numerous interactive displays, such as a virtual flight simulator, a 3D light show and a ski lift.
Miniatur Wunderland also has a wide range of shops and eateries, so visitors can take a break from exploring the model railway and grab a bite to eat or do some shopping.
History of Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland was the brainchild of brothers Frederik and Gerrit Braun, who began working on the project in 2000. After two years of planning and construction, the doors to Miniatur Wunderland opened in April 2001. Since then, the model railway has continued to grow and evolve, with numerous new models and features being added over the years. In 2018, Miniatur Wunderland opened its latest expansion, the ‘Switzerland’ area, which is the largest expansion the model railway has ever seen.
Miniatur Wunderland Today
Today, Miniatur Wunderland is one of the most popular attractions in Hamburg, with over 1.6 million visitors per year. The model railway is constantly expanding and evolving, with new models and features being added all the time. Visitors can also take part in a range of special events, such as the ‘Night of Lights’, which sees the model railway lit up with thousands of colourful LED lights.
Tips for Visiting Miniatur Wunderland
Visiting Miniatur Wunderland can be an incredible experience, but there are a few tips to bear in mind before you go. Firstly, it is recommended that you purchase your tickets online in advance, as this will help to avoid queues and ensure you get the best deal. It is also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. Finally, be sure to bring a camera to capture all the incredible sights that Miniatur Wunderland has to offer.
Conclusion
Miniatur Wunderland is an incredible feat of engineering and creativity and is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Hamburg. The sheer size and detail of the model railway is truly awe-inspiring and visitors are sure to be blown away by what they see. So if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, be sure to add Miniatur Wunderland to your itinerary.