Miniatur Wunderland: The world's largest model railway

DW (English)

Two twin brothers in Hamburg have made a childhood dream come true: They've assembled the world’s largest model railway, Miniatur Wunderland. Housed in old warehouses, it delights visitors from around the world.

Transcript

00:00This is the world's largest model railway, with new things constantly being added.

00:08We had this vision of recreating the Monaco Grand Prix with real little Formula 1 cars racing in it.

00:16You can't install any tech into these tiny cars, it's impossible.

00:20Some 1,200 trains zip through Germany, Europe and the world.

00:25All of this is down to a childhood dream of these twins.

00:31And they've just opened up a brand new area.

00:34The display has 16.5 kilometres of track.

00:42There are also around 300,000 figurines,

00:475,000 buildings

00:50and some 500,000 LED lamps that light up at night, which comes every 15 minutes.

00:56Miniatur Wunderland is housed in old warehouses at Hamburg's port.

01:01It all began in 2001.

01:04Since then, the founders have constantly expanded and enlarged their miniature worlds.

01:08Today, the attraction is around five times its original size.

01:17Frederik got the idea from our childhood impulse towards play, which we always had.

01:22We played so much as children.

01:25We hope that for many people we can reawaken that instinct for playfulness.

01:29The Principality of Monaco and France's Provence are now also part of Miniatur Wunderland.

01:34As always, in 1 to 87 scale.

01:38In addition to the yachts on the harbour, the Formula 1 circuit is also part of the cityscape.

01:45We have a big team that loves to laugh, that's very creative, that goes through the world with their eyes wide open.

01:51That all fits with Monaco.

01:52Miniatur Wunderland has 14 different worlds and theme areas.

01:57One of the most popular is Knuffingen, the fictitious city that started it all.

02:04Equally fascinating, Knuffingen Airport, where 45 different airplanes land and take off.

02:10There's one country in particular that seems especially popular though.

02:15The miniature Swiss factory produces real chocolate at the press of a button.

02:20Throughout Miniatur Wunderland there are hundreds of easter eggs.

02:24Where the person who built something has in some way brought their own self-expression into it.

02:29I was looking recently and you can spot some here and there.

02:32Seek and you shall find.

02:34Whether it's pippi longstocking at home in Villi Villicula or lovers in Venice.

02:39Wherever you look, Miniatur Wunderland is full of surprises.

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