Hamburg Hackertours
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38c3 Miniatur Wunderland

The Miniatur Wunderland (German for: “Miniature Wonderland”) is, according to Guinness World Records, the largest model railway system in the world. It is located at the historic Speicherstadt in Hamburg and is one of the most popular and most visited sights in Germany.

Many tracks

Köhlbrandbrücke

Various regions of the world are represented as models on the 1,694 square meters model area. According to the operator, the 1:87 scale tracks have a total length of 16.49 kilometers, on which around 1,231 digitally controlled trains with more than 12,000 carriages run. The layout was designed with 5,278 houses and bridges, 11,080 cars - of which around 285 drive on the layout independently - 52 aeroplanes and more than 292,110 figures. In terms of lighting, the layout has a day/night cycle and around 521,500 built-in lights. Website of the operator

Tour and visit

This time, we have these two options for you:

“Backstage Tour”

For day 0, 26 December, we managed to book the Backstage Tour. Unfortunately, this was the only day for which we could still book tours. During this tour, you are guided through the back of the model layout and into areas that are normally not accessible to visitors. Before and after the tour, you can visit the publicly accessible areas of the model railway exhibition.

Important Unfortunately, this tour is not barrier-free: The “Backstage Tour” involves navigating narrow passages behind the model layout, including short but steep stairs and crouching through wall openings.

Therefore, some groups of people are unable to participate in the “Backstage Tour”:

  • People with a large body size & pregnant women: The narrowest point behind the exhibit is 30 cm (11,81 in) wide (between the wall and the model layout). As a guideline, the operator specifies approximately 120 kg total weight, but body size is in this case more important than weight.
  • Infants and young children: Due to the risk of injury and restricted visibility, participation is only possible from age 6.
  • People with reduced mobility
  • People suffering from claustrophobia or circulatory issues

Bringing animals (including assistance animals) and bulky items (such as mobility aids, wheelchairs, strollers, or large bags/backpacks/suitcases) is also not permitted.

Source: based on information of the Miniatur Wunderland Ltd.

Visit Miniatur Wunderland without a tour

On day 1, 2 and 3 we have reserved tickets that allow you to enter without queuing. On these days, MiWuLa is open until 01:00 o’clock in the morning, so you will have enough time to really look at everything. We recommend to plan at least 3 hours for your visit.

Details

  • Tours:
    • Day 0 (26 December) “Backstage Tour” 17:15. Duration approximately 90 minutes, the MiWuLa will be open until 21:00.
    • Day 1 (27 December) Visit (without a tour) 18:15. MiWuLa will be open until 01:00 in the morning.
    • Day 2 (28 December) Visit (without a tour) 18:15. MiWuLa will be open until 01:00 in the morning.
    • Day 3 (29 December) Visit (without a tour) 18:15. MiWuLa will be open until 01:00 in the morning.
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Language: The “Backstage Tour” will take place in German and English.
  • Cost:
    • € 21.00 Visit without a tour
    • € 38.50 “Backstage Tour”
  • Meeting time at Hackertours-Desk: as mentioned above.
  • Important
    • The “Backstage Tour” has limitations (see above).
    • If possible, please leave your bags, backpacks, etc. in the hotel safe or at the wardrobe at Congress Center Hamburg (CCH). MiWula has only a limited number of lockers. You are not allowed to take bags, backpacks, etc. into the venue’s exhibition area.
  • Location: Kehrwieder 21, about 5 minutes on foot from U “Baumwall” station
  • Organizer: Miniatur Wunderland Ltd.