According to the Guinness World Records, the Miniatur Wunderland (German for: "Miniature Wonderland") is the largest model railway system worldwide. It is one of the most popular and most visited sights in Germany. The Miniatur Wunderland is located at Hamburg's historic Speicherstadt and run by Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg Ltd.
Various regions of the world are represented as models on the 1,694 m² model area. According to the operator, the 1:87 scale tracks have a total length of 16.49 km, 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.
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.
Various regions of the world are represented as models on the 1,694 m² model area. According to the operator, the 1:87 scale tracks have a total length of 16.49 km, 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.
For day 0, 26 December, we managed to book the [Backstage Tour](https://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/visiting/at-the-wunderland/guided-37c3/). 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 regular areas.
**Important** This tour is not barrier-free: The space behind the layout is too tight for wheelchairs, walking aids, crutches and baby carriages. There are steps and low overhangs that need to be navigated. If you suffer from claustrophobia, this tour might not be for you. Also, you should be able to fit through passages that are only 30cm (12 inches) wide. Children under the age of 12 need to be accompanied by an adult.
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.
* 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.
