Miniatur Wunderland is housed in old warehouses at Hamburg's port. It all began in 2001. Since then, the founders have constantly expanded and enlarged their miniature worlds. Today, the attraction is around five times its original size.
Gerrit Braun: "Frederik got the idea from our childhood impulse towards play, which we always had. We played so much as children. I really hope that for many people we can reawaken that instinct for playfulness; which can perhaps get lost in the problems of everyday life. Play is the most important thing there is. Realizing your dreams is so important, and can make you so happy."
The Principality of Monaco and France's Provence are now also part of Miniatur Wunderland. As always, on a one-to-eighty-seven scale.
Gerrit and his team worked on this dream for eleven years. The principle works via magnetic fields that are located under the car and on the track. Self-programmed software controls electrical impulses so that attracting and repelling poles direct the cars along the track. It was a technical challenge, often on the brink of failure. For Gerrit, though, giving up wasn't an option.
Miniatur Wunderland has fourteen different worlds and theme areas. One of the most popular is Knuffingen: The fictitious city that started it all.
Equally fascinating: Knuffingen Airport, where forty-five different airplanes land and take off. There's one country in particular that seems especially popular, though.
The miniature Swiss factory produces real chocolate at the press of a button.
Whether it's Pippi Longstocking at home in Villa Villekulla, or lovers in Venice. Wherever you look, Miniatur Wunderland is full of surprises.