Germany: Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg Announces Complete Makeover of its “Funfair“ Exhibition Area

For about 18 years, the “Funfair” has been a permanent theme section of Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland model railway exhibition, which opened its doors for the first time in 2000. Now the colorful fairground, which is located in the “Central Germany” section of the model railway experience world, is undergoing major renovation works to be reopened at the end of this year, featuring new rides and mini figures on an expanded area of nine square meters (almost twice as large as before). The company’s model builders are currently working on around 150 fair booths and attractions on a 1:87 scale.

Highlights of the redesigned area will include a running rollercoaster. Furthermore, the plans pay attention to prescribed rescue and escape routes, sufficient sanitary facilities and mini-sized garbage containers. Additional effects such as scent sequences, a fair-inspired soundscape and LED lights illuminating the rides “at night” will complete the redesigned funfair section. There will also be a series of interactive stations for visitors, which are still in the planning phase. Construction costs for the renewal of the funfair section will amount to approx. 650,000 Euros.

In addition, construction of the “Monaco” and “Provence” theme sections located directly adjacent to “Italy” is proceeding at full blast. On an area of some 36 square meters, “Monaco” will feature the principality’s famous Formula 1 racing track, a number of well-known sights and approx. 20 model trains, while the “Provence” will be pervaded by lavender fields, shaping the landscape for around 30 passing-by trains. The opening of the Monaco section is scheduled for summer 2020, the Provence area is set to launch by the end of this year. Since early 2018, visitors to Miniatur Wunderland have been able to marvel at the new “Venice” theme section as the latest addition to the model train landscape (cf. EAP News f. Feb 22nd, 2018). (eap)