Wiehe model railroad - Europe's largest model railroad exhibition
The Wiehe model railroad in Thuringia is a paradise for model railroad enthusiasts and families. With over 12,000 m² of exhibition space and detailed scenes from all over the world, it is Europe's largest model railway exhibition. Here you can not only marvel, but also gather inspiration for your own model train layout. And the best thing is: you'll find everything you need in our Modellbahnshop.de.
Fascinating facts about the Wiehe model railroad
| Feature | The details |
|---|---|
| Exhibition area | approx. 12,000 m² |
| Layout area | approx. 3,000 m² |
| Opening date | November 7, 1997 |
| Special features | Terracotta Army, Easter Island, Orient Express |
| Gauge | H0, TT, IIm |
These impressive figures show the variety and attention to detail that characterize the Wiehe model railroad. Each section tells its own story and offers countless ideas for model building at home.
The theme worlds - a journey through continents and fantasy
The Wiehe model railroad is divided into various themed worlds that represent different regions and scenarios:
- Thuringia: Detailed replica of the region in H0 gauge.
- Harz: Narrow-gauge railroads and mountain landscapes in IIm gauge.
- ICE line: High-speed trains on the Würzburg-Hamburg line in TT gauge.
- Orient Express: Luxury train from London to Istanbul in H0 gauge.
- USA: From East to West - American diversity in IIm gauge.
- Terracotta Army: Replica of the Chinese excavation site on a scale of 1:2.5.
- Easter Island: Mysterious Moai figures and myths.
Each of these worlds offers unique details and technical highlights that inspire and excite model builders.
Technical masterpieces in model construction
In addition to its impressive size, the Wiehe model railroad impresses with its innovative technology:
- Digital control: precise movements and realistic sequences.
- Day-night cycle: Changing lighting for authentic scenarios.
- Sound effects: True-to-original soundscapes for trains and surroundings.
These technical refinements offer numerous ideas for your own model building projects.
You can find more information about the exhibition and current opening times on the official website of Modellbahn Wiehe.
From the exhibition to your own model railroad layout
A visit to Modellbahn Wiehe will inspire you to get creative yourself. Whether you are just starting out with model building or want to expand your existing layout - you will find everything you need in the model train store:
- Track systems: For different gauges and layouts.
- Locomotives & wagons: From classic steam locomotives to modern ICEs.
- Buildings & landscaping: Houses, bridges, trees and more.
- Electronics & control: Digital technology for realistic operations.
Be inspired by the scenes at Modellbahn Wiehe and build your own model railroad with our high-quality products.
Conclusion: A must for model train enthusiasts
Modellbahn Wiehe is more than just an exhibition - it is a source of inspiration for all model train enthusiasts. The detailed scenes and technical innovations show what is possible in model making. Use these impressions to design your own model train layout and find the right products for it in the Oschatz model train store.
Discover more model train adventure worlds
Would you like to experience even more fascinating exhibitions and miniature worlds? In our overview of model train adventure worlds, we present the best-known and most impressive model train exhibitions in Germany - from Hamburg to Thuringia to the Odenwald.
Get ideas for your own layout and find out where a visit is particularly worthwhile.
The Wiehe model railroad is one of the most impressive exhibitions of model railroads in Europe and is a popular destination for families, school classes and model railway enthusiasts from all over Germany. Located in Thuringia, the Wiehe model railroad has made a name for itself over many years - not only through the sheer size of the layouts, but above all through the fascinating combination of technology, architecture and miniature worlds. Visitors experience an impressive journey through different continents, landscapes and eras, with particular emphasis on authentic replicas and loving details. The Wiehe model railroad inspires both young visitors and passionate model builders, as model railroads are not only shown here, but are actually staged.
The heart of the exhibition is the large model railway layout, on which trains run through towns, mountains and industrial areas. The Wiehe model railroad offers more than just trains on rails - it combines landscaping, building modeling, moving figures and sound effects to create a multimedia experience. The "Germany from above" layout is particularly well-known, where you can discover sights such as Cologne Cathedral, the Brandenburg Gate or Neuschwanstein Castle on a scale. International themes such as the Alpine region, American railroad scenes or an African savannah have also been integrated into the Wiehe model railroad and provide worldwide diversity on a small scale.
A special highlight of the Wiehe model railroad is the true-to-scale replica of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Over a distance of several meters, you can follow how the famous railroad line winds its way through a wide variety of landscapes. This type of large-scale project is typical of the Wiehe model railroad, which is constantly being expanded with new construction phases and innovative ideas. Visitors can not only marvel at completed layouts, but also take a look at the workshops and experience how new dioramas are created. It becomes clear how much manual work, technical know-how and creative passion goes into every scene.
The Wiehe model railroad is not just an exhibition, but also an experience center. Numerous interactive stations invite children to join in, for example by controlling trains or triggering small animations on the layouts. For adults, there are information boards, films and model-making demonstrations that offer a deeper insight into the technology and history of model railroads. Anyone looking for inspiration will find numerous ideas for their own hobby at Modellbahn Wiehe - from designing realistic landscapes to selecting suitable vehicles or building models.
Special exhibitions and seasonal events also showcase the diversity of Modellbahn Wiehe. Thematic focuses are set at certain times of the year, such as Christmas, Easter or the railroad history of the GDR. In addition, guided tours, workshops and lectures are held regularly, which appeal to both beginners and advanced visitors. Modellbahn Wiehe is therefore not only a place of wonder, but also a meeting place for all those who want to actively live and develop their hobby.
Visitors to the Wiehe model railroad experience a miniature world that has been created with love, knowledge and great effort. It is a place where technology and imagination merge in a unique way. Whether for a day trip, as part of a vacation or as a targeted visit for model railway fans - the Wiehe model railroad leaves lasting impressions and is one of the highlights of the German model railway landscape.