Home landscapes at a scale of 1:87
Thuringian towns, stations and landscapes, together with scenes around Wartburg Castle and the Kyffhäuser Monument, present the region with varied train operations.
A destination for families and model railway enthusiasts
Modellbahn Wiehe: A World Tour in Miniature
Thuringia, the Harz Mountains, fast ICE trains, the Orient Express, American landscapes and a new Japanese world: Modellbahn Wiehe combines railway history, scenic modelling and international travel themes in a large-scale, year-round exhibition.
An exhibition devoted to railways, travel and miniature modelling
What makes Modellbahn Wiehe special?
Modellbahn Wiehe is located in Roßleben-Wiehe in northern Thuringia. The operator describes it as the world's largest model railway exhibition open throughout the year. Different regions, railway eras and international destinations are presented across more than 8,000 square metres.
Rather than recreating a single railway line, the exhibition guides visitors through several miniature worlds. Familiar scenes from Thuringia, the Harz Mountains, Germany, Europe, America and Asia can all be discovered. Trains provide the connecting theme between cities, mountains, stations and cultural or historical scenes.
Wiehe is especially interesting for model railway enthusiasts because different scales can be compared directly. Highly detailed H0 scenes create a different impression from an extensive TT main line or a large-format IIm landscape. This illustrates how closely gauge, spatial effect and scenic design are connected.
A destination for several generations
Children can discover moving trains and miniature scenes from everyday life, while experienced modellers can examine track layouts, train formations, buildings, signalling systems and landscape construction. Visitors without their own layout are also given an accessible introduction to the world of railways.
More than a traditional model railway show
Additional displays such as the Chinese Terracotta Army and scenes inspired by Easter Island broaden the exhibition concept. The miniature railway therefore becomes the starting point for a journey through technology, geography and cultural history.
Current information rather than historical figures
Some older publications quote different figures for the size of the exhibition. This revised page uses the operator's current figure of more than 8,000 square metres of exhibition space.
Good to know
Opening hours, admission prices and individual exhibition areas may change. The official website should therefore be checked again before travelling.
From Thuringia to Japan
Which miniature worlds can visitors discover in Wiehe?
The exhibition combines regional railway scenes with international long-distance journeys. Each world has its own scale and distinctive visual character.
Narrow-gauge railways between mountains and forests
Large vehicles, tight curves and distinctive steam locomotives convey the special character of the Harz narrow-gauge railways.
Long-distance ICE services on an extensive route
A spacious high-speed railway display represents traffic between Würzburg and Hamburg while taking advantage of the compact TT scale.
Travelling to Istanbul aboard the Orient Express
International passenger coaches recall the famous connection between Western Europe and the Bosporus.
American open spaces and heavy trains
Expansive landscapes, long freight trains and familiar American scenes create a very different spatial impression from Central European layouts.
Shinkansen trains as a new attraction
The Japan layout presented in 2026 features a long, straight high-speed line for modern Shinkansen trains.
The Terracotta Army in miniature
Hundreds of figures recreate the famous Chinese archaeological ensemble at an unusually large scale.
Monumental scenes inspired by Easter Island
The famous Moai figures add a distant cultural and historical theme to the world tour beyond traditional railway layouts.
Outdoor railway in front of the exhibition halls
A seasonally operated outdoor railway complements the indoor exhibition and is particularly appealing to families with children.
Compare scales directly
Which gauges define Modellbahn Wiehe?
H0, TT and IIm enable very different layout concepts. The same theme can also be recreated at home in another scale.
| Gauge | Scale and track | Typical Wiehe themes | Use at home |
|---|---|---|---|
| H0 gauge | 1:87 on 16.5 mm model track | Thuringia, the Orient Express and Japan. | A large choice of vehicles and buildings, but more space is required than for TT or N. |
| TT gauge | 1:120 on 12 mm model track | A long ICE route through Germany. | A good balance between fine detail and long running lines. |
| IIm / G scale | Frequently 1:22.5 on 45 mm track | Harz narrow-gauge railways and large American railway worlds. | Ideal for garden railways and large indoor layouts with substantial vehicles. |
| H0e gauge | 1:87 on 9 mm narrow-gauge track | A compact alternative for a Harz-themed layout. | Narrow-gauge operations in a smaller area using H0 buildings. |
| N gauge | 1:160 on 9 mm model track | Not one of the exhibition's principal gauges. | Suitable for long ICE, American or Japanese routes in a limited space. |
| Z gauge | 1:220 on 6.5 mm model track | A compact interpretation of extensive landscape ideas. | Extremely space-saving, although construction and maintenance are more demanding. |
| 0 and 1 gauges | Large scales with an exceptional level of detail | Alternatives for individual display pieces or shunting dioramas. | They require plenty of space but provide an impressive visual and sound experience. |
Choose a gauge to suit your space and preferred theme
The model railway gauge comparison explains the differences in space requirements, level of detail and available product ranges.
From a regional exhibition to an international miniature journey
How has Modellbahn Wiehe developed?
Since it first opened, the exhibition has repeatedly been expanded with new landscapes, vehicles and international themes.
1997: The exhibition opens
Regular exhibition operations began on 7 November 1997. Regional railway landscapes formed an important foundation for the concept.
Expansion with international railway worlds
Long-distance traffic, the Orient Express, American scenes and further destinations were gradually added. The model railway show developed into an international miniature journey.
Cultural themes complement the railway
Displays such as the Terracotta Army and Easter Island expanded the experience beyond traditional track and train themes.
2024: The beginning of a new chapter
Following a change of ownership, the exhibition continued operating and preparations were made for the future development of the visitor attraction.
2026: Japan and the Shinkansen
In March 2026, a new H0 layout featuring Japanese high-speed trains and a 26-metre-long straight running line was presented.
Prepare your journey and stay
Current visitor information for Modellbahn Wiehe
The following information is correct as of July 2026. Before making a long journey, visitors should check current opening hours, admission prices and special events directly with the operator.
Opening hours
According to the official information, the exhibition is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last admission is at 4:00 p.m.
Admission prices
The current price list states €15 for adults and €8 for children aged 4 to 14. Separate rates are available for families and groups.
Family ticket
The family ticket for two adults and up to two children is currently listed at €36. Additional children can be added.
Food and refreshments
A bistro is open daily. There is also an ice cream café with its own opening hours.
Outdoor railway
The outdoor railway operates seasonally. Its operation may be affected by the weather, season or operational requirements.
Dogs and card payments
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead. According to the operator, card payments are accepted.
Check the latest information directly
The official opening hours and admission prices may be amended at short notice.
Bring large-scale ideas to your own layout
What can model railway enthusiasts learn from Wiehe?
An exhibition of this size cannot be copied at home. Its design principles, however, also work on a small layout.
Choose a clear travel theme
Thuringia, the Harz Mountains, Japan or the USA can provide a common direction for vehicles, scenery, buildings and signs.
Make trains the main attraction
An ICE, Shinkansen, Orient Express or Harz steam train immediately tells a recognisable story.
Layer the foreground and background
Buildings, vegetation, roads and terrain should be arranged on several levels to create a sense of depth.
Recreate one era consistently
Vehicles, cars, advertising and architecture look more convincing when they all belong to the same period.
Use movement selectively
Not every train needs to run at the same time. A combination of still and moving scenes makes operations easier to follow.
Plan in modules
A large prototype theme can be divided into individual stations, route modules and scenic dioramas.
Trains to match the exhibition worlds
20 model railway products inspired by Modellbahn Wiehe
This product selection reflects themes including Thuringia, the Deutsche Reichsbahn, ICE trains, the Orient Express, the USA, Switzerland and the Harz narrow-gauge railways. The products are divided into the principal scales represented in Wiehe: H0, TT, H0e and G scale.
H0 gauge · Scale 1:87
Express trains, steam locomotives and international classics
H0 is suitable for German railway history, European luxury trains, substantial American locomotives and modern international themes.
H0 · DR steam locomotive
Märklin 38190 Sachsenstolz
A prestigious express steam locomotive for Central German railway scenes.
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H0 · Era IV
Märklin 36436 Class 132
A distinctive heavy diesel locomotive for long DR passenger and freight trains.
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H0 · Freight locomotive
Märklin 39994 Class 194
A heavy electric locomotive for mountain routes and freight services.
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H0 · TEE
ESU 31176 Class 103
A German express-train icon for premium international passenger services.
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H0 · USA
Märklin 39400 Big Boy
A monumental American steam locomotive for the centre of a US-themed layout.
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H0 · Switzerland
Märklin 39362 Ae 6/6
An Alpine locomotive for international trains and mountainous scenery.
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H0 · Orient Express
Rivarossi HR4423 CIWL Set
A six-coach set for international luxury train services.
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H0 · Long-distance services
Märklin 30391 E 10.12
An elegant express locomotive for Rheingold and international passenger trains.
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TT gauge · Scale 1:120
High-speed trains and Deutsche Reichsbahn services in a compact area
TT permits long trains and extensive routes without requiring as much space as a comparable H0 layout.
TT · ICE 3
PIKO ICE 3 Train Package
A multi-part high-speed train for long, modern main lines.
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TT · Additional coach
PIKO 47690 ICE 3
A first-class coach for extending the ICE 3 to a more prototypical length.
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TT · Additional coach
PIKO 47691 ICE 3
A second-class coach for creating a longer high-speed train.
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TT · Städteexpress
Tillig 01804 Städteexpress
Characteristic DR coaches for fast services between regional cities.
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TT · DR passenger train
Roco 6280004 Coach Set
A two-coach set for Deutsche Reichsbahn passenger trains in Era IV.
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TT · Special train
Tillig 01003 Salon Coach Train
A three-coach set for special governmental and official DR trains.
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H0e and G scale / IIm
Harz narrow-gauge railways in two different sizes
H0e brings narrow-gauge routes to compact layouts. G scale creates a particularly impressive effect with large steam locomotives and coaches.
H0e · HSB
Tillig 03982 Passenger Coaches
A two-coach HSB set for compact Harz narrow-gauge layouts.
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G scale · Mallet locomotive
LGB 26592 HSB 99 5902
A characterful narrow-gauge steam locomotive for Harz and garden railway themes.
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G scale · HSB steam locomotive
LGB 26819 HSB 99 222
A large Harz steam locomotive with sound for heavy narrow-gauge trains.
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G scale · Diesel locomotive
PIKO 37543 Class 199
A powerful diesel locomotive for modern operations on the Harz railway.
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G scale · Passenger coach
LGB 37738 HSB Coach
A passenger coach for authentic Harz narrow-gauge trains.
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G scale · Freight wagon
LGB 40038 HSB Ow
An open wagon for engineering trains, freight services and varied train formations.
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Answers for planning your visit
Frequently asked questions about Modellbahn Wiehe
The most important information about the exhibition's size, opening hours, gauges, food and refreshments, and new exhibition areas.
What is Modellbahn Wiehe?
It is a year-round model railway exhibition in Thuringia. Regional and international railway worlds are shown alongside additional cultural and historical displays.
How large is the exhibition?
The operator currently states that the exhibition covers more than 8,000 square metres.
Which gauges are particularly important?
The principal gauges include H0 at a scale of 1:87, TT at a scale of 1:120 and the large-scale IIm gauge running on 45-millimetre track.
Is the exhibition suitable for children?
Yes. Moving trains, large landscapes, international themes and a seasonal outdoor railway also make the visit appealing to families.
How much time should visitors allow?
Visitors should allow sufficient time for the numerous halls and themed worlds. The ideal length of stay depends greatly on how closely they wish to examine the details and train operations.
Is Modellbahn Wiehe open every day?
According to the current operator information, the exhibition is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Last admission is at 4:00 p.m.
Are food and drinks available?
The site has a bistro and an ice cream café. Their opening hours may differ from those of the exhibition.
What does the new Japan layout show?
The H0 layout presented in 2026 features Japanese landscapes and railway themes. Shinkansen trains on a long, straight high-speed line form its centrepiece.
Are dogs allowed?
According to the current visitor information, dogs are admitted free of charge but must remain on a lead inside the exhibition.
Where can I find the binding prices and opening hours?
The operator publishes the latest information on the official Modellbahn Wiehe website.
Model Railway Worlds
Narrow-Gauge Railways
Deutsche Reichsbahn
Garden Railways
Eras I to VI
Plan a Model Railway
Beginner's Guide
Gauge Comparison
Current visitor information and further reading
Binding information is available on the official Modellbahn Wiehe website. Further information about the new Japan layout is available in the MDR report. Visitor information last checked: July 2026.
Discover more destinations and model railway essentials
The central model railway guide covers exhibitions, gauges, vehicles, layout planning, digital control, scenery construction and maintenance.