Minimundus

Minimundus opened in 1958 on the edge of Klagenfurt and holds around a hundred and fifty models of buildings from about forty countries at a scale of one to twenty-five, laid out in a landscaped park with model railways and ships running between them. The distinguishing point is materials: the models are built in the original stone, brick, marble or timber where possible rather than moulded resin, some using stone quarried from the same sources as the originals, and some took years to complete. The Eiffel Tower, St Peter's, the Taj Mahal, Sydney Opera House, a space shuttle on its launch pad and the CN Tower are among them. It is run for the benefit of an aid organisation, with proceeds going to development projects, which is unusual for an attraction of the type.

History

The park opened in 1958 and has had more than 15 million visitors on its 26,000 square metres; it is owned by the children's aid organisation Rettet das Kind, Save the Child, which receives its proceeds (Wikipedia, Minimundus).

Highlights

• Around 150 models at 1:25 - buildings from some forty countries.
• Original materials - stone, brick and timber rather than moulded resin.
• Working railways and ships - models running through the landscaped park.
• Proceeds to aid work - the park run for the benefit of a development organisation.

When to go

April to October; the park closes over winter. Two hours.

Things to know

Closed for the winter. It is compact and two hours covers it. Aimed squarely at families with children. Weather matters - it is entirely outdoors.

Nearby

The Wörthersee is alongside; Klagenfurt old town is a short bus ride east.

Key facts