Legoland Billund

The first Legoland opened in 1968 beside Billund, the Jutland town where the Lego brick was invented, and it remains the original and much-loved theme park built from the toy. Its heart is Miniland, where whole cities and landmarks are recreated from millions of bricks, alongside rides and attractions aimed at families with younger children.

Background

Godtfred Kirk Christiansen planned the park in the 1960s on 14 acres next to the Lego factory, which was already drawing approximately 20,000 visitors a year to see its models. Arnold Boutrop was its first general director and designer, and the sculptor Dagny Holm, a cousin of Christiansen, is credited with much of the original Miniland. Opening day was 7 June 1968, and 625,000 people came in the short first season. The park now covers 45 acres in nine themed areas, and Miniland uses more than 20 million Lego bricks. Over 50 million guests have visited since it opened, making it Denmark's largest tourist attraction outside Copenhagen. Later Legoland parks were modelled on this one.

Source: Wikipedia, "Legoland Billund Resort"

What you'll find

• Miniland - whole cities and world landmarks built from millions of Lego bricks.
• The family rides - the coasters and rides themed around Lego.
• The themed lands - pirate, ninja, knight and other Lego worlds.
• Lego House - the nearby brick-shaped experience centre in Billund town.

When to go

The summer season from spring to autumn, when the park is fully open; it largely closes in winter. Weekdays outside school holidays are calmer.

What to expect

It is aimed squarely at families with younger children, so older visitors and thrill-seekers get less from it. It is seasonal and in Jutland, a journey from Copenhagen. Entry is pricey, as theme parks are.

Nearby

The Lego House and the town of Billund are next door; the Jelling stones are within reach.

Key facts