Some aviation enthusiasts collect model planes. Others ‘geek out’ over things like vintage onboard bar carts or buying aircraft seats for their loungeroom. But things like this weren’t enough for a company of serious travel devotees. Over six years and at the cost of €4 million (AU$6.46m in today’s dollars), the world’s largest ‘miniature airport’ was built.
Dubbed Knuffingen Airport – named a fictitious town of the same name – this special place exists in Hamburg, Germany. Naturally, it’s one of the two cities that global aircraft manufacturer Airbus calls home – not that there’s any direct relation. Knuffingen Airport sits inside Miniatur Wunderland, one of Hamburg’s most popular tourist attractions.
Spanning 150 m², this passion project is the result of 150,000 hours of work. It’s also not merely a static display. This ‘airport’ has 250 flights per day. The model aircraft quite literally taxi around the airfield, take off and land.
There are simulated emergencies, traffic jams outside the terminal buildings and even flight screens showing the actual comings and goings. The level of detail is astounding – especially with over 2,400 LED lights across the airfield and 40,000 LEDs in total across the ‘airport’. This is far more than a casual model plane sitting on a shelf!
This miniature airport has a terminal, aerobridges and more
Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg really is an avgeek’s paradise. It’s a clever design. You approach the airport on foot, of course – and the first thing that comes into sight is the airport car park. Okay, you can’t exactly fit inside – this is a miniature airport, after all. But across the airport site, there are some 15,000 figurines representing passengers.
In fact, this isn’t just an airport terminal with people and planes. This is an entire complex spanning 75 buildings – and there are 52 planes zipping around. There’s everything from small private planes through to Airbus A380s, the Airbus BelugaXL, government planes and even a Concorde.
Keep your eyes peeled and you might just see a plane pushing back from the terminal and taxiing across the airfield. The vehicles also move around – just like at a real airport.
Exploring Knuffingen Airport
This ‘miniature airport’ takes quite a bit of time to explore. Given the (real) crowds that flock to this make-believe town, it can take some meandering through them to see it all. But patience here definitely pays off.
Just like a real airport, the airfield here is buzzing. Keep watching long enough and day becomes night. Planes literally come in to land, and prepare for departure – and then lift off. You have to see it for yourself – it’s very cool. When an aircraft touches down, follow its journey right to the terminal, hangar or parking bay.
There’s a lot to see at Miniatur Wunderland: far more than just the airport. Allow a couple of hours for your visit, and if time is tight, book in advance. I stopped by before dinner, hoping to wander in… but the earliest ticket I could get was 10 pm that night. Yes, it’s open late.
If you’re already in Hamburg – especially for anything aviation-themed – make time for a visit to this miniature airport. Don’t forget about the Airbus factory, either. English-language tours sell out, so plan ahead.
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Featured image courtesy of Miniatur Wunderland. Other photography by Chris Chamberlin.
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We visited the Wonderland as a family of 5 two weeks ago.
Truly astonishing at the level of detail.
A must see if visiting Europe.