Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we dive into the excitement of the International Hobby Expo in Dortmund and explore the breathtaking Miniature Wunderland in Hamburg—the world’s largest model train display and an absolute bucket-list destination for every passionate model train enthusiast. Our journey continues with captivating sightseeing through Hamburg’s historic city and bustling harbor before we embark on a scenic train ride from Lüneburg to Bleckede. The grand finale? A private excursion aboard the delightful Bleckede Kleinbahn Railroad, where we’ll unwind in our exclusive coach, enjoying refreshing beer and savoring mouthwatering German sausages while immersing ourselves in the nostalgic charm of this picturesque Northern German region.
Day 1
Our long-awaited trip is finally here! Sit back, relax, and enjoy a comfortable transatlantic flight with a selection of the latest movies. Savor a delicious dinner accompanied by the option of a few cocktails. As we near our destination, a delightful breakfast will be served one hour before landing, ensuring you arrive refreshed and ready for the adventure ahead.
Day 2
As we approach our destination, enjoy a delightful breakfast served one hour before landing. Once through immigration and customs, embark on a scenic train journey to Dortmund. Upon arrival at the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to engage in personal activities. Join us for a welcoming dinner at 7:30, extending a warm reception to all. Following this, feel free to retire for the night at your leisure.
Day 3
Our main attraction in Dortmund awaits – the Intermodellbau 2025, the world's largest trade show for model-railroading and hobbies. INTERMODELLBAU 2025 is set to host a multitude of both local and international exhibitors across eight expansive halls, showcasing a diverse array of delights, including model trains, aircraft, RC vehicles, cardboard models, dioramas, and more. Immerse yourself in this captivating experience, as the exhibition venue unfolds with offerings ranging from traditional HO model railways to cutting-edge 3D printers, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore and test these innovations on-site.
Day 4
We’re heading back to the Intermodellbau 2025 show today—there’s just so much to see! I’m sure there were things you didn’t get to explore yesterday. If you’d like to see more of Dortmund, I highly recommend taking a Hop-On Hop-Off bus, which conveniently stops at the Westfalenhalle (the show venue). With 13 stops along the route, you can hop off wherever something catches your interest and board the next bus when you're ready to continue. Highlights include the fascinating Beer Museum and the renowned German Football (Soccer) Museum.
Day 5
Today, we embark on a high-speed adventure aboard the iconic German high speed ICE train, whisking us from Dortmund to Hamburg. As we traverse the scenic route, catching glimpses of Münster, Osnabrück, and Bremen, anticipation builds for the treasures that await in Hamburg. Once we've settled into our hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to savor at your own pace. Whether you opt for indulgent shopping sprees or simply relish a serene moment with a delightful coffee and a slice of cake at one of the charming waterfront cafés, the choice is yours to make the most of this leisurely afternoon.
Day 6
We'll navigate Hamburg's vibrant offerings with the convenience of their Hop-on Hop-off bus service. This curated route showcases essential attractions, including the iconic Michel's Church, the Red Townhall, and the fascinating Elbe Tunnel. As part of our adventure, we've arranged a captivating boat tour through the expansive Hamburg harbor, providing a unique perspective on this bustling maritime city.
In Hamburg, the abundance of attractions caters to every taste, ensuring there's something for everyone to savor at their own pace. Whether you're drawn to historical landmarks, architectural marvels, or the pulsating energy of the city, Hamburg's multifaceted charm promises an experience tailored to your preferences. And let's not forget, as the day transitions into night, Hamburg's renowned nightlife beckons, adding an extra layer of excitement to our unforgettable journey.
Day 7
Get ready for the pinnacle of our journey – a visit to the extraordinary Miniature Wunderland. Even if you've marveled at this fantastic layout before, the recent additions, including replicas of Rio de Janeiro, Monaco, and the Fun Fair, make it a must-see experience. The airport alone stands as one of the most captivating attractions, requiring five years of meticulous planning and construction.
The sheer scale and detail of Miniature Wunderland ensure that exploring every nook and cranny will be a delightful challenge, and we've planned a return visit tomorrow to fully appreciate this mesmerizing world. So, brace yourself for a day filled with awe-inspiring miniature landscapes, innovative craftsmanship, and the joy of discovering intricate details that bring this miniature universe to life
Day 8
Immersing yourself in the full splendor of Miniature Wunderland in just one day is a delightful challenge. But here's the exciting news: we've secured an additional visit! I'm actively arranging an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, offering us a unique chance to explore the "underbelly" of this enchanting adventure. Get ready to uncover the magic behind the scenes as we delve into the intricate workings of over 100 computer servers, meticulously ensuring every detail runs seamlessly and adding to the captivating allure of Miniature Wunderland. Following our Wunderland experience, we'll have the opportunity to explore more fascinating attractions in Hamburg.
Day 9
Leif-Erik, our repairman, is also a member of the Bleckede Kleinbahn. Thanks to his connections, he has arranged a special ride for us. “Our” train will pick us up in Lüneburg and take us to Bleckede—a nostalgic journey we last experienced ten years ago, and I must say, it was an absolute blast.
Back then, they prepared their bar car for us, offering a variety of snacks and drinks. Along the route, the train made a stop, allowing our guests to step into the locomotive cab and see the railway from the engineer’s perspective—an unforgettable experience. Hopefully, we can do it all again this time!
Upon arrival in Bleckede, we will visit the railroad repair facility, where I’m sure we’ll find some locomotives in various stages of maintenance and restoration.
