Der Deutschlandexpress

Der Deutschlandexpress is a model railroad layout in Gelsenkirchen that represents Germany's landscapes from the North Sea to the Alps across about 700 square meters. The system connects hundreds of building models, roads, and natural landscapes with functioning details.

Construction began in 1997 and was largely completed by April 1999. It held the title of world's largest model railway until 2001.

The layout recreates landmarks from different regions of Germany such as the Bottrop Tetraeder, harbor facilities, mining towers, and vineyards. Visitors can see how these places fit together in miniature form to create a complete landscape.

The layout is walkable from several vantage points and offers different viewing levels to observe details from various heights. The visitor paths are clearly marked and allow you to move slowly through the different regions.

During night hours, over 5,000 miniature lamps light up streets, buildings, and trains. A particularly striking feature is an illuminated cemetery complete with glowing tombstones and ghost figures.