Last weekend we visited the IGM Wachau in Grunddorf (municipality of Grafenegg in Lower Austria). The IGM Wachau is an association of model railway enthusiasts that built a model railway layout depicting Wachau - the area between Melk and Krems.
Last weekend we visited the IGM Wachau in Grunddorf (municipality of Grafenegg in Lower Austria). The IGM Wachau is an association of model railway enthusiasts that built a model railway layout depicting Wachau - the area between Melk and Krems
Venus of Willendorf
Venus of Willendorf

The model train is in scale 1/87, so are the cars. Many buildings are in scale 1/100, but you won't recognize the difference. 

A lot of famous sights of Wachau are shown, also the Venus of Willendorf, The statue, which is around 25,000-30,000 years old and one of the oldest known statues, was found in the year 1908 when the Wachaubahn, the railway between Emmersdorf and Krems was built.

Vineyard scenery
Vineyard scenery

As Wachau is very famous for wine growing, also various vineyards sceneries are shown.

Donau Universität Krems
Donau Universität Krems

The University for Continuing Education Krems (also known as "Donau Universität") is the only university in Austria specialized on continuing education - and the only university in Austria that has its own railway station.

Inn in Förthof
Inn in Förthof

The model railway also shows some buildings that do not exist anymore, for example the Gasthaus Schütz, an inn next to the railway station of Förthof. The building still exists today, but is now part of the Danube Private University, a university for dental medicine.St. 

St. Michael
St. Michael

I can really recommend visiting this model railway layout. Six times a year, it is open for one weekend. These events are called "Fahrtage". The entrace is free, but of course voluntary donations are welcome. 

Information on the next "Fahrtage" can be found here!

Here are some more photos:

A video I created about this model railway layout can be watched on YouTube!