Swissminiatur is an open-air park in Melide, about 10 kilometres from Lugano, that presents Switzerland at 1:25 scale. More than 120 models of churches, castles, manor houses and mountains stand across 14,000 square metres, many of them set among flower beds. Trains, cable cars, funiculars and boats keep moving through the park, so it suits children as well as adults who enjoy architecture and landscape. Allow an hour or two, and leave time for the restaurant on site.
From Madurodam to Melide
The park was opened in the summer of 1959. Its founder, Pierre Vuigner, had seen the miniature city of Madurodam in the Netherlands and wanted to build a miniature Switzerland.
He looked for land in a suitable setting and chose Melide, a small village on the shore of Lake Lugano. With help from the mayor he secured the site, and he put all of his capital into the 1:25 models of trains, cable cars and buildings.
What the models show
The park holds more than 120 models of Swiss buildings, monuments and landforms, all built to a scale of 1:25. They include churches, manor houses and castles, as well as the Matterhorn, the castle of Chillon and Heidi's house in Maienfeld. Ski resorts and mountain landscapes are also part of the display.
One model shows the Gotthard rail tunnel in operation. Miniature people are placed around the park to show cultural events and local traditions.
Some exhibits have not been updated, so a few places look as they did in earlier years. Zurich Airport, for example, is shown in an older form, which is part of the park's character.
Moving parts and the flower park
The railway network has 18 trains and more than 3,500 metres of track. Cable cars, funiculars and a bobsleigh run through the landscape, and boats and ferries sail on the water features. Cars move along the roads, so there is always something in motion while you walk.
The park covers 14,000 square metres. Its flower section holds more than 1,500 plants, and the models sit among beds and woodland, which makes the walk pleasant between exhibits.
Planning the visit
A visit usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, and the detail on each model rewards a slower pace. Families with children tend to stay longer near the trains, so allow extra time if you travel with young visitors.
By train and ferry-boat, the park can be reached from the centre of Lugano. By car, it is a short drive from the city. Parking is available in a free lot and a paid lot, and street parking is paid.
The entrance, the restrooms and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible. The park has a changing table and a restaurant on site, so a meal can fit into the visit.
Nearby
The park sits at the foot of Monte San Salvatore, so the mountain is an easy addition to the day. Lugano's promenade and the lake views are also close by.
Monte Generoso, reached by rack railway from Capolago, is another option. Lake Como is within reach for a longer day trip.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, the park has an admission fee. Buying tickets online lowers the price per ticket.
How long do you need?
A typical visit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The detail on the models rewards a slower pace.
How do you get to Swissminiatur from Lugano?
Melide is about 10 kilometres from Lugano. Train and ferry-boat service runs from the centre of Lugano to the park.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance, the restroom and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Is there parking?
Yes. There is a free parking lot and a paid parking lot, and street parking is paid.
