A mini trip round Europe

I love all things miniature and so, when I heard that there was a Mini-Europe in Brussels, I just had to go. I took the train from central Brussels out to Heysel (which provoked emotions that I’d long forgotten about) and then it was a short walk down to Bruparck.

Dominating the area is the Atomium but the park also contains a huge cinema complex (with films in original version), Océade (a water park but I hadn’t brought a swimsuit) and, of course, Mini-Europe. There are a lot of restaurants situated just outside but they looked a little too touristy to me and, anyway, I was keen to see what it would be like.

Once inside Mini-Europe they have set up a lovely route which has you wandering past the famous sights and buildings of the countries of the Eurozone. It was great to see reminders of places I’ve already visited and ideas for those I still need to see. For me, the added bonus was the trains. Whilst all things miniature are good, trains are the best. (I’m not still scarred by the fact the no one bought me a train set when I was a child, honestly.)

It was particularly interesting seeing the great sights of Europe set against a backdrop of the giant silver balls of the Atomium or the colorful slides of the Océade.

I think the entry fee of €15 is steep for something that can be visited pretty quickly and I also struggled with the pro-Europe propaganda. Whilst understandable given the park’s location, my hackles rise at any overt propaganda or overly glowing information. But it was pretty.