A fire believed to have been caused by a short circuit has damaged part of Miniland, a popular section of the Legoland theme park in western Denmark known for its replicas of famous buildings made of Lego bricks. The fire, which started at 4 a.m. on Wednesday, was quickly extinguished but resulted in the melting of several replica buildings and the destruction of an area designed to resemble a small-scale version of a Danish port.
According to Legoland spokesperson Kasper Tangsig, video surveillance revealed that the fire originated in one of the electric cars used in the park, which was being recharged overnight. Tangsig stated that there was no other activity at the time of the incident, leading investigators to believe that a short circuit was the likely cause.
The park, which opened in 1968 in Billund next to the Lego toymaker's headquarters and factory, features various attractions including rides, restaurants, and play areas where visitors can engage with Lego bricks. At the heart of Legoland is Miniland, where intricate miniature cities and replicas of global landmarks such as the Kennedy Space Center, the canals in Amsterdam, and the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai are showcased using over 20 million Lego bricks.
Legoland Denmark, one of eight Legoland parks worldwide, attracts an estimated 1.6 million visitors annually, making it a significant tourist destination in the country. The park's management has announced that the electrical equipment in the rest of Miniland will undergo thorough inspection in the coming days to prevent any future incidents.
Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, Lego derives its name from the Danish words 'leg' and 'godt,' meaning 'play well.' Interestingly, the name was chosen without knowledge that 'lego' in Latin translates to 'I assemble.' In 2025, Lego sold the Legoland parks to Merlin Entertainment, which currently operates the parks, Legoland Discovery Centers, and other related attractions worldwide.
