The Unimog is a legend in its own lifetime – and what a legend. Since the first prototype was built in 1948, the indomitable Mercedes-Benz Unimog has been tirelessly going about its business in out-of-the-way locations in almost every country in the world. This talented work vehicle takes extreme terrain in its stride, can haul complete freight trains, can be used as a road-railer and has attachment points for a wide range of implements. Whether on the construction site, in agriculture and forestry or in municipal fleets, wherever there's a demanding job to be done, the Unimog is the vehicle to turn to.

15 Unimog exhibits, from a first prototype to the Black Edition

Four years ago production of the Unimog moved from the Gaggenau plant, where it had been built for the previous fifty years, to Wörth. Then, at the beginning of June, a new Unimog landmark came to Gaggenau: the new Unimog museum. The smart-looking, newly-constructed wood and glass-fronted building situated on the B 462 houses 15 Unimog exhibits depicting the history of this unusual commercial vehicle in all its variety. The exhibits range from the Unimog U5 prototype from 1948 to the thrilling U 500 Black Edition from 2005, an exclusive off-roader for everyday, recreational and sporting use. The contrast between these two vehicles also extends to their basic concept. While the old-timer, built in 1948 at the Gebrüder Boehringer engineering factory in Göppingen, is a reminder of the Unimog's originally intended role as a work vehicle for agriculture, the Unimog U 500 Black Edition is an extreme recreational vehicle created in cooperation with top tuning firm Brabus from Bottrop. The exhibits in between – which include the Unimog's sister model, the MB-Trac –illustrate the colourful history of the Unimog, a history that goes back almost sixty years.

In addition to all this, the Unimog museum also includes technical presentations. In a treadmill three metres in diameter, visitors get a direct, first-hand impression of the Unimog's extreme climbing ability. There's also a walk-on map of the world, with short films of the Unimog performing typical tasks in different parts of the globe, and various exhibits explaining the exceptional technical concept of this multi-use, multi-talented vehicle.

Passenger rides on the outdoor site

On the outdoor site, visitors have the opportunity to witness the Unimog's exceptional abilities at first hand, riding with professional drivers as they demonstrate the Unimog's climbing and fording ability, its maximum tilt angle and its axle articulation. The outdoor site, covering 4,000 square metres, is a reconstruction of a natural off-road environment where the Unimog gets the chance to show off its talents clambering up and over rough terrain and obstacles. Afterwards, visitors can enjoy an excellent snack in the museum bistro or choose a souvenir from the shop. Children will enjoy the igloo and will soon make friends with the lovable children's picture book character "Moggele". An event room on the first floor has views of the museum. Finally, there's also tourist information about the surrounding Murg valley region.

Planned: special themed exhibitions

The new Unimog museum will be well worth more than just one visit, since the vehicle exhibits will be changed at irregular intervals. Special themed exhibitions are also planned, for example about the Unimog as a fire-fighting vehicle.

The new Unimog museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Admission charges are € 4.50 for adults, with reduced tickets priced at 3.50 euro. Family tickets cost € 11.00. The passenger ride on the outdoor site costs a further € 6.50 (€ 5.50 with reduction), and € 15.00 for families).