Lufthansa_748_D-ABYR_FRA_190326a
Palma de Mallorca Airport – Spotting Guide
January 2, 2013
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January 5, 2013Palma de Mallorca Airport – Spotting Guide
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January 5, 2013Frankfurt Rhein/Main Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on June 15, 2026
Frankfurt Rhein/Main airport handled 61.5 Mio passengers in 2024 and is one of the most popular spotting airports on this planet. Frankfurt is in the center of Europe and the biggest hub for Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partner airlines. Those airlines are responsible for the most movements next to Condor, who offer an adequate amount of flights in and out of Frankfurt.
The peak times of LH are in the early morning (07:00 – 09:00), noon (11:00 – 13:00), afternoon (15:00 – 17:00) and evening (19:00 – 21:00). Most intercontinental flights arrive during the early morning hours. Frankfurt is also a big cargo airport for airlines from all over the world. Due to the restrictions at night, many of these cargo operations take place during the day.
Frankfurt has three official viewing platforms. Police and airport security knows about our hobby and plane spotting is more than tolerated, so don’t be afraid if you linger next to the perimeter fence with your huge ladder.
If you wanna get close to the action, book an apron bus tours at the airport. It starts at the Terminal 1, Concourse C, Level 2 (departures). Just follow the signs for “FRA Airport Tours & Shop”. More infos here
A great 24h real time schedule including active runway direction, arrivals/departure times, aircraft type, registration and destination can be found here: www.fra-flugplan.de
Written by Julian Mittnacht, Severin Hackenberger, Sebastian Sowa, Timo Breidenstein and Patrick Weis. Last Change: May 2026 – updated Spot 22 by Elias Dieckert
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety | |
| Photo Locations |  |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 07L/25R (north) | 2.800 m (9.240 ft) |
| 07C/25C (center) | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) |
| 07R/25L (south) | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) |
| 18 (west) | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | Exclusive Terminal for Lufthansa, Star Alliance members and Condor. Latter will move to terminal 3 in 2027. |
| Closed until mid 2030s | |
| Terminal 3 | New terminal opened April 23rd 2026. Non Star Alliance carriers |
| Airport Chart |  |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Only needed at spots 9 and 10 and partially at 11 and 16. It is absolutely no problem if you use a ladder at any position along the perimeter fence! |
| Car/Public Transport | Highly recommended as for most spots there is not really a public transport directly to the spotting locations. There are some buses running to the cargo and cargo city south but thats all. Please use the RMV public transport map to find the correct bus stop. On the map turn on “Haltestelle” in the legend, click on the stops for the start and the end and select respectively “Start/Ziel wählen”. Then click on the “Verbindung Suchen” button on the left upper corner to see the times when a bus is running and which lines you have to use. In general, even it takes very long, you can walk to all spotting locations as there are footpaths and farm tracks around the airport so you don´t have to be on the road. If you can walk from Terminal 2 to the official viewing platform for 25L (spot 5/6) as there is a footpath and its around 2,5 km. And from Terminal 1 to the approach spot for 25R (spot 14) which is around 2 km. For more details read the description. |
| Restrooms | Not at the spots! read description |
| Drinks/Food | Supermarket & gas stations around the airport |
| Hotels | Inter City Hotel next to spot 5&6. More hotels in the city of Kelsterbach north of RWY 07L/25R. Several hotels in the Gateway Gardens near the east end of the airport. The b’mine hotel is locatad there, which has a rooftop terrace facing the airfield (see spot 21) |
| Season | We suggest April – September, chance of bad weather in winter is pretty high. Be aware of fog especially in autumn, November is terrible mostly. The fog will not disappear for hours even if the weather apps predict sunshine! |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | There are always three runways in use for departures/landings and it’s not always easy to catch the bird you are hunting for especially if you have to switch the photo position. A380,747 and MD11 always use 07R/25L! The “Airport CDM” App for Google and Apple provides the exact departure runway in advance for each flight. |
| 07L/25R (north) | Used for arrivals only, from both directions. The preferred runway for flights parked at Terminal 1 and the westernmost ramp positions. DHL, Aerologic and Lufthansa Cargo almost always use this runway too. No A380,747 and MD11 planes arriving at this RWY due to noise restrictions. |
| 07C/25C (center) | Mainly in use for departures (especially flights to North America and Asia) in both directions. Departures are more common on 07C than on 25C as there are sometimes arrivals on 25C (mainly LH and LH Cargo/Aerologic) when there is less traffic (winter months/weekends), good visibility and no departures. Arrivals are on final for 25L but making a visual switch to the center runway a few miles before the threshold. There are no arrivals on 07C after 0900! |
| 07R/25L (south) | Used for arrivals in both directions (departures are very very rare). Runway for all flights opb. A380,747 or MD11, airlines located at Terminal 3, cargo airlines located in the cargo city south, general aviation. Preferred runway for carriers located at Terminal 2 and C especially when 07R is active as the taxi time is shorter than from 07L. |
| 18 (west) | Used for departures only, 36 is not in use! Preferred for flights with a southern direction like Spain, Italy, Africa, India, Southern Asia. Expect more 18 departures when 25 is active. With tailwinds more than 10kt, there is already a general warning distributed in the ATIS. With tailwind more than 15kt, RWY 18 is closed for operations. |
Platform West - 18 departures, 07C/R arrivals, 25L/C departures
| WHERE | The platform west is one of the two official spotting locations outside the airport perimeter and its a very famous spot by spotters and locals too. If you arrive from the Autobahn, exit and follow the signs to Lufthansa Cargo. You are on the ‘Airportring’ and will pass the Terminals, Lufthansa Technik and LH Cargo. Always drive westwards until the road turns south and pass the thresholds of RWY25. When you have passed these, you will see a small parking lot on the right, shortly before you can enter the tunnel who pass RWY18. Once parked the car follow the path to the platform. In the case it is overcrowded stay on the path to get at least the arrivals in between the trees. (spot #1A on the map, only okay in the winter).
By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 31”. The ride is 16 minutes. From there you need to walk back on the sidewalk all the way to the platform, approximate 2km. |
| WHAT | This spot is great when 07 is in use for arrivals as well as for 18 departures. There is a concrete platform where you can easily shot over the perimeter fence, but space is limited. An electric box and a second fence has ben installed directly in front of the platform which disturb the sight.
Update April 2025: view becomes more and more limited here for 18 departures! Higher fence, electrical box in the front and solar panels to the right… When the planes passed the general aviation ramp (in the back), the screens are in your pictures. View to the left is unobstructed. Especially on weekends its very crowded so you will need a ladder for 18. 07 isn’t a problem and no ladder is needed. Arrivals on the center runway (very very rare) can be spotted as well but difficult in the summer as you will get a lot of heat haze (go to spot#2 instead). 25C departures are very high and the angle is not the best. In this case try spot 11 instead. |
| TIME | Good spot for almost the whole day when 07 is in use. In the summer month you will have backlit in the early morning and late afternoon & evening for 07. RWY 18 has backlit until noon. |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. You can drive to Walldorf where you find a gas stations and supermarket. It takes five minutes from here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A350/B757/MD11~100mm B737/A320/E195~130mm B747/A380~90mm |
Pictures from the platform
Pictures from Spot 1A
Airportring - 07C/R arrivals
| WHERE | This one is close to spot #1. Turn your car and drive back to the airport, northwards. After a hundreds of meters you see a small parking lot on the left. If you are good on foot you can walk from the terminal all the way along the airport ring to this position on a sidewalk. Takes at least one hour! |
| WHAT | You get only the 07 arrivals there and it depends on the time of the day. |
| TIME | 07R arrivals in the evening (07C are backlit) and 07C arrivals usually from morning until late afternoon but those arrivals are more than rare. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. Here is absolutely nothing. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-200mm A350 = 120mm |
Line-Up WestLine-Up West - 07C/R Arrivals + 25C Departures + 18 Line-Ups + Apron
| WHERE | Take Airportring northwards as if you would go back to the airport. Before you pass the taxiway tunnel you wil see a turning pad on the left side. Get rid of your car (which is very tricky and described detailed in MISC below) and then either walk all the way up on the west of Airportring on the dirt road up to the fence at the taxiway. If you are good on foot you can walk from the terminal all the way along the airport ring to this position on a sidewalk. Takes at least one hour!By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 26”. The ride is 10 minutes. From there continue on the side walk and after you have passed the tunnel turn right and walk up till the position.Update April 2026: they started to build a new, second fence airside which makes spotting tricky from the fence front down along the street. In addition, spotters were sometimes sent away from here “as you are standing too close to the fence and the street”. Probably depending on which security personnel works that day… |
| WHAT | Here you can see 18 Line-Ups – a ladder is recommended to avoid small parts of the fence (once you does not stand at the northernmost edge) in your picture. In the summer its okay for 07R/C Arrivals as well (but you have a very short time window to make your photo due to the trees to your right and all the poles). 25C heavy departures are possible too. Plus you can also see some apron movements such as taxies, pushs and similar on the apron in front of you. |
| TIME | For line up you can take photos from afternoon till sunset and also nice night shots. 07C/R arrivals and 25C departures are possible in the very early morning hours and in the late afternoon/evening – in summer only. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. Here is absolutely nothing. Parking is tricky here as well. It is absolutely not allowed in the turning pad (as you can see below) and police sends away cars parked by the roadside south of the turning pad sometimes. Safest option is to park at spot 2 and the come back here by foot. Heat haze is a huge issue here – already in spring and still in fall (not only on ground shots, due to the street the arrival shots are hazy sometimes as well). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-400mm – depends on where you stand exactly |
The spot itsself
And the turning pad where parking is prohibited
Viewing Platform North - 07L/25R movements
| WHERE | When you start at the airport, follow the ‘Airport Ring’ to spot #1. Pass the first taxiway tunnel and follow the sign to Kelsterbach/Rüsselsheim making a right turn onto Okrifelter Strasse (Feuerwache 4). Drive over the bridge of the ICE track and take the first turning on the right, just before the fire station. Park in the small spotter’s car parking area on the left. There is a footpath (tagged on the map) along Frankfurt’s newest runway. Just follow this eastwards for 5-10 minutes until you see the large viewing platform with seating on your right hand side. For a different view it is also possible to stay all the way along the fence line. Of course a ladder is needed in this case.
By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left to get onto the farm track that runs parallel to the Autobahn, walk under the taxiway bridge and continue until you see the platform to your left. All in one approximate 3,5 km. By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 26”. The ride is 10 minutes. From there cross the road and walk over the bridge of the Autobahn A3 to the location. |
| WHAT | This place covers the newest runway which is used for arrivals only. The taxiway to the terminals is pretty close too (from where most of the pilots are waving, too) and, particularly when Runway 25R is in use, you can almost touch the aircraft rolling by. When Runway 07L is in use most traffic does not use the parallel taxiway. A380, 747 and MD11 aircraft, as well as business aircraft and cargo airlines located in the Cargo City South, don’t use this runway, but 777 aircraft of Aerologic, DHL and Lufthansa Cargo prefer this runway. It’s a great place and for Runway 25R you are almost at the touchdown zone so you can take some ‘smokey’ pictures.
Point 4B is closer to the touchdown zone plus it is possible to photograph 07L approach on the fast exit. Ladder needed here! |
| TIME | Spot 4A: All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. Spot 4B, almost the same except the runway 07L arrivals can be spotted 1 hour longer. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. There is a small covered area under the viewing platform but it has no seats, otherwise there is absolutely nothing here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Runway: 100mm for a 772, 200mm for a 737 |
Spot 4A
Spot 4B
Official parking area in front of the fire station:
Autobahn/Hurenschneise - 25L/C arrivals, 07R/C departures, taxiway Sierra
| WHERE | This spot is at the other side of the airport, next to the old US facilities and the Inter City Hotel. You must drive on the Autobahn A5 to Darmstadt for 2 kilometers until you can exit the road to Zeppelinheim. Follow the signs to this city, pass the A5 over a bridge and then turn left at the next corner. You will drive into a forrest. Follow this smaller road for a hundreds of meters until you will find a parking lot. Park your car here (take care of some no parking signs) and walk along a closed forrest road (tagged on the map) north/westwards back to the Autobahn (you can’t drive here). After 5 minutes you exit the forrest and head over a bridge to the spotting platform.
By Foot: You can walk from Terminal 2 to the platform within 30 minutes/2,5km (check footpath on the map for a detailed description) or use the shuttle bus to the IC Hotel but you may be asked for a ticket. By Public Transport: use the S7 from Frankfurt Central Station and exit at Zeppelinheim Station. Walk through the forrest to the spotting platform like mentioned above. There is a new bus line X77/QF-64 which runs from Bus Stop “Tor 2” next to Terminal 2 to the stop “Lufthbrückendenkmal/Tor 33” right next to the platform. |
| WHAT | Its great for all the 25L/C arrivals if wind is coming from the west. Partially nearby taxiway tango, which is used by some airlines to get from terminal 2 to runway 18 or used by widebodies to tow them to the parking area. The taxiway Mike which is in between the two runways can be photographed as well but be aware of heat distortion! Departures on 07C can bee seen but it is too far for good photos.
A new ,very high fence and light poles almost blocking the clear view and the possibility of taking photos of aircraft on the both taxiways Tango and Uniform. The inner taxiway Tango, which is behind Uniform, can be photographed if you go a bit down the path (direction memorial). The perimeter fence is lower at this point and you need 2/3 steps to completly clear it (LH 744). There is also a very small gap for the outer taxiway directly, but no side shots (Condor A339 and HiSky A319) 07C departures are possible but usually very high, expect the heavies. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. Arrivals on the center runway are difficult in the summer as you will get a lot of heat haze in your pictures (spot#6 is closer). |
| MISC. | There are some big stones to sit down. There is also a snack bar close to the parking lots and next to the S-Bahn station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 77W 250 mm on 07C takeoff, 30 mm on the taxiway and 100 mm on 25L arrival 25C arrival (last three sample photos): A320=400mm; 77F =260mm |
Pictures below are from November 2021.
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- View of the Parking Lot
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- Spotting from the Autobahn bridge
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- Path to Parking and Terminal
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- View from the platform
Autobahn - 25L/C arrivals
| WHERE | From the previous spot #5 follow the footpath for a hundreds of meters towards Terminal 2 until you stand between the to runways and on your right. Usually you start at #5 and then go there when the sun has turned around in the summer months. But you can reach this location from Terminal 2 as well! Since 2024 there is a new public road running parallel to the foot/bicycle path. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on runway 25L can be photographed from here. A 2 meter fence next to path plus the vegetation makes it quite challenging to get decent pictures. |
| TIME | Starting in the late afternoon/evening its the place to be for 25L arrivals if you wanna avoid backlit pictures. Can only be used in the summer. |
| MISC. | There is is a path which is frequent in use by cyclist when the sun is shining. So try to stand on the grass to avoid a crash. Facilities in Terminal 2 are the closest. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-300 mm Korean B777 = 120mm, RAM B738 = 190mm |
Visitor terrace Terminal 2
| WHERE | UPDATE SEP. 2025. the visitors terrace has been closed for unknown time! The complete terminal 2 will shut down in 2026 due to massive renovations. The future of the terrace is unknown |
| WHAT | |
| TIME | |
| MISC. |
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| FOCAL LENGTH |
Ticona - 07L arrivals
| WHERE | From the ‘Airportring’ take the same road that you would use to reach spot #4. Drive through the forrest after you have passed the fire staten and the runway tunnel. Maybe one kilometer later you will face a small railroad tunnel. Make a left turn before that tunnel (Fraport signs) and always follow this dead end road along the tracks until you reach the threshold of runway 07L/25R . This is the former ‘Ticona’ chemistry complex which was bought by the Fraport AG and has been demolished for the new runway. Before an abandoned gate you will find the official car parking area on the left hand side. From here walk on the gravel road, cross the approach and continue till the position as marked on the map. |
| WHAT | This is a great spot for all runway 07 arrivals with clear blue sky on the back. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. |
| MISC. | You are in the middle of nowhere. So take the stuff that you need with you. No ladder needed here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 77W = 50mm; 737 = 100mm. A little bit more at the evening spot. |
MORNING
Fire Station - 07L/25R movements
| WHERE | When you start at the airport, follow the ‘Airport Ring’ to spot #1. Pass the first taxiway tunnel and follow the sign to Kelsterbach/Rüsselsheim in making a right turn into the Okrifelter Strasse (Feuerwache 4). Drive over the bridge of the ICE track and park your car on the right shoulder along the road. You have the Fire Department infront of you. There is a footpath (tagged on the map) along Frankfurt’s newest runway. Just follow this westwards for 5 minutes until you’re at the fence next to the fence. You definatly need aminimum of 2 steps here! Stay next to the Firestation with smaller steps otherwise you will have the higher taxiway to the bridge on your pictures.
By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left to get onto the farm track that runs parallel to the Autobahn, walk under the taxiway bridge and continue until you see the platform to your left. Pass it and walk till you reach the fire station. All in one approximate 4 km. By bus take line 751 from Terminal 1and exit at “Tor (gate) 26”. The ride is 10 minutes. From there cross the road and walk over the bridge of the Autobahn A3 to the location. |
| WHAT | This place covers the newest runway which is used for arrivals only. The taxiway to the terminals is pretty close too and you can almost touch the aircraft which rolling by. A380,747 and MD11 as well as cargo and business aircraft don’t use this runway! You can take 07L arrivals here while reversing progress and 25R arrivals that taxi down the runway if they’re light. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. Best time for this spot is 08:00-16:00 for 07L and for aircraft take the exit in front of you until about 18:00. |
| MISC. | Visit the facilities next to the airport. Here is absolutely nothing. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 15-250 mm |
Perimeter Fence - 07L touchdown
| WHERE | Use the directions like to Spot 8, pass this one and walk up the marked route on the map along the perimeter fence. |
| WHAT | This spot is good for aircraft landing on runway 07L. The are touching down just in front of you. You can alos take pictures from here of aircraft, especially heavies, that landed on 25R and leaving the runway in front of you. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. On Taxiway it depends on the angle, the example pictures where taken at 4pm. |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. You need at least a 2 stepleadder here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Runway: 50-300mm Taxiway: 10-100mm |
Runway:
Taxiway:
Forest - 07R arrivals
| WHERE | A forest aisle next to the „Airportring“ and the spotting platform at RWY 18. You have to park your car at the parking lot for the spotting platform at RWY 18 or at the parking lots between RWY 07R and 07C. From there you have to walk into the forest walking to the south. At a small junction you have to go left and then immediately turn to the right into the „Mönchbruchallee“. At the 2nd or 3rd possibility you have to turn right and then walking towards the west to the forest aisle. It’s about 2km and 20min walk from the parking lot. Stay on the forest ways as marked on the map, once in the aisle and don`t emter the meadows as it is a nature preserve. Here is absolutely nothing. |
| WHAT | This spot is an alternative to the Platform at RWY 18 for arrivals on RWY 07R. |
| TIME | Good spot for almost the whole day when 07 is in use. In the summer months you will have backlit in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Depending on your position on the empty field and the distance to the aircrafts you’ll also have problems with heat haze on warmer days. |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. The power lines to your right are not disturbing the sight. Stay on the road! Rangers don`t like it when you leave those. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 150-400mm 772 = 200mm |
Gravel Factory - 07R arrivals evening
| WHERE | The entrance into the street that leads to this location is between spot #1 and #2. Park at spot 2 and walk through the forrest on the ‘Alte Heegwaldschneiße’ is forbidden now. When you reach the entrance to the gravel factory turn left and stay somewhere within the forest aisle. It´s not allowed anymore to drive to this location so you have to walk for 20-30 minutes. |
| WHAT | This spot is an alternative to spot 2 as you have a better angle here. You have a longer timeframe to make your picture! |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only! |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. During weekdays the dust (sand) which is coming up from the factory might be disturbing and there is a lot of truck traffic which cause dust too. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100 – 400mm |
Field - 25R arrivals
| WHERE |
Update May 2026: area is completely fenced off for construction works and “no parking” sings installed. Use Spot 15 instead. |
| WHAT | |
| TIME | |
| MISC. | |
| FOCAL LENGTH | |
Train Tunnel - 25R arrivals
| WHERE | See description for #13 but pass the gate and continue on the small path under the approach path. Once you are on the other side get walk over the train entrance to the tunnel to get behind the railroad tracks. Start spotting here.
By foot: starting at the terminal arrival level walk westwards on the “Airportring” on the sidewalk and pass the Lufthansa Aviation Center and Training buildings. When you see gate 23 turn right and cross the bridge over the Autobahn A3. Once done take the next left at the NH Hotel to get onto the farm track that runs parallel to the Autobahn. Continue there until the position. All in one approximate 2 km |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 25R only. |
| TIME | All day long in winter. In the summer you will have backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. Its very noisy as the Autobahn is behind you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A321 = 90mm; 77W = 60mm; 738 = 100mm |
Crash Gate - 25R arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is close to the field (spot #13) in an industrial area in Kelsterbach with a slightly better angle and something in the background of your photos. Park your car at the junction to the spot and walk a few meters up to a crashgate. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 25R and planes on taxiway Papa (bridge). |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only. |
| MISC. | To take photos at this position you’ll need a ladder with at least 3 steps to get over the gate. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-250mm |
Ticona - 07L arrivals
| WHERE | This is almost at the same corner as spot #8. From the ‘Airportring’ take the same road that you would use to reach spot #4. Drive through the forrest after you have passed the fire staten and the runway tunnel. Maybe one kilometer later you will face a small railroad tunnel. Make a left turn before that tunnel (Fraport signs) and always follow this dead end road along the tracks until you reach the threshold of runway 07L/25R . This is the former ‘Ticona’ chemistry complex which was bought by the Fraport AG and has been demolished for the new runway. Before an abandoned gate you will find the official car parking area on the left hand side. Now continue along the perimeter fence on the dirt road. If you have no ladder stay at the first postion. Here you have a blue sky on the back. If you have a ladder (4 steps at least) you can continue along the perimeter to find you prefered position at the fence. |
| WHAT | Arrivals on RWY 07L. |
| TIME | The best time is from 18:00 till sunset in the summer only. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50-250mm |
Position next to the parking lot. No ladder needed here
Postion further down the dirt road. Ladder needed!
Fire Station/GAT Fence - 07R Arrivals + 18 departures + nearby taxiway movements
| WHERE | This spot is roughly located at the former Holiday Parking in the airport’s southwest. Just park you car as marked on the map at the forrest (limited to approxmiate 10 cars). Otherwise park at #2 and walk to this point through the tunnel. DO NOT park in front of the fence at the bottom!! Once back go up the little mound and stand on its top there in front of the fence. A ladder is useful to avoid parts of the fence in your photos, especially for 18 departures and heavy 07R arrivals. .
UPDATE September 2024: constructions for the tunnel are completed and everything is back to normal. |
| WHAT | Good alternative to spot 1, as you have a better angle here for the 07R arrivals. You can also shoot 18 departures (no 90 degree shots possible) from the corner next to the tunnel entrance, but a ladder is needed to clear your view over the fence in between some bushes. Summer can become tricky due to grown vegetation. Taxiway can be photographed from the fence if you go down the mound and cross the road (see marked position on the map). Small lense diameter is needed because of the mesh. |
| TIME | Runway 07/25s and taxiway: Morning till late noon. Runway 18: sunrise till early noon. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. Haze is a problem quickly – especially on runway 18 and 07C movements, however even 07R movements can be hazy already in spring. Parking is a bit tricky here and not allowed all the times – for example you sometimes may get send off from the unpaved dirt parknig areas here, some officers let you stay there. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-300mm A330 on 07R approach = 120mm / B767 on taxiway in front = 30mm |
Situation as of January 2025
Taxiway position:
Parking:
Clearing Forrest - 25C departure (banking)
| WHERE | A forest aisle next to the „Airportring“ and the spotting platform at RWY 18. You have to park your car at the parking lot for the spotting platform at RWY 18 or at the parking lots between RWY 07R and 07C. From there you have to walk into the forest walking to the south. At a small junction you have to go left and then immediately turn to the right into the „Mönchbruchallee“. At the 6th possibility you have to turn right and then walking towards the west to the forest aisle. It’s about 2,1km and 25min walk from the parking lot. You can choose your favorite spot next to the power lines on the forest way. Easiest will be to use a bike here. Stay on the forest ways as marked on the map, once in the aisle and don`t emter the meadows as it is a nature preserve. |
| WHAT | Especially heavy aircraft depatures on 25C that bank toward the south. Please note not all traffic will depart this way. Mainly Boeing 747 departing like this |
| TIME | From sunrise till noon |
| MISC. | Here is absolutely nothing. The power lines to your right are not disturbing the sight. Stay on the road! Rangers don`t like it when you leave those. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Around 500mm for a 747 |
Zeppelinheim - 25L arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located at the footh path of the Admiral-Rosendahl-Straße. You can park here directly at the street and start spotting. The street is busy weekdays as there are some companies arround. Please park only in the marked areas. The only advantage over spot 5 is that you can stay in your car and don`t have to walk. |
| WHAT | Arrivals for 25L only! with a small time frame for taking pictures. 90 degree side photos are not possible. |
| TIME | This is quite good during the winter time as you can stay in the car when there is no traffic. In summer there will be problems due to heat haze and it is backlit in the very early morning and the late afternoon/evening. |
| MISC. | There is a small grill station at the nearby train station. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 250-600mm. A Boeing 747-8 about 250mm. A A330 about 400mm. For smaller Jets you are to far away. |
General Aviation Ramp - 18 and 25C heavy departures, 07R arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located south of the newly build taxiway to the general Aviation Parking. Park you car as marked on the map at the Oktrifeler Straße and walk up the walking tracking through the woods. The fence at the entrance of the path is only closed for animals so keep it closed after you walk through. Due to the limited space for shooting only a maximum of about 10 spotters can use the spot during the same time directly at the fence. You will need at least 3-4 steps at the fence directly or minimum 8 to get over the fence(but with the big step ladders please stay with a bit distance on the walking track. |
| WHAT | Departures on runway 18. View to the left is limited due tue bushes so 90 degree side shots are not possible. Grass and airport signs may cut off parts of the wheels. 25C heavy departures can be photographed as well if you walk the forest road a bit southwards. 07R arrivals too, but not 90 degree (heat haze is an issue later on). Movements to and from the general aviation ramp can be spotted too. |
| TIME | For 18 departures: sunrise till about 11:00. Heathaze will be a problem during the summer month For 25C departures: Later in the morning until afternoon. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby. Please take your rubish with you. Don’t touch the fence as it seems to be it is equipped with sensors. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm. A A320 about 220mm. |
Terrace b´mine Hotel - 07C departures, 25C arrivals
| WHERE | THE ROOF bar and lounge is located on the top floor of the b’mine hotel and also welcomes non-hotel guests. Besides the indoor bar and dining area it also has a terrace with tables, chairs and comfy sofas. Just take the elevator inside the hotel to the top floor and grab a table or get settled on one of the sofas or lounge chairs. This is the perfect place to crash after a long day of spotting and having a drink or two or dinner while catching a few more planes during golden hour! |
| WHAT | Runway 07C departures, 25C arrivals (rare) some ramp traffic. 25L arrivals can be seen, though very far. |
| TIME | Summer only: early evening until sunset |
| MISC. | As this is a business, please support them by ordering a drink and/or something to eat. Also, please be mindful of the other guests, so let them enjoy the view as well. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A330: 310mm; A320 (air): 370mm; A320 (ground): 320mm |
Terminal 3 – Apron
| WHERE | With the opening of Terminal 3, more photo opportunities appeared. Outside of the terminal’s departure level is a platform on each side where you can stay: either go out on the east or the west and position yourself along the concrete front on the walkway. Access to the Terminal 3 is by car or via SkyTrain from T2: take the Skyline from Terminal 1 or 2 in the direction of Terminal 3. You can also walk from Spot 5 (Zeppelinheim) in about 10 minutes. You can park in the T3 parking garage for about €7.50 per hour. Alternatively, you can park in the Zeppelinheim parking lot and walk. |
| WHAT | East: Terminal G, as of May 2026 still parking area, in the future somewhen LCC apron West: odd-numbered J gates and Cargo City South. In addition, there are several parking stands where aircraft from Lufthansa, Condor, Ethiopian, and others are parked—and often towed to in the morning after landing.The view onto the ramp is limited as it’s interrupted by light poles. Runways and taxiways are visible in the distance: also partly disturbed by parked planes and due to the massive amount of concrete full of heat. |
| TIME | Usually all day, depends a bit on the angle of the aircraft. Generally the eastern side is better in the afternoon hours, the western side is better in the morning hours. Backlit in summer mornings and evenings. |
| MISC. | Heat haze is a huge issue towards the arrivals. Everything needed is within the Terminal. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-400mm East: Arrivals 25C/L >300mm / Ramp 70-200mm West: Ramp 70-200mm is sufficient |
East: Pictures provided by Fabian Behr
West: Pictures provided by Fabian Behr and Elias Dieckert
Hi.I have some questions about Spot 10 and the LH staff parking.
Is it possible to drive to Spot 10 by car?
Or can I park at the parking area near Spot 8 and walk to spot 10 instead?
Is the LH staff parking available for taking photos?
Hello, is there a spot where I can record rwy 18 departures without needing a ladder? Spot 1 wouldn’t work for me because I’m a videographer. I’m planning to go there for the last LH A340-600 flight.
Hi, a lot of Youtubers use spot 3, where you won`t need a ladder.
-Julian
i have 210mm. where should i go for 25c departures. maybe spot 1 or 3?
and is it possible to get some decent pictures from the heavies that arrive on 25c with 210 mm from spot 5?
thank you
they didn’t have rwy 18 banking spot point?
Unfortunately not, they turn very late after take-off.
-Julian
correction,I meant spot 1, not spot 20.
You should add a warning for spot 20 for tourists. Driveshare apps like Uber can only drop you off, not pick you up. So if you’re staying near the airport, call your hotel so they can have someone pick you up. And if you’re staying far away, let a local spotter know you’re there beforehand so they can pick you up after.
is the observation deck on terminal 3 free? accessible to anyone even if not flying? better yet is it on the FRA website clearly listed?
It’s not a proper observation deck, just part of the departure level, so it’s free of charge.
As of May 2026 you can now use the SkyLine train which departs from Terminals 1 and 2 to get to Terminal 3 for a shorter journey on foot to spot no. 5
Spot 13 is no longer available due to construction work – the whole grass area is now a construction side with fences all over the place. Also note the “no parking signs” which are around spot 13.
Thanks for the hint, guess this spot is gone forever…
-Julian
From the western end of the driveway of Terminal 3’s departure level, you can take pictures of the cargo apron next to it. I could provide pictures of the spot itself and of a cargo airplane taken under cloudy conditions. Because of the distance, heat haze will be a problem there on warm and sunny days. On the eastern end of the Terminal 3 are buildings, so you can’t even see tail fins. I haven’t tried yet, but you might reach Spot 5 from the new Terminal 3 by foot. The distance should be around 1,5km.