MUC Spot 1
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- last modified on July 21, 2023
Munich Airport – A household name not only for the spotter community – Munich is one of the most famous travel destinations in Germany and Europe by being attractive with the world’s famous and largest Beer Festival, annually being held from late September until early October. But not only the Munich Beer Festival makes the Bavarian capital a visit worth, also the immediate location next to the Alps grants a bonus for MUC! All in all, Munich’s lovely city, events, environment and their population ranks the city quite close to the top on every’s MUST DO-list. And the airport is even better!
Munich is the second busiest airport in Germany, handling 46,2 Mio passengers in 2018 Munich is a hub of Lufthansa, Lufthansa CityLine and Air Dolomiti, a focus city for Condor, SunExpress Germany, Eurowings and TUIfly. The Bavarian capital is served by many European, a few Americans, some Asians and last but not least some African airlines that are regularly coming along.
During the summer, MUC booms from holiday charter flights! But also throughout the winter, there are some upgrades from Russian and British carriers bringing ski tourists to Munich and it’s environment. MUC’s freight sector perks up during dusk and dawn which is the label of freight business all over the world. Cargo jets like Maersk, UPS, DHL, FedEx and Air Bridge Cargo are to be encountered early in the morning or towards evening.
The diversity of modern aircraft is huge at Munich Airport, Emirates serves the Dubai flights with the famous A380 twice a day, being Munich’s largest aircraft since November 2011. ANA and Qatar Airways also rely on modern airliner by operating Tokyo Haneda and Doha. Lufthansa´s A350 are all based in Munich as well as five A380.
Every year in February the Security Conference (SIKO) takes place at Munich. Therefore a lot of additional traffic is going in and out of Munich around the weekend of the event.
Written by Patrick Weis and Severin Hackenberger. Last change: June 2023 (Spot 9 updated)
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| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 08L/26R | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) asphalt |
| 08R/26L | 4.000 m (13.123 ft) asphalt |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | Other Star-Alliance members, oneWorld, Skyteam and non-alliance airlines. |
| Terminal 2 | Lufthansa and all Star Alliance members except Turkish Airlines due to a different catering service as well as Lufthansa Group partners e.g. Air Dolomiti, Luxair and Air Malta |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Depends on the location and the angle you like. Using a ladder is no problem at every point along the fence. You need up to 3 steps to clear it. It is described in the misc row whether you need a ladder or not. |
| Car/Public Transport | Recommended as the most locations are difficult to be reached by public transport and it requires long walking times. There are bus stops for the southernmost spots. |
| Restrooms | Terminal, GAT or at the fuel stations as well as in any publicly accessable building e.g. hotels. |
| Drinks/Food | Food is available at McDonald’s between the terminals, there are also some restaurants in the terminal or in the nearby towns like the ‘Neuwirt’ in the town of Hallbergmoos. There are many fuel stations and grocery stores around the airport where food and drinks are available as well. |
| Hotels | There few hotels and motels near the airport belonging to different classes and categories, a Hilton hotel is directly located between the terminal, a Novotel, Holiday Inn Express and NH Hotel as well as other hotel chains are all around the airport. |
| Season | Munich is busy throughout the entire year, airlines vary from season. The airport is rather approached by ski charters during the winter, whilst there are largely holiday charters during the hot months. The MSC (Munich Security Conference) is annually held at Munich over the first weekend in February. Regular flights are not dependent from season. Be aware of fog which won’t disappear for hours, especially in autumn! |
| Runway Usage | |
| 08L/26R | Mainly for aircraft arriving/departing from or to the north of the airport including all American airlines and ANA. Please note that runway usage is sometimes subject to traffic density. |
| 08R/26L | Mainly in use for aircraft arriving/departing from/to the south including Thai 77W, Russian aircraft departing back home, freight planes and businessjets. The Emirates A380 and almost all other middle east flights usinig this one. Please note that runway usage is sometimes subject to traffic density. |
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Hill Attaching - 08L arrivals/departures, 26L heavy departures
| WHERE | Quite much the same as the southern hill located south of Munich’s 08R/26L runway is also to be found at MUC’s northern runway! There is a small hill near Attaching, a small town north of the airport which offers a lovely view onto runway movements of 08L/26R. Coming from the airport: From Terminal 1, take Terminalstraße West towards the city of Munich and follow the street for about 2km (direction Munich/All Directions/Freising). After the terminal access road has reunited to one road follow the street (it is now Zentralallee) for another 1.5km and take the exit ‘A92/Deggendorf/Hallbergmoos/Freising’ and turn right onto B301. Follow B301 for 1.4km and turn right to ‘Attaching’ for another 2.0km. After 2km you can already see a small parking bay for about 5 cars. You can legally park here. |
| WHAT | Landings and departures on 08L. Departures from 26L are possible limitedly (only heavy aircraft). Landings on 26L have usually vacated the runway already. |
| TIME | In the early morning or late evening |
| MISC. | Travelling here by public transport is not possible. There is nothing nearby. Take everything with you. Intersection takeoffs are rather difficult to be photographed from here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 60-300 mm |
Northern runway mid - 08L/26R movements + nearby taxiways
| WHERE | This spot can be found just north of runway 08L/26R in the middle of nowhere. Turn off Dorfstrasse where marked on the map to an unnamed street and park your car by the roadside there before the entrance forbidden signs. Then walk this street in to the fence and search your favourite position along the fence. |
| WHAT | All 08L/26R movements as well as the surrounding/nearby taxiways – for example the main taxiway in the north from/to T2 apron. |
| TIME | On early summer mornings or late summer evenings only. Not useable in winter. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby this spot so please bring everything along what you need by yourself. Take care not to block the gate entrance street with your car. Haze may be a problem on really on hot days, far away movements. Laddder useful, but you can also shoot thru the mesh in the worst case. Keep the ladders away the fence as long as possible as police/security regularly passes and tells you to keep the 3m distance. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-400mm B77W side shot = 80mm / departing CS300 front shot = 340mm |
Taken from different positions along the fence:
The spot itsself:
Northern runway East - 26R Arrivals + Line-Ups
| WHERE | This spot can be found north of the eastern end of runway 08L/26R. Park your car by the roadside in Birkenstrasse, then cross St2084 by foot and walk in the street to the south till the fence, where you can search your favourite position regarding the light/angle. |
| WHAT | From here you can see Line-Ups onto runway 26R via the last/easternmost line-ups/taxiways as well as 26R arrivals. |
| TIME | On early summer mornings or late summer evenings only. Not useable in winter. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby this spot so please bring everything along what you need by yourself. Take care not to block the gate entrance street with your car. Haze may be a problem on really on hot days, far away movements. Laddder useful, but you can also shoot thru the mesh in the worst case. Keep the ladders away the fence as long as possible as police/security regularly passes and tells you to keep the 3m distance. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-400mm A350 landing = 90mm / B738 line-up = 180mm |
The spot itsself:
Farm road - 26R arrivals
| WHERE | There is a good position for arrivals on runway 26R! When starting at the Terminal 2, drive northbound on Terminalstraße Ost until you enter the roundabout. Take immediately the first exit (Erdinger Allee towards Deggendorf/Erding/Schwaig and follow the avenue for about 1.2km until the next roundabout appears. Take the second exit (so simply drive straight ahead) to remain on Erdinger Allee and follow it for another 1.9km. Keep left then and take the exit to Schwaig. Once you have left the highway, turn left onto ‘ED5’ (direction airport and Deggendorf). After 850m, turn left on the small road. Time from Terminal 2: 5min.
Actually the road to this spot is closed till End of 2024 By public transport: take bus 512 from MAC/Terminal 1 and exit at Schwaig Nord. You have to walk for at least 15-30 Minutes. |
| WHAT | Landings of 26R. |
| TIME | From 8am until about 5pm in summer. Almost all day long in winter. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby this spot so please bring everything along what you need by yourself. Take care not to block the road with your car. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80-300mm A319 = 200mm |
Water saving reservoir - 26R arrivals and late Line-Ups + 08L heavy departures
| WHERE | There is a water saving reservoir in the east part of the airport which enables spotting. When coming from the airport Terminal 2, drive northbound on Terminalstraße Ost until you enter the roundabout. Take immediately the first exit (Erdinger Allee towards Deggendorf/Erding/Schwaig and follow the avenue for about 1.2km until the next roundabout appears. Take the second exit (so simply drive straight ahead) to remain on Erdinger Allee and follow it for another 1.6km. Turn left when you are near the OMV gas station. You can park right away at the entrance of the road. Walk up the reservoir corner and choose your favourite angle by walking along the hill.
By public transport: take bus 512 from MAC/Terminal 1 and exit at Schwaig Nord. You have to walk for at least 15-30 Minutes. APR 2023: This spot is somehow still under construction. There are signs forbidden the access, seems like they do not like us spotters hanging there. Future unknown, situation can change quickly! |
| WHAT | This spot is good for aircraft arriving on Runway 26R and line up for departure where no ladder is needed. 08L departures are perfectly visible as well but smaller aircraft may are very high already. |
| TIME | Best from 10:00-16:00, but usable from 08:00 with limited light for the runway and taxiway. Line ups from the hill from sunset around noon. Heat haze is an issue for runway activitys. |
| MISC. | Toilet, food and drinks avaivable at the petrol station next to the water reservoir. Sunblocker and insect repellent are advised in the summer. No shade at all in the area. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 200-400mm for the runway 50-80mm for the taxiway |
Fence holes - 08L/26R - 08L/26R movements + taxiway
| WHERE | This spot is next to the street (Zentralallee) from and to the airport. You can park your vehicle at Terminal 1 Hall A and walk from here. Walk in direction of the northern runway and cross the streets. Place beyond the crash barrier and keep there. Be careful when you cross the street! Fees apply when parking at Terminal 1A. You can also park at the visitor car park (longer walk). |
| WHAT | This is the best spot for all movements on the runway 08L/26R. Taxiing aircraft coming along very close when taxiing to Terminal 1 or take-off. |
| TIME | Light conditions are good from 08:00-17:00 |
| MISC. | Be careful when crossing the street as cars flashing past you very fast. Always keep behind the breakdown lane, not to place yourself in danger! No stairs necessary here. Please do not cut new holes into the fence that spotting remains tolerated at this point! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-400mm A350 directly on the close twy = 25mm / B738 on far twy = 250mm / A346 on runway = 160mm |
Way from the terminal to the fence. Cross the roads here!
Crash gate - 08L arrivals and Line-Ups + taxiway
| WHERE | There is an emergency gate for the fire fighters from which spotting is possible indeed. If you go by car, better park your vehicle at the Besucherpark and walk a few yards. Don’t walk trough the tunnel (blue path on the map) but climb up to the road and walk on this side so you don`t have to cross it. There is a strict parking prohibition for cars due to the fire rescue path. If you are coming from Spot 6 or from the terminals, walk along the fence on the right hand side of the road beyond the crash barrier. |
| WHAT | Landings and departures on runway 08L, taxiings to the runway and taxiings into Terminal 1 when having landed on the northern runway. |
| TIME | The spot is best to be visited from 9am until about 5pm or 6pm in summer month. Taxiings into Terminal 1 are possible until sunset however. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby this spot so please bring everything along what you need by yourself. A ladder is advisable here but you can take photos through the fence, too. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 20-300 mm IL76 = 70mm / B738 = 50mm / B767 = 45mm |
Observationhill (Besucherhügel) - 08L movements + 26R heavy departures + Ramp
| WHERE | Munichs visitor hill is very famous, not only for spotters but also for families and travellers! It is located in the west of the airport. When coming from the terminals, take the highway (Zentralallee) to Munich/All directions/Freising but exit the street on its first exit (about 1.8km from Terminal 1) to the right at exit Wartungsallee/Besucherpark. When you have left the highway, turn right in direction to Nordallee for 140m. Then, turn right again onto Nordallee and follow the street course for 850m. After 850m, you will already see the Besucherpark (eng.: Visitors park) on your right. You can park your car on the car park P52 where fees apply (check www.munich-airport.com for the current prices) and walk up to the also fee-required observation hill (1 Euro). |
| WHAT | This spot is good for arrivals on runway 08L as well as all aicraft movements on the ramp in front of you. You need a high focal length for the runway movements such as 26R departures. |
| TIME | Light conditions are good the whole day (08L until 17:00, apron from 4:00pm until sunset |
| MISC. | There are some rubbish bins on the hill. Toilets are at the restaurant next to the spotterhill. There is a turnstile at the entrance so you can enter the hill and the exhibition 24h all year round. You can also travel here by public transport from the city and from the terminals. When starting at the terminals, take S1/S8 to Ostbahnhof or Herrsching/Weßling/Gilching-Argelsried or Germering-Unterpfaffenhofen and exit the train at Flughafen München Besucherpark (1st stop). Heat haze can be a BIG problem in the summer! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-400 mm (for the historical planes there less than that) A350 on runway = 270mm / A343 on taxiway just in front side shot = 100mm |
Motor Cross Track - Arrivals 08L
| WHERE | The spot is located on a hill, west of the airport, in front of a big motocross track. From the Terminal access road get on the Nordallee and when you reach a roundabout, next to a big gas station drive north. Continue till you see a sign to LfAR. Then turn right, left and right and you will see the motocross track. Choose a suitable place to park below the small hill. Feel free to portion yourself anywhere around this place. |
| WHAT | You can see all aircraft arriving on Runway 08L. Only inbound shots possible. |
| TIME | Best light conditions from 08:00 to 17:00 |
| MISC. | There is the fuelstation a few hundred meters away with a toilet and some drinks and food. There are sometimes motocross races on this track! Especially on sunny, warm days, there are interesting races which you can easily watch from here. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm |
Terminal 2 Observation deck - Ramp movements
| WHERE | There is a useful observation deck in Terminal 2 which allows a good view onto all movements happening on the apron of T2. It is located before security checks, in the uppest floor right in between of the food court and free of charge. A glass walkway will lead you to the observation deck.
|
| WHAT | Apron movements of Terminal 2 only. You can see both runways from here but nor the south runway movements neither the north runway operations can be photographed well. |
| TIME | Light conditions are prefect in the afternoon. You can use this location all day long when it is cloudy or from late mid-day on sunny days. |
| MISC. | There are a lots of different cuisines being offered in the food court before entering the terrace and it is free of charge. The view is glazed with clear white glass. More infos on the official website. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 30-200mm |
Line-up 26L North - 26L line-up
| WHERE | This spot is situated south of MUC’s Terminal 2 apron respectively north of the line-up and de-icing bay of runway 26L. When you travel from Terminal 1, drive the Terminalallee southbound and keep left and the end of the road. Follow the signs which direct you to Schwaig/Erding/Deggendorf. You will enter a roundabout after about 250m where you have to take the first exit (to Schwaig/Erding/Deggendorf). This street will now go straight ahead and partly underneath the taxiways (You will pass two bridges where airplanes taxi on). Stop you vehicle a few yeards after these two bridges (about 900m after the roundabout) and park at the lay-by on the right hand side of the street. Note: Completely parking your vehicle is prohobited at this location, better always keep in your car and fake a short stop or park about 300m further away. (48°20’57.2″N 11°48’03.1″E) |
| WHAT | Landings and departures on 26L and taxiing planes to 26L or into Terminal 2. |
| TIME | For landings on 26L and taxiings to 26L and into T2 In the early morning or on cloudy days. |
| MISC. | We recommend this spot for short stops only, if travelling here by car. You can also walk here from the terminals where parking is legal. Walking to this spot should not take more than 15 to 20 minutes. A ladder is required here. You can also take photos through the fence. Remember once again: A complete parking of your vehicle is prohibited by law. The police sometimes checks this area. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 40-300 mm |
Fence holes - 08R/26L - 08R/26L movements + taxiway
| WHERE | When you are coming from the city and you drive towards the terminals, keep right when the road branches off in two directions and follow the Zentralallee for 1.2km with Terminal 1 to the left. Keep right again and take exit ‘Munich Airport Center/MAC’. After you have taken the exit, turn left onto Terminalstraße Mitte. Take its first exit immediately after about 220m and turn left again onto Terminalstraße West and turn left again. A very challenging traffic routing due to one-way system. Park you vehicle at Terminal 1 – Modul E or F and walk across the streets and proceed behind the crash barrier for your own safety. There are holes in the fence at some parts. (48°20’53.5″N 11°47’21.0″E) |
| WHAT | Landings and departures on 26L/08R as well as taxiings to runway 08R and taxiing airplanes into /from Terminal 1 when having landed or due to depart on the southern runway. |
| TIME | In the early morning or late evening |
| MISC. | You can also travel here by public transport. Take S1 or S8 to Flughafen München and disembark at Flughafen München Terminals (final stop). Walking to this spot will take you about 7-10min. There are signs and a gate that prohibit to walk along the road. But we never had any trouble with the security. There is nothing nearby so bring everything along by yourself. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 25-300 mm |
Parking deck P90 - GAT ramp
| WHERE | The parking deck P90 is located in Munich’s cargo city and is visible from the highway already. When coming from the city and you are travelling towards the terminal, exit the highway after the iconic ‘M’s on the right hand site of the road. After exiting the runway, turn right into Südallee. The street will snap off to the left, remain on it! The parking deck will be on your left after about 150m. You can park your cark somewhere next to the parking deck. Enter the building and take the elevetor to the uppest floor (should be 7th storey) and open the door on the left which will give you access to the outside parking level. Now walk to the end of it. (48°21’02.6″N 11°45’53.9″E) Time from Terminal 1: 4min |
| WHAT | Business jets parked at the GAT ramp and taxiings to the freight or maintenance area, as well as departures and arrivals on 26L/08R but very distant. |
| TIME | You can take photos from here on cloudy days or in the late afternoon during the summer month. When 08-runways are in use, spotting in the very early morning is possible from here too. |
| MISC. | Parking directly on the uppest level is not possible for spotters, this is a Lufthansa-parking deck so only for LH-staff. They tolerate spotting however. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 120-400 mm |
Audi Pavillion - 08R arrivals and departures, ramp, taxiway
| WHERE | An Audi Pavilion offers a good view onto parked planes at MUCs maintenance hangars. When coming from the airport, drive towards the city so take Zentralallee in direction of the city of Munich but exit the Zentrallallee after 1,5km to Wartungsallee/Besucherpark. When you have left the motorway and you are at the traffic lights, turn left towards Südallee and follow the street until there is a street (Wartungsallee) snapping off to the right sharply (Südallee snaps off to the left at this position). Turn right onto Wartungsallee and follow the street course for about 500m. You can already see the Audi training area on the left after about 450m. (48°20’49.3″N 11°45’15.7″E) |
| WHAT | Landings and departures on 08R, parked airplanes. Taxying to 08R should be possible as well. |
| TIME | In the morning or late afternoon |
| MISC. | Travelling here by public transport is possible. Take S1 or S8 for one stop and exit the train at München Flughafen Besucherpark. The Audi Pavilion is sometimes closed. Please ask by courtesy if it is possible to take pictures from the fence so that spotting remains tolerated. There are sight protections attached to the fence during the SiKo due to its close location to the parking position of governmental or royal visits. The police is on patrol throughout the entire SiKo weekend here. You can park your car next to the entry of the Audi Pavilion on the roadside. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 60-400 mm |
B301 - 08R arrivals
| WHERE | Take Zentralallee towards Munich city but exit the street after about 3 km from Terminal 1 at exit ‘A92/Deggendorf/Hallbergmoos/Freising. Once you have left the highway and you are waiting at the traffic lights, turn left onto B301 towards Hallbergmoos and follow the street course for about 1.4km. Take a lay-by which is on either street site of the road. During commuter traffic, this road is very clogged, making it impossible to turn left to the lay-by. If so, drive further to Ismaninger Straße (Spot 21) and make a U-turn. Drive back to the lay-by on the opposite lane. Time from Terminals: 5 min by car.
By public transport: Take the S8 (to Herrsching/Weßling or Gilching-Argelsried) at Munich Airport Terminals or Munich Airport Besucherpark and exit the train at the first or second (depends on where you embark the train) stop (Hallbergmoos). Walk to the bus stop of the station and take bus line 691/698. Dismount the bus at ‘Hallbergmoos, Lilienthalstraße’. Use the walking way/farm track that runs parallel to the main road to reach the spot. It will take at least 30 minutes. |
| WHAT | Landings of 08R and heavy 26L departures. |
| TIME | From sunrise until about 8am or from 5pm until sunset in summer. The light will not be good in winter month here. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby this spot so please bring everything along what you need by yourself. Keep in the car. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80-300 mm |
Field - 08R arrivals
| WHERE | This location is suitable for runway 08R arrivals in summer evenings or in the early morning. It is just underneath the runway approach path on a field road. It can be accessed from the 301. As of October 2022: Do NOT drive down the road, even when the boom gate is opened. After years in which nobody cared, police has started to fine spotters 55€ for parking there. Also don´t park on the property of the house right at the road as the owner calls for the police immedeately. Safest option is to park at Halbergrmoos at one of the supermarktes and use the walking way/farm track that runs parallel to the main road to reach the spot. It will take at least 20 minutes.
By public transport: Take the S8 (to Herrsching/Weßling or Gilching-Argelsried) at Munich Airport Terminals or Munich Airport Besucherpark and exit the train at the first or second (depends on where you embark the train) stop (Hallbergmoos). Walk to the bus stop of the station and take bus line 691/698. Dismount the bus at ‘Hallbergmoos, Lilienthalstraße’. Use the walking way/farm track that runs parallel to the main road to reach the spot. It will take at least 20 minutes. |
| WHAT | Landings of 08R. |
| TIME | From sunrise until about 8am or from 5pm until sunset in summer. The light will not be good in winter month here. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby this spot so please bring everything along what you need by yourself. You can also travel here by public transport. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 60-300 mm |
Farm Road - 08R arrivals
| WHERE | There is a small farm road with some benches to relax and a perfect view ofter the fields to the 08R approach When coming from the terminals, take the highway (Zentralallee) to Munich/All directions/Freising but exit the street on its second exit again (exit: A92 to Deggendorf/Hallbergmoos/Freising). When you have exited the Zentralallee, turn left onto B301 to Hallbergmoos (also: Ismaninger Straße) and follow the street for 2 km. After 2km take the second exit of the roundabout. When you have done this, you can see an OMV gas station on your left. Turn left into the “Lindberghstraße” and park in between the NETTO and PENNY Supermarket on the side of the road (official parking lots). Then use the walkway for 1 minute as marked on the map to the farm road, north of the buildings.
By public transport: Take the S8 (to Herrsching/Weßling or Gilching-Argelsried) at Munich Airport Terminals or Munich Airport Besucherpark and exit the train at the first or second (depends on where you embark the train) stop (Hallbergmoos). Walk to the bus stop of the station and take bus line 691/698. Dismount the bus at ‘Hallbergmoos, Lilienthalstraße’. |
| WHAT | Landings of 08R only. |
| TIME | From 8am until about 5pm in summer. Almost all day long in winter. |
| MISC. | Perfect place with benches to sit down and trees that spend shadow. Two supermarkets and the Ibis hotel are just a short hump. If you stay at latter you can easily walk to this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Depends on where you exactly stand. 77F = 200mm; A320 = 400mm |
Gas station - 08R arrivals + heavy 26L banking
| WHERE | Use the same description as above but stay at the OMV gas station.
By public transport: Take the S8 (to Herrsching/Weßling or Gilching-Argelsried) at Munich Airport Terminals or Munich Airport Besucherpark and exit the train at the first or second (depends on where you embark the train) stop (Hallbergmoos). Walk to the bus stop of the station and take bus line 691/698. Dismount the bus at ‘Hallbergmoos, Lilienthalstraße’. You can already see the OMV gas station from here – if not: Walk westwards for about 100m. |
| WHAT | Banking aircraft from runway 26L and arrivals into 08R. |
| TIME | This spot is advisable in winter only as the sun is too high for a nice light in the summer month. When spotting here in winter, the light is best from sunrise until mid-day. |
| MISC. | Park your car directly at the station or over the way in neighbouring streets or at any free parking spaces. A supermarket is in easy walking distance but the station also offers aplenty of food and drinks. Please note that not all aircraft are banking southwards immediately after departure but widebody aircraft (Emirates A380, Qatar B788 or Etihad A330/340s) mostly do. Also smaller airplanes which are heavy fuelled or loaded (for example all Germania flights into the Republic of Iraq) usually bank perfectly in front of you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 120-400 mm |
Line up 08R - 08R Line-ups
| WHERE | From spot 20 you just have to walk up the famous bikeway a bit further to the line-up. It’s possible to photograph through the crash gate also, but you have to take photos through the fence! When starting take ‘Zentralallee’ towards Munich city but exit the street after about 3 km from Terminal 1 at exit ‘A92/Deggendorf/Hallbergmoos/Freising’. Once you have left the highway and you are waiting at the traffic lights, turn left onto B301 towards Hallbergmoos and follow the street course for about 2.1km until the roundabout appears. Take its second exit (Ludwigstraße to Hallbergmoos) and follow this street for 1.9km. Turn left onto FS11 to Schwaig and remain on it for 500m. Then, turn left again onto Mariabrunn. Drive to the end of this street and park your vehicle. You cannot park your car beyond the bridge, so always park in front of it and walk to the gate. Walk over the bridge to the gate and turn left to walk up the path further.
By public transport: Take the S8 (to Herrsching/Weßling or Gilching-Argelsried) at Munich Airport Terminals or Munich Airport Besucherpark and exit the train at the first or second (depends on where you embark the train) stop (Hallbergmoos). Walk to the bus stop of the station and take bus line 691/698. Dismount the bus at ‘Hallbergmoos, Maximilianstraße’. Walk nortwards to reach the farm track next to the perimeter fence. You need 20 minutes to reach the location. |
| WHAT | This place is good for 08R arrivals and line up as well as 08R arrivals. |
| TIME | Light conditions are prefect from mid-morning till sunset. |
| MISC. | Stairs are necessary here but you can also photograph through the fence. You are about 500m from you car away. A ladder with minimum 3 steps is necessary to shot through the fence (to clear the fence minimum 6). |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300 mm |
Touchdownpoint 08R - 08R Touchdown
| WHERE | This spot is located at the southwestern tip of 08R, still on the famous bikeway along the southern runway. When starting take ‘Zentralallee’ towards Munich city but exit the street after about 3 km from Terminal 1 at exit ‘A92/Deggendorf/Hallbergmoos/Freising’. Once you have left the highway and you are waiting at the traffic lights, turn left onto B301 towards Hallbergmoos and follow the street course for about 2.1km until the roundabout appears. Take its second exit (Ludwigstraße to Hallbergmoos) and follow this street for 1.9km. Turn left onto FS11 to Schwaig and remain on it for 500m. Then, turn left again onto Mariabrunn. Drive to the end of this street and park your vehicle. You cannot park your car beyond the bridge, so always park in front of it and walk to the gate.
By public transport: Take the S8 (to Herrsching/Weßling or Gilching-Argelsried) at Munich Airport Terminals or Munich Airport Besucherpark and exit the train at the first or second (depends on where you embark the train) stop (Hallbergmoos). Walk to the bus stop of the station and take bus line 691/698. Dismount the bus at ‘Hallbergmoos, Maximilianstraße’. Walk nortwards to reach the farm track next to the perimeter fence. You need 20 minutes to reach the location. |
| WHAT | From this spot you can take all 08R arrivals and takeoffs. Heavy 26L departures are possible as well. |
| TIME | Light conditions are good from 08:00-17:00 |
| MISC. | There is a rubbish bin near the small bridge. Stairs are necessary here but you can also try photograph through the fence. When photographing 26L departures, you do not need a ladder. There is a crash gate but it is also covered with mesh so no chance to photograph between the bars. A ladder with minimum 3 steps is necessary to look over the fence. It’s possible to photograph through the crash gate also, but you have to take photos through the fence! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300 mm |
Emergency training area - 08R/26L movements + taxiway
| WHERE | When you walk alongside the perimeter fence of runway 08R/26L, an emergency training area is about halfway trough of the runway. This spot is difficult of explanation so please check the map for detailed information of its location.
By public transport: Take the S8 (to Herrsching/Weßling or Gilching-Argelsried) at Munich Airport Terminals or Munich Airport Besucherpark and exit the train at the first or second (depends on where you embark the train) stop (Hallbergmoos). Walk to the bus stop of the station and take bus line 691/698. Dismount the bus at ‘Hallbergmoos, Maximilianstraße’. Walk nortwards to reach the farm track next to the perimeter fence. You need 30 minutes to reach the location. |
| WHAT | All runway movements of 08R/26L and taxiings outta Terminal 1 and from cargo areas. |
| TIME | Nearly all day long in winter and from 08.00am until 5pm in summer month. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby this spot so please bring everything along what you need by yourself. A ladder is advisable here but you can take photos through the fence, too. This spot is good for either wind directions. You do not have to move when wind directions (-> runway operations) are changing. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70-300mm A320 rwy = 180mm |
Touchdownpoint 26L - 26L Touchdown
| WHERE | It is located close to the southern visitor hill on the bikeway along the southern runway. When starting at the Terminal 2, drive northbound on Terminalstraße Ost until you enter the roundabout. Take immediately the first exit (Erdinger Allee towards Deggendorf/Erding/Schwaig and follow the avenue for about 1.2km until the next roundabout appears. Take the second exit (so simply drive straight ahead) to remain on Erdinger Allee and follow it for another 1.9km. Keep left then and take the exit to Schwaig. Once you have left the highway, turn right onto Lohstraße for 1km until yet another roundabout appears but drive straight ahead for another 300m. Turn right into Hallbergmooser Straße (there is a Holiday Inn Express Hotel to your left before you turn right). After 2.8km turn right onto the fire rescue path. Park your car right at the entrance of the fire rescue path (be careful, there is a limited zone to park your vehicle – do not park beyond that sign) and walk up to the path until the gate at the fence.
By public transport: take bus 512 from MAC/Terminal 1 and exit at Schwaig Sportplatz. You have to walk for at least 30 minutes. |
| WHAT | This spot is good for all planes arriving and departing on runway 26L. |
| TIME | Light conditions are prefect from good from 08:00 till 17:00 |
| MISC. | There are no restaurants or publicly accessable facilities nearby, bring along what you need. You can park your car at the visitor hill’s parking. Do not park right on the fire rescue path of the airport as this blocks the emergency access gate which is illegal in Germany. A ladder with minimum 3 steps is necessary to look over the fence. It’s possible to photograph through the crash gate also, but you have to take photos through the fence! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 55-300 |
Spotter Hill South - 26L arrivals and departures + 08R heavy departures
| WHERE | Maybe Munich’s most famous spotter location is situated in the south of the airport respectively south of 08R/26L. When starting at the Terminal 2, drive northbound on Terminalstraße Ost until you enter the roundabout. Take immediately the first exit (Erdinger Allee towards Deggendorf/Erding/Schwaig and follow the avenue for about 1.2km until the next roundabout appears. Take the second exit (so simply drive straight ahead) to remain on Erdinger Allee and follow it for another 1.9km. Keep left then and take the exit to Schwaig. Once you have left the highway, turn right onto Lohstraße for 1km until yet another roundabout appears but drive straight ahead for another 300m. Turn right into Hallbergmooser Straße (there is a Holiday Inn Express Hotel to your left before you turn right). After 2.8km turn left onto the parking bay of the hill. When all spaces are occupied use the car park of the veterinarian station or the field west of the hill.
By public transport: take bus 512 from MAC/Terminal 1 and exit at Schwaig Sportplatz. You have to walk for at least 30 minutes. |
| WHAT | This hill is good for 26L arrivals and departures and also some heavy 08R depatures. This hill also offers an overview over the terminals (Terminal 1 just limited). |
| TIME | Light conditions are good from 08:00-17:00. |
| MISC. | The are rubbish bins at the hill. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 100-400mm |
Line up 26L South - 26L Line up
| WHERE | Drive to the vistor hill (see desctiption above for 23) and park there. Walk to the fence to the bikeway. Walk along the bike path until you like the angle near the line-up. Photo’s are possible from anywhere. You will need a ladder with a minimum of 3 steps.
By public transport: take bus 512 from MAC/Terminal 1 and exit at Schwaig Sportplatz. You have to walk for at least 15-30 minutes. |
| WHAT | This spot is good for all planes arriving and line up onto runway 26L |
| TIME | Good spot is good from sunrise till 17:00 |
| MISC. | There are no restaurants or publicly accessable facilities nearby, bring along what you need. Do not park right on the fire rescue path of the airport as this blocks the emergency access gate which is illegal in Germany. |
| FOCAL LENGTH |
24-200 |
Halbergmooser Strasse - 26L arrivals
| WHERE | This spot is located on a road running parallel to runway 26L/08R. When starting at the Terminal 2, drive northbound on Terminalstraße Ost until you enter the roundabout. Take immediately the first exit (Erdinger Allee towards Deggendorf/Erding/Schwaig and follow the avenue for about 1.2km until the next roundabout appears. Take the second exit (so simply drive straight ahead) to remain on Erdinger Allee and follow it for another 1.9km. Keep left then and take the exit to Schwaig. Once you have left the highway, turn right onto Lohstraße for 1km until yet another roundabout appears but drive straight ahead for another 300m. Turn right into Hallbergmooser Straße (there is a Holiday Inn Express Hotel to your left before you turn right). After 1.1km turn left into the small unpaved road where there are no bushes are at this part. You can park there and go behind the crash barrier over the way. Time from Terminal 2: 7min.
By public transport: take bus 512 from MAC/Terminal 1 and exit at Schwaig Sportplatz. You have to walk for at least 15 minutes. |
| WHAT | Landings of 26L |
| TIME | From 8am until about 5pm in summer. Almost all day long in winter. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby this spot so please bring everything along what you need by yourself. The view is limited when in the car. To get a all-around visibility, walk across the street and go behind the crash barrier. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80-300 mm |
Info on spotter point 5:
A few weeks ago they‘ve built a fence with a gate on the road up to the water reservoir.
There is a sign on the fence that says “do not enter”.
I’m not sure if there’s another way to get up there.
Some info on the guide was wrong and I have fixed it. Please have a look again.
The reservoir itself is fenced off but you can walk along the fence to the position.
-Julian
Personally, I´d avoid standing there. We just were 2 days at MUC and explored many different spotting points. Spot 5 currently has 2(!) signs that forbid access to the area around the water reservoir. One on the fence gate and another one beside a barrier close to the entry. I ´d imagine that the new fence + signs in the front were already only set up because of the spotters hanging around there.
Don´t get me wrong, I think this is / would make for a very nice spot for the northern runway, but I think the authorities really don´t want any people near the reservoir. (Maybe for safety reasons?) To be honest I wouldn´t be surprised if the fence was extended around the whole area, maybe even surrounding the reservoir + dirt roads in the future. It looks a bit unfinished at the moment.
Thanks, note added.
You can still park at the reservoir and cross the road to stand at the fence with a ladder. This option was featured here as well as Spot 5B, but is gone now.
Definetely possible and 100% tolerated by police and airport security.
Is there a website or other information available about what to expect at this year’s MSC and the arrival/departure times?
Take a Look at mucforum.de
Thanks!
https://www.flugzeugforum.de/threads/siko-2023-muenchen.101489/
Thank you!
Important note for Spot 16:
Do NOT drive down the road, even when the boom gate is opened. After years in which nobody cared, police has started to fine spotters 55€ for parking there.
Also don´t park on the property of the house right at the road as the owner calls for the police immedeately.
If you can´t find a legal parking spot for a longer stay (like SiKo), park at Penny-Supermarket at Hallbergmoos and walk the northbound footpath for 10 minutes.
Thanks for the hint Tom, I updated the description of the guide.
-Julian
Spotting terrace Spot 10 has been reopened.
Daily from 8:00-22:00. No entrance fees, no security checks.
The restaurant next to it, is still closed.
Thanks for the hint Tom.
-Julian
I have a transfer in Munich. Is the observation deck in terminal 2 open yet? Should I go there after check-in or before
Regarding to the airport website the deck is closed: https://www.munich-airport.com/observation-deck-262087
-Julian
Is the announced closure of 08L/26R in 2022? Do I understand it right that Munich will then essentially function as a single runway operation?
According to NOTAM this is not planned. If I remember right it was last year but not 100% sure. Would say its not actual. But Im sure admin will read it and correct it
Hi, sorry the info was from 2021. Both runways are active and in use 🙂
-Julian
Hey,
I am planning to visit Munich in the upcoming days. Got a question about the Audi Pavillon though. Is spotting there still tolerated? And if yes, where do I have to ask to be allowed to spot there? Google Maps shows that it is a training circuit and I cannot imagine they just let people onto there.
Best regards
hey there, going to Munich airport next April, does the airport have a runway alternation program like Heathrow as it has 2 runways? Thanks.
As described above there is nothing like that. The runway selection is simply taken by destination and wind and of course traffic density or other operational happenings.
If you like to learn for special flights you really like to catch then you can also observe/track/replay the relevant flights on FR24.
Please also keep in mind that night shots like these on Jetphotos are not possible. They are mainly taken by people working airside. I only took 1 nightshot on a remote parking with lot of luck. Thats a bit sad to be honest but it is like it is.
Have fun
Spot 7 including the fenceline next to it is gone at least for the moment.
Construction works have started there and the view is blocked by big piles of dirt and machines.
I don´t know what is buildt there. Maybe just powerlines and the spot is back in a few weeks, maybe it´s gone forever if they set up a building there, i´ll keep you posted.
Thanks for the info Tom, I left a note in the guide.
-Julian
As the northern runway is about to reopen within the next days, quick update about Spot 7.
The mould of dirt is still there and already overgrown with high grass. Even with a big ladder, not a slight chance of overlooking it.
Spotting is possible there towards the bridge and also at the far right of the fence, where it makes a bend towards the street, but only, if there are no machines or construction material stored there, which is often the case, especcially over the weekend. Also there is space for three ladders max next to each other.
Best option is, to drive past the spot on the way to parking spot or check it out from the visitors hill before walking out.
Pictures taken with the new circumstances at Spot 7 if you want to update them. Those cover basically every possible angle except the bridge itself, which is avaivlable like before.
https://ibb.co/3zZx0Cf
https://ibb.co/vsKrWW6
https://ibb.co/Prs3pFk
https://ibb.co/dtZWVZR
Southern Runway will be closed from May 1st until August 6th. All movements via Northern runway.
Thanks for the info Tom!
Julian