MUC Spot 1
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- last modified on July 10, 2020
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, Severin Hackenberger & Marlin Lehmann (Resident) / Last Update July 2020 by Severin Hackenberger
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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. |
| 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. |
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. (48°21’57.6″N 11°46’07.4″E) |
| 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. 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
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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 (airberlin and Condor) 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). No stairs necessary here. Please do not cut new holes into the fence that spotting remains tolerated at this point! |
| 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! |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 24-400mm |
Fencekink crash gate - 08L arrivals and Line-Ups + taxiway
| WHERE | This spot is the same as #16 just vice versa and for the northern runway. 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 (Spot 1) and walk a few yards. There is a strict parking prohibition for cars at Spot 15 due to the fire rescue path. If you are coming from Spot 3 or from the terminals, walk along the fence on the right hand side of the road beyond the crash barrier. (48°21’32.1″N 11°46’30.1″E) |
| 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 |
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 | Spot 9 is located in the west of the airport. There is a motocross track next to this spot. 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 left onto Nordallee. After 600m, turn right and follow the road for 350m. Then, turn right again and choose a suitable place to park and stay. |
| 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 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. (48°21’15.3″N 11°47’32.3″E) |
| 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. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 30-200mm |
Line-up 26L North - 26L line-up
| WHERE | Spot 15 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 | Spot 17 is similar to Spot 3, just vice versa – this time alligned to the south. 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 P81 - GAT ramp
| WHERE | The parking deck P81 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 | Spot 22 is close to Spot 21 but offering a different angle though. 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 (48°20’44.8″N 11°44’09.4″E) 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 | Spot 21 is suitable for runway 08R arrivals in summer evenings or in the early morning. It is just underneath the runway approach path. Route from terminals: 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. When you are right under the runway approach line, turn left into Ismaninger Straße. If the boom gate is closed, park you vehicle at the roadside and walk up the way. If it is opened, drive down the street futher and keep left. We advise you to keep in your car during spotting in case of the police grumbles about having trespassed this boom gate. Time from Terminals: 5min by car. (48°20’29.6″N 11°44’14.5″E) 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 |
Ismainger Strasse - 08R arrivals
| WHERE | Spot 23 is good for arrivals on 08R in the morning hours while Spot 21 and 22 is to be visited in the evening only. 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 1.8km. When there is a road snapping off to the right, take it (Enter Ismaninger Straße 100 into your navigation device if you have on). After 50m, turn left again (unpaved road). Time from Terminals: 7min by car (48°20’11.8″N 11°43’44.1″E) 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 15 minutes. |
| WHAT | Landings of 08R |
| 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. You can also travel here by public transport. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80-300 mm |
Gas station - 08R arrivals + heavy 26L banking
| WHERE | There is a gas station (company OMV) in the town of Hallbergmoos which is offers a lovely view mainly onto banking aircraft. 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 already see the station on your left. (48°20’01.8″N 11°43’51.7″E) 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 | Like Spot 20 only walk to the left a bit more. Spot 19 is very close to 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 | Spot 20 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. (48°20’24.6″N 11°46’49.0″E) 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 |
Touchdownpoint 26L - 26L Touchdown
| WHERE | Spot 22 is located close to Spot 23, so on the famous 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 | Spot 24 is very close to Spot 22/23. 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. 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. 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. |
| 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. (48°20’33.0″N 11°48’59.5″E) 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 |
75 Comments
Spot 4 is gone. A new road i buildt there.
Hello,
Which point would you recommend for taking a380 photos?
26 😉
Hi!
Do i have chance to spotting in T1 after the Il Mundo Restaurant closed?
UPDATE: since March a new taxiway between southern runway and T 1 is completed. The EK A 380 now usually lands and departs on the southern runway as usual for middle east flights.
Also Thai doesn’t come with B 744 anymore, they use 773 normally now. The only remaining regular 747 visitor is AirBridge Cargo.
Regards, Peter
Thanks for the infos Peter, just updated the guide.
-Julian
If I’m flying out of T1, can I still go to the observation deck in t2 and then connect between the terminals easily?
Hi David,
Provided you are permitted to leave the airside of T1 and enter Germany, then you can walk over to T2 (10 min walk at max I’d say). The observation deck in T2 is accessible from the landside of T2 only.
Best regards,
Thomas
Hi, first of all THANK YOU for this excellent write-up! 5-stars!!
I am planning to FILM my brother’s first landing on a new aircraft type this coming weekend. They’re probably coming in on either 08L or 26R, depending on wind. While the Southern runway seems to be very well equipped when it comes to spotting locations, the Northern doesn’t 🙁 What about the gate Google Maps shows me in the center of the Northern runway (https://goo.gl/maps/yGiAQSrDxi72)?? Anyone has any experience with that?
Equipment: I am planning to use a Canon 5D with a 70-200mm lens on a tripod. Would Spot #3 be suitable for this at all?
Thankful for any recommendations/experiences you guys can share!
Thanks so much and have a great day everybody!
Pete
Hi Pete, thanks for the compliment. And yes that crash gate should be possible but keep in mind you need a ladder as there is usually a mesh between the bars. And if the sun is shining during this year you will film an almost black aircaft. Spot #3 is much better. Only if your brother fly on a biz jet and they use 26R he might use one exit before #3.
Good Luck
Julian
Hi Julian,
merci for your quick reply.
It’ll be an early bird – and a big one: A346 😉 So sun should be juuuuuust rising at the time.
The gate keeps on worrying me. A ladder wouldn’t be the problem. However, placing a tripod on a somewhat solid ground seems be the real game changing factor here. So you would go for #3, huh? Forecast tells me wind will be coming from the East on Sunday. So, I’d have the aircraft right in front of me, but only for a short time. It’ll be far away pretty soon and taxi to T2…
Thanks for everyone’s help!
Pete
P.S. I’ll make sure to bring hot tea – supposed to be -4°C tomorrow morning…brrrr.
EDIT: Sunday, not tomorrow 🙂
Hi Pete, sorry for the late reply. Hope you were successful. If wind is coming from the east the visitor hill would have been the perfect place in the morning.
Julian
It all worked out great! Thx. He came in on 08L and Spot#3 was the ideal position for one of the cameras…!
Hello, I am coming to Munich airport, the first weekend in December, arriving mid morning on the Saturday and leaving late afternoon on the Sunday. This will be my first time to the airport and I was wondering if my plan is a reasonable one giving that the daylight hours. I plan to start at the Terrace then I hesitate between the observation hill (spot2) or Lufthansa parking, is all this walking distance from the Novotel as I will not have a car also depending on the weather, of course I could do one spot on the Saturday and the other on the Sunday. The spotting is for registrations, photography is secondary. What is the Spotting like from the hotel and should I request any particular rooms/floors. Please advise or come up with an alternate plan.
Thanks in advance,
Ian
I will let you know how it went after my visit.
Hi Ian,
If photography is secondary, then this plan is solid. The hill (#2) as well as the LH parking garage (#14) are approx. a 15 min walk each from the Novotel. I recommend the hill as most likely you will get to see more traffic from there, especially when 26L/R are in use.
Best regards,
Thomas
Hi Thomas,
As promised my experience of Munich airport,01-12-2018/02-12-2018. I started briefly at T” terrace and with the help of the airport WIFI and Flight radar I coped well enough, moving on to the hill, that was excellent, but I could imagine the heat haze would be a problem for 26L in the summer. I went to the LH parking and I was not really sure what to make of that (I think it was my expectations).I think I will try spot 19 next time. Sunday I did the previous days visit in reverse but I went to the ground parking were I was told that I should not really be there (I apologized and left right away. The hill this time I got “a bit” wet, I was prepared for that though. T2 I did the same and when I checked in at T1 I found a spot next to gate 16. Overall an enjoyable time was had… thanks to your guide and a big thank you to the locals who helped me over the 2 days. I think a visit during the early part of next year will be arranged (thinking of the possible haze. Thanks again.
Hi Ian,
Very welcome and good to hear that you benefitted from our guide.
Warm regards,
Thomas
Hi Julian,
I will be in Munich in a few days and want to take some night photos of planes taxiing, but from runway/grass level not from up the hill or observation deck.
What is the best spot for this?
Thanks much!!
Hey,
sadly taking these kind of pictures is AFAIK not possible. All photos from planes at night are taken from inside the airport. I know that from a specific Munich forum. There many people taking photos from inside the airport and uploading them.
But for a normal user it will not be possible. I only took a shot from a GAT plane if there is one here: 48.357709, 11.806218 but it is through a small fence and the plane needs the be there. I often had not the luck.
I would try to shoot from the observation hill or the terminal if it’s open.
Thanks much Stefan!
Thanks for the very detailed description for spotting. Sorry for my question – I know that there are strong regulations about smoking in public areas in Bavaria. Is it permitted to smoke at each of the listed spots as they may be considered as public? If so, are the spots equipped by litter bins or I should care individually for a container for smoked cigarettes? Thanks in advance, I really wish to not distrub neighbors by smoking but I plan to walk around the airport for a few hours.
Hi Oleg, there is no problem if you smoke at the spotting locations. These are no real public places expect the two hills. But even there it is no problem.
There are still many smokers in our country so don’t take it to serious. Its up to you if you use a litter bin or not… But be careful as its very dry at the moments.
-Julian
Hallo, Julian, thanks so much for the reply! It was nice time in the Munich Airport while I had no enough time to walk around, unfortunately. Unexpectedly for me, I found a lot of people even smoking just near to the prohibiting signs at the airport entrances or at the train stations in the city. I was really surprised as I read before that the smoke regulations are strongest in Bavaria compared to other lands. Maybe there were all the tourists, not locals?)) Anyway, the instructions on this website are perfect to anyone who wishes to make great photos. Thanks!
Hi, thanks for the great guide, however the information about the Terminal 2 terrace is outdated, the access is free now and has been for some years by now.
Thanks Moritz, guide has been updated.
-Julian
I will be visiting from Perth in Western Australia. I’m keen to do some photography but won’t have access to a car and was hoping to get some advice from some locals on the best places to visit. I arrive on Thai Airways on Tuesday 23rd November and leave mid after on Thursday 25th. Ideally a little spotting and some sight seeing. Please feel free to message me.
Kind regards Lloyd Cartwright
Hi Julian!
I will be visiting MUC next week and staying at the Holiday Inn Express. Planning to shoot from Visitors Hill, spot 17 and spot 24, and 25 (arrivals seem to be in this direction in recent days). Is it possible to walk from my hotel to spots 24/25 or is it better to take the 512 bus?. Any trouble with security at either spot 24 or 25? Look out for me next week in Munich!
Hi David,
walking to #24 and the vistor hill #7 from the Holiday Inn Express is absolutley no problem. 25 is a bit far and I think 4 is better as there are many empty farm tracks that leads you there.
For 17 I can´t tell you but I think there is a shuttle bus from the terminal to the hotel which is faster.
Security is not an issue at munich! No problems at all. Have fun!
Julian
Hi,
Can you please tell me from what spot is this photo taken: https://www.spotterguide.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/SPOT13PIC1.jpg
Thanks!
Hi, its the visitor hill, spot #2. I have added some more photos for RWY08L to the description.
-Julian
Cool, thanks!
Hi Julian,
What app should I use when Flightradar is down? Thanks!
Use planefinder instead but I have doubts that FR24 will be down 🙂
More infos here: https://www.spotterguide.net/useful-tips/
-Julian
It was down for about an hour yesterday and I was like blind out there!!! Thanks!
Hi,
In August I will visit Munich Airport by public transport for a full day with equipment that has 18-55mm focal length.
I hope you could give me some advice for good spots.
Kind regards,
Tom
Hi Tom, with such a short focal length I would try a spot close to the taxiways. The runways are too far for that. So try #3 or #17 in the evening. Both are easy to reach from Terminal 1.
-Julian
Hello
I’m a french spotter actualy in germany (nabburg)
I would like To go To MUC saturday. Is there dôme spotters living near Schwandorf ? Thx
Hi There,
I will visit München in the next 2 weeks. After reading about all the spots, I cannot decide wich would fit me the best… Can you please recomend me a good one?
My concerns:
It should be easy accessed with a max of 30 min walk
I will onyl have time after 5 pm.
My equipment has 70-300mm focal length.
Thank you in advance!
Elod
Hi Elod, after 5pm there are only a few spots which are easy to reach. I guess you don´t have a car so take the train to the airport and walk down to #17. This is a good spot for summer evenings. 70-300mm is fine.
Have fun
-Julian
Hi Julian, Thank you for the advice! I just only walk there on the road? Should I worry about police? Thank you, Elod
You start at terminal 1 and then all the way south for just 1-2 minutes. Its just a access road so the cars don´t drive that fast and there should be space on the side. Usually no problems with security from there.
-Julian
Hi!
I’ve been to Munich twice over the years and I really enjoyed taking pictures from spots #3, 14, 17 and, certainly, Observation Hill (#2). Now I am going to visit Munich in late November and, if time and weather allow, would love to spend some time taking pictures there as well. I am not going to take a car and do not expect to have plenty of time, so my choice of spotting points would probably again be limited to the above-mentioned few.
So, what I would like to ask you about is:
1) Are there any possibilities to reach spotting point #7 or other similarly located points by walking from some place (other than the airport), which can be reached by public transportation (e.g. Schwaig)?
2) Is there any chance to take photos of _helicopters_ (other than in the sky far away, i.e. e.g. landing/taking off) in MUC or, probably, any other place in or immediately around the city of Munich?
Hey there!
Nice to welcome you back in Munich! Fingers are crossed for good weather! Actually, this in my interest too, as we are having some shit weather over the last days… Now to your questions:
1) Unfortunately, it’s very uncomfortable to reach spot #7 by public transportation. You’re right: there is one line stopping in Schwaig. Its line 512 taking off @ Flughafen München, MAC/Terminal 1. You have to leave the bus at stop “Schwaig, Am Sportplatz”. The problem is that this service is only provided each 40 minutes from Terminal 1. In addition to this you have to walk even more about 20 minutes to the spotting location from here. A quite long walk heading down a long road.
2) Difficult. You may see some helicopters of the Bavarian Police here or there coming back from a mission. They use to do some spectecluar approach directly above the Observation Hill Spot #7. Otherwise it’s actually pretty difficult to say. There is always a lot of Helicopter action around the hospitals in Munich as we have lots of so called “Medical tourists”. Rich patients which are being operated here in Munich.
Hi Marlin!
Thanks a lot for the useful info, which would certainly help me during my trip.
Wish you some nice weather out there (and hope for it to be at least more or less decent during my stay).
Vor einigen Tagen bin ich der Beschreibung zu Spot #17 gefolgt, doch leider ist dieser wenn ueberhaupt nur noch illegal zugaenglich. da die Bruecken zwischen der beschriebenen Parkmoeglichkeit und dem Spot nicht (mehr) zu Fuss ueberquert werden duerfen. Neben entsprechenden Verbotsschildern sind die Brueckenkappen – welche ja wie Buergersteige aussehen – durch kleine Schranken gesperrt.
Hallo Thomas, das war “leider” schon immer so. Wenn man Glück hat, findet man noch woanders einen Parkplatz, oder man wird von den Fahrern an der Stelle raus geworfen, sofern das möglich ist. Ansonsten muss man, selbst wenn die Schranken einem erstmal zu denken geben, dran vorbeiflitzen und zur Stelle huschen. Wir Locals haben das schon öfter gemacht, noch nie gab es Ärger. Bei schlechter Laune der Beamten wird man eventuell gebeten, woanders zu spotten. Bei uns wurde das aber noch nie zum Problem.
Ah, OK. Aber waere dann vielleicht ganz gut, das auch oben in der Beschreibung zu erwaehnen … 😉
Limited access to the motocross track due to building works, but no problems at weekend so far.
Spot #16 is not longer available. The Fire Station got extended and now there’s a fence, wich do not allow to get close to the taxiway.
Thanks for the info Tom. The guide has been updated.
-Julian
Would like your opinion on weather the veiwing terrace or the hill is best veiwing as not been there before.
Personally I would prefer the visitor hill next to terminal 1 if I don´t have a car. You have more possibilities from there. The terrace has pretty limited view.
-Julian
I will be visiting Munich tomorrow, will look to be there around sunrise and stay until sunset. I will most likely try for spots 7, 3, 2, and maybe 10. A few questions:
1. Is there any problem with parking in the museum parking lot near Spot 2 and leaving it there as I walk to spot 3 for possibly a few hours? Or is there a time limit for the museum parking?
2. What is the pricing like and what is the best parking, for example a 3 hour period, for using spot 10?
3. Is there any specific aircraft on Saturdays that doesnt come in, or comes in at a different time than during the week? Anything significant? Hoping to catch at the least the A380, A350, and CS300 as I have never seen any of those. Secondarily A340 and any 747s are nice as well.
Thank you all for any help
Great page, but for your info: Spot #11 – Il Mundo Restaurant Terminal 1 does not exist anymore since Jan 2016. Location is closed and area not accessable anymore
Thanks for the info!
-Julian
Last week I was again at MUC to spot, but spotting at Spots 15, 16 is not longer tollerated.
The airport authority send me away from this spots…
At the other side the spots 3 and 20 are as far as I know tolerated (I was at spot 3 for longer than a hour).
I’am not a local, I don’t know what the locals can say to the Spots 15, 16, 17…
Hi Urs!
Thanks for your comment!
Spot 15, 16 and 17 are still available, however some policemen do not tolerate photography from there. Spot 16 is due to be redesigned and will become unaccessable for spotters in a few weeks but until that time, you should not experience any hassles there.
Taking photos at Spot 17 is a bit risky as you have to cross the street to get there, however there’s no reason why you should not be allowed to take photos from there. The police absolutely tolerates spotting at Spot 3, so same applies to #16.
The authorities will only ask you to leave at Spot 15 if you park your car by the roadside as you would cross a solid line. Getting there by foot however remains tolerated – same like above: There’s no reason to prohibit photography at this place.
Please remember that police and airport staff can ask you to leave during Munich Security Conference or upon arrival of a state visit. Your experience at these spots is sometimes subject to the officer as some are very friendly and some act important.
Let us know if you have any further questions.
Marlin
What about number 18? Thnak you!
Spot 18 is totally okay, there’s nothing you should be concerned about, it is a public spot!
Regards
Marlin
Hi,
I want to spend a Saturday at MUC. My plan is, to get to Munich by train, then take the train to the airport and then get in the train to the Besucherhügel. I want to be there until around 2pm and then, depends on the active RWY, walk to Spot 3.
Is there a way to get to spot 3 without walking over the street? The only way I found is to walk through the tunnel which is in the map “under” the Nordallee. Then walk on the pavement and clear the street at a good point. Or can you go to spot 20 without walking over the street to the terminals and then walk to spot 3?
If there is no other way I need to check the situation on my ride to the airport in four days to fly to Mallorca for a week.
Greetings
Jan
Hi Jan,
sorry for the delayed reply!
Great to hear your plans, we hope they work out for you!
There is a footpath bringing you to Spot 3 indeed. When you leave from Besucherhügel, there is an airport entry gate for staff which is a quite large facility so you can’t miss it out! You’ll definitely see it when you’re up on the and you look downwards. Next to this entry facility there is a small tunnel which takes you underneath the highway towards the other side of the street (You can also see it on Google Maps). Now, walk up this serpentine and follow the way’s course until you’ve almost reached Terminal 1.Before the road running parallel snaps off to the right into Terminal 1, cross the streets to get to the fence/net.
There you go!
We’ve marked the way in the map for you, we hope that helps!
Let us know if we can further assist you with you travel plans, Jan
Cheers
Marlin Lehmann
And is there any chance to get to spot 3 without going to the visitor hill first. Im just asking because I will arive in T2 and getting to the spot via the visitor hill would be quite a big detour… 🙂
Please read the description for #3. This will answer your question.
I have changed the map slightly so you can see it better now 🙂
-Julian
Hello,
Thank you very much for your guide. It was very helpfull for my visit at MUC last weekend.
Also i have a little update for you. The Spott #10 – Terminal 2 Observation deck is completly free.
There is no payment required at all. Thats written on the MUC website like this and its also my own experience.
greetings
Norbert
Thanks for the information, Norbert. We have updated the guide with your infos.
Regards
Julian
I work for several aviation magazines and websites in Spain. I am going to Munich to do a full article about Munich Airport and spotters from July 9th. to the 12th.
The idea is if any of the members of your spotting group if may scort me on saturday for a photo session on the hills and other areas of good spotting.
I have heard that the good shooting place are long distance from walk, reason to ask you is there is any gentle and kind enough to be my guide.
If any of you want to have a spotting day in Barcelona I will be happy to assist and guide you.
Thanks in advance,
Yo trabajo para varias revistas de aviación y sitios web en España. Voy a Múnich para hacer un artículo completo sobre el aeropuerto de Múnich y spotters del 9 de julio. al 12.
La idea es que si alguno de los miembros de su grupo de spotting si puede acompañarme el sábado para una sesión de fotos en las colinas y otras áreas de buenas tomas.
He oído los buenos sitios para foto son a larga distancia para caminar, razón para pedirle que si hay alguien gentil y amable para ser mi guía.
Si alguno de ustedes quiere tener un día de spotting en Barcelona estaré encantado de guiarles
Gracias de antemano,
Carlos Navarro Goyanes
Mov. 605993183
carlos@rosexmedical.com
Carlos Navarro Goyanes
Mov. 605993183
carlos@rosexmedical.com
Hola Carlos! We have answered to your comment on MAS – Munich Aviation Spotters on facebook.com as I also run MAS. Please refer to our answer underneath your post there.
Hi Guys 🙂
I had a chance to try out all points from your map (finally spotting with car) and they are awesome. I have also noticed that there is one point missing which can be added. There is an additional spotter hill near 08 L approach which is also worth to mention. Anyway many thanks for all info – this was really useful 🙂 My bad luck was wind which changes directions really often …. so the planes were also changing approaches 😉
Some pictures :
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10205689566380462.1073741859.1293979273&type=1&l=08e40f991b
Best Regards and hopefully see you at EDDM spotting 😉
Greg
Hi Grzegorz!
Thanks for your feedback, glad you liked the spots! Yes, we are currently adding lots of additional spots which will be published in the upcoming days. So stay tuned for aplenty of new spots, Greg! 🙂
We really liked your pictures, you made the best of the bad weather – typical for spring…
Regards back and yes, hope to see you at MUC soon again!
Marlin
Hi Guys!
Thanks A LOT for your guide!!!
I spent 2 days in MUC only for spotting and it was AWESOME!
Thanks to your guide and map I had great time!
Almost whole day 1 I was at point 3 – great spot for north runway and taxiways, however the heat haze is quite big during sunny day.
We also visited the visitors terrace, which is great place to spot some ground movements, as the glass is not vertical and there are not so many reflections.
In the late afternoon we went to the spotting hill near small museum (point 2) which gives you great overview of the airport.
Second day – as we stayed in Novotel Hotel just near point 2 – we took a taxi and went to Hallbergmoos, (15Euro) and then walked to point 8 as the operations were from 08R. Quite a nice place, but you need to remember to have drinks and food as there is rather nothing around to do some shopping.
As they changed the direction about 10am, we just marched along the fence to the spotting hill (point 7) and spent there almost all day. What a great place it is!
Then, as we had no car, we just walked aroud the airport from the east side (blue patch and then towards poinr 3).
We did like 13km walk that day, but it doesn’t matter, I am very happy with the pics I took 🙂
Whole MUC trip was great, and thanks to the Guide above it was even better!
Thanks again,
Greetings from Krakow
Tomasz
Hi Tomasz!
Thanks for sharing your experience with us, a great feedback and we’re happy that you obviously had a great trip. Stay tuned as Munich is about to get a maassive update! Me as an inhabitant of Munich would be happy to welcome you another time to Bavaria!
Have a great XXL-weekend
Marlin
Thanks Julian 🙂
I will definitely check it out – hopefully my lenses will be enough to catch some birds 🙂 😉
Great guide BTW 🙂
Best Regards
Greg
Hi Guys,
I am planning to also visit Munich for spotting – I am wondering about place no. 3 – my question is is there any “safe” route to this place (pavement or something) or you always need to cross the streets, I am worrying to be stopped by police or something while trespassing.
I want to travel from Terminal 2 entrance.
I will be appreciated for your feedback.
Many Thanks
Best Regards
Greg
Hi Greg,
no, there is no other option to get to this place. But you should not be afraid as this is just a access road to the terminals and not a highway and the cars are usually driving slowly.
Use the tunnel from Terminal 2 two Terminal 1 and use the path I have tagged on the map.
Best regards
Julian