Key takeaways
- The observation deck is the easiest legal entry into plane spotting in Düsseldorf.
- Düsseldorf has two parallel runways with the runway directions 05 and 23.
- In the westerly weather patterns that are common in Germany, takeoffs and landings are usually toward 23.
- Opening hours and admission change – check the airport’s website before your visit.
Contents
Recommended vantage point51.28750, 6.76650 · Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia
Open on the mapThe spot in numbers
Our editorial rating on a scale of 1 to 5 – based on what you can realistically expect on an ordinary day in the most common runway direction.
Profile
| Airport | Düsseldorf International (IATA: DUS, ICAO: EDDL) |
|---|---|
| Runways | Two parallel runways, 05R/23L and 05L/23R |
| Location | Observation deck at the terminal, view across the apron to the runways |
| Getting there | By S-Bahn directly to the terminal, or by regional and long-distance trains to Düsseldorf Flughafen station, then by SkyTrain to the terminal |
| Opening | Seasonal and weather-dependent – check current opening hours and admission on the airport’s website before your visit |
The best vantage points
All the points listed are on publicly accessible ground outside the security area. Fences, barriers and operational areas are off-limits – even if the angle would be better from there.
Runway direction and light
Aircraft take off and land into the wind. The wind direction therefore decides which runways are used in which direction – and with it, whether you see landings, departures or nothing at all from your vantage point. Before you go, check the wind forecast and the current runway direction (for example via live flight data) and match them with the sun position: ideally, the sun should be behind you.
Observation deck, view of the apron
The classic entry point: taxiing traffic, pushbacks and ground handling right in front of you, with takeoffs and landings on the parallel runways behind. For full-frame pictures of departing and landing aircraft you need a telephoto lens.
What you get to see here
Your haul at Observation deck at Düsseldorf Airport
- Eurowings aircraft of the A320 family in large numbers
- Leisure airlines, especially in the summer schedule
- European network airlines from the big hubs
- Individual long-haul connections with widebody aircraft
- Taxiing traffic and ground handling on the apron from up close
Is it worth the trip?
In favor
- Very easy to reach by train and S-Bahn
- Safe, legal vantage point with infrastructure in the terminal
- Ideal for beginners and families
- Apron operations from up close
Against
- Seasonal opening and possible admission costs
- Fence or glazing can intrude on the picture depending on position
- A telephoto lens is needed for takeoffs and landings on the runways
Why the observation deck is the best way in
Düsseldorf is the largest airport in North Rhine-Westphalia and an important base for Eurowings. The observation deck bundles what beginners need: a legal, safe vantage point, a view of the apron and runways and infrastructure in the terminal. You do not have to organize a car or look for a way along the fence.
Runway direction in use and light
Düsseldorf operates two parallel runways with the runway directions 05 and 23. Aircraft take off and land into the wind: in west wind they land coming from the northeast toward 23, in east wind the other way around from the southwest toward 05. Because westerly weather patterns dominate in Germany, runway direction 23 is usually more frequent – that is not certain on any single day, so check the wind forecast.
For the light, the deck’s position is favorable: the view goes from the terminal toward the runways, so for much of the day the sun is to the side or at your back. In the early morning and late evening it can come in low from the side depending on the season.
Getting there
The airport has two rail connections: the S-Bahn stops directly at the terminal, while regional and long-distance trains stop at Düsseldorf Flughafen station, from which the SkyTrain runs to the terminal. For a spotting day without a car, Düsseldorf is therefore one of the most convenient airports in Germany.
Rules on site
The airport operator’s house rules apply on the deck. Follow the staff’s instructions, do not climb over barriers and bring a tripod or ladder only if they are expressly permitted.
Summary
- The observation deck delivers apron operations and runway traffic from a safe vantage point.
- Getting there by train is uncomplicated, and the infrastructure in the terminal makes long days pleasant.
- For the best pictures of takeoffs and landings you need a telephoto lens and the matching runway direction in use.
Frequently asked questions
Is the observation deck at Düsseldorf Airport open year-round?
Opening is seasonal and weather-dependent. Check the current opening hours and possible admission on the airport’s website before your visit.
Which runway direction in use is more common in Düsseldorf?
In west wind, takeoffs and landings are toward 23; in east wind, toward 05. Because westerly weather patterns dominate in Germany, runway direction 23 is usually more frequent. Check the wind forecast before you set off.
Do I need a telephoto lens?
A standard zoom is often enough for the apron and taxiing traffic. For takeoffs and landings on the runways, a telephoto lens is a clear advantage.
Observation deck at Düsseldorf Airport in the Planetrack app
The spot on the map with directions, the best light and community photos, plus runways, weather and wind at the airport – and you post your sightings straight from the app with registration and spot. Planetrack is launching soon – join the waitlist and get early access.
Spots nearby
Munich Airport visitors’ hill (Besucherhügel)
The best-known vantage point at Lufthansa’s Munich hub: from the visitors’ hill in the Besucherpark you look out over the airport grounds from above – with its own S-Bahn stop right next door.
Spotting hillAffenfelsen (“Monkey Rock”) at Hamburg Airport
The best-known spotting point at Hamburg Airport: from the Affenfelsen on Holtkoppel you look over the fence onto runway 15/33 without a ladder – with a kiosk café right next door and the morning sun at your back.
Spotting hillZeppelinheim viewing platform at Frankfurt Airport
The classic among Frankfurt’s spotting spots: from the platform at the motorway bridge near Zeppelinheim, most landings in a west wind glide in onto the south runway – free, public and a quick S-Bahn ride from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.
Observation deckObservation deck at Berlin Brandenburg Airport
The only official viewpoint at the capital’s airport: the observation deck on top of Terminal 1 is outside the security area, open daily and reachable directly by train. What you see there, when the light works and where its limits lie.