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Zurich and Geneva as major airports, plus Basel with the binational EuroAirport – short distances, good rail links and an Alpine panorama in the background.
5 spots listed
Zurich is Switzerland’s hub and is known among spotters as especially well set up, with an observation deck and several popular vantage points around the airport. On clear days, Geneva delivers shots with the Jura and the Alps, while Basel-Mulhouse sits on French soil and is operated binationally.
Photography is allowed from publicly accessible areas. On observation decks and in terminals, the operator’s house rules apply, and the security area is off-limits. The major airports are so well connected by rail that you don’t need a car for most vantage points.
The clearest air often comes after a foehn wind has passed or during the bise, a cold northeasterly wind. Summer afternoons are often hazy, and in winter the Swiss Plateau is frequently under high fog – then an airport at higher elevation or a day with a change in the weather is the better bet.
Official observation decks on terminals and piers. Ideal for beginners: a view of the apron and taxiing traffic up close, usually with food and drinks nearby – but often glass or a fence in front of the lens, opening hours and sometimes an admission fee.
Observation Deck B at Zurich Airport
Kloten
On the roof of Dock B you stand in the middle of the action at Switzerland’s largest airport: SWISS long-haul, taxiing traffic right below you and heavy takeoffs on the longest runway. Probably Switzerland’s best-known legal spotting place – with security screening, admission and clear rules.
Observation terrace at Geneva Airport
Geneva
On the fourth floor of Terminal 1 you look over the apron onto Switzerland’s longest runway and the Jura range behind it. The Terrasse Panorama costs nothing, you get in without security screening – and thanks to business aviation, an easyJet base and long-haul guests it is rarely boring. The only catch: it is open only from mid-March to the end of October.
Artificial mounds and elevated viewpoints at the edge of the airport grounds. You shoot over the fence and have a clear view of runways and taxiways.
Museums and exhibitions with historic and retired aircraft. Weather-proof, easy to plan and a chance to see types up close that stopped flying long ago.
Flieger Flab Museum at Dübendorf Airfield
Dübendorf
At Switzerland’s oldest airfield, the Flieger Flab Museum tells the story of the Swiss Air Force – from the Blériot monoplane through Hunter and Mirage to the F-5 Tiger. Plus the Ju 52 HB-HOP, a huge engine collection and an active military airfield next door.
Fliegermuseum Altenrhein at St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airfield
Altenrhein
On the south shore of Lake Constance, an association keeps Swiss flying history in the air: PC-7, P-3, Stearman and Do 27 still fly here. What you see today, what became of the Hunter jets and how to plan your visit to Altenrhein airfield.
The Planetrack spot map shows verified spots for each airport with directions, the best light and community ratings. Planetrack is launching soon – join the waitlist and get early access.
Related
The aircraft types you’ll come across in Switzerland are listed in the aircraft type database. You’ll find the airlines that fly there in the airline database. And profiles of the airports themselves are in the section Airports & manufacturers.