Plane Spotting at Amsterdam Schiphol Panorama Terrace (VIDEO)
July 26, 2017
Check out the video above ☝
Hope I have captured some of the gorgeous take-offs and landings perfectly!
Amsterdam's International Airport - Schiphol, is one of the largest, busiest and beautiful airports in Europe. But you have another very interesting reason to visit - It is also one of the "plane spotter" friendliest airports.
Unlike the most of airports around the world, Amsterdam encourages plane spotting. Amsterdam doesn’t believe in barriers, so you can photograph the planes take off and land - with no obstruction.
It features a huge panoramic viewing terrace on the terminal building, and two special spotter places, just outside the airport's perimeter. People come from all over Europe for Schiphol’s famous views. In the summer months, you can see many enthusiasts staying-up for the whole day on the grass by the side of a runway.
If you’re on a connecting flight through Amsterdam or cannot go outside the airport, then this panoramic terrace is the perfect place to go plane-spotting.
It features a huge panoramic viewing terrace on the terminal building, and two special spotter places, just outside the airport's perimeter. People come from all over Europe for Schiphol’s famous views. In the summer months, you can see many enthusiasts staying-up for the whole day on the grass by the side of a runway.
If you’re on a connecting flight through Amsterdam or cannot go outside the airport, then this panoramic terrace is the perfect place to go plane-spotting.
I had an hour at Schiphol while I was there to send-off someone. So without a second thought, I just jumped into the Panorama Terrace.
From the Panorama Terrace, I could enjoy great views of at-least 3 operational runways from here. From Airbuses to rare Boeings, from passenger planes to gigantic Cargos, from plain aluminum to multi-color aircraft, It's truly enjoyed a variety of aircraft taking off and landing here.
Around are also coin-drop telescopes where you can even grasp the airplanes up-close. If you’re not a plane lover, still you can sit on the terrace and relax - there are nice café, restaurants, and bars around 😜
A unique surprise here is definitely the real Fokker 100 KLM Cityhopper plane, which is on public display. It gets us an exclusive insight into the cockpit electronics/controls, can listen to the instructions from the control tower, and a real view of a pilot.
HOW TO GET THERE?
It's a bit difficult task to find the place; you know it well, Amsterdam Schiphol is one of the busiest airports. But if you follow the signs properly, you'll reach without any issues.
Just follow the signs for the "Departures 1 or 2" first; then look for the "Panorama Terrace'". It is located on the arrival gate-2. Behind the rows of shops and cafes at the northern end, you’ll see a staircase and sign for the terrace.
ENTRANCE FEE:
You can't get better, entrance to the panorama terrace, as well as to the other two spotting locations are completely FREE.
OPEN TIMINGS:
You should take care of the timings since the opening times of the summer is not the same during winter months. Please note down the opening times as below.
- During summer, the Panorama Terrace is open from 07:00-21:00 from the last Sunday in March.
- From 1 October to the last Saturday in October the Panorama Terrace is open from 08:00-19:00.
- During winter, the Panorama Terrace is open from 09:00-17:00 from the last Sunday in October.
- For safety reasons, the Panorama Terrace will be closed during bad weather, like storms, snow, and ice.
If you got a couple of hours on a sunny day or while transiting, don’t fail to walk-in to the panorama terrace, you won’t be disappointed!.
20 comments
Its a nice One! Happy i encountered this blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks Arun. Glad that you liked.
DeleteGreat na... informative...
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really cool. My nephew loves airplanes, as in he is obsessed with watching planes take off and land. This would be such a great place to travel into with him for sure. thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteThat's neat! Most airports won't let you get close to planes these days! I do love going to see the planes land at LAX!
ReplyDeleteThere is some good information here, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWell, that's a good way to spend quiet time. I will do it too since it is not a common thing to do so thanks.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool, great way to spend an afternoon. Will definitely try it next time i am in Amsterdam.
ReplyDeleteGood to know about the location and how tricky it can be. I know I'm not the best when it comes to directions.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! I loved that airport when I was studying abroad. This makes me want to go back.
ReplyDeleteI love KLM flights, it's a budget friendly luxury. I remember not wanting to step out after flying for 14hours.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool that you can photograph the planes without worry - seems like a great place!
ReplyDeleteMy son loves to go to the airport and watch planes take off and land. This looks like a wonderful place to get an amazing view!
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful! Never spent in Schiphol long enough to explore. If I had a long connection I just hanged out in Amsterdam.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great article to read and try for our selves. Actually I love airport and airplane comes with it. It's great to see airplane taking off and landing on. It's a mesmerizing experience.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very hilarious idea. Plane spotting is something that my little boy would really love. He loves airplane so much and dreaming of becoming a pilot.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect thing to do in Amsterdam. I would love to try this soon when I visit there.
ReplyDeleteHow fun!! I bet my girls would have loved this! They love airplanes!
ReplyDeleteHow cool is this? I am always fascinated with how planes take off and land so I think that I would really enjoy watching them.
ReplyDeleteMy children are always searching for airplanes too ✈️
ReplyDelete