“Watch the action on the tarmac.” That’s what drew me to the Besucherterrasse at Bremen Airport. Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at an airport?
The Besucherterrasse, or Visitor’s Terrace, offers a unique vantage point. It is located on the rooftop of Terminal 3, right next to Bremen Hall. From here, you can observe the bustling activities on the apron. You’ll see aircraft parked at various positions. Huge aircraft are parked directly in front of you. Smaller business jets are also visible on the apron.
The Bremen Airport, officially named “Hans Koschnick,” is quite significant. It’s only about 3 kilometers from Bremen’s city center. It handles international traffic from many European destinations. Bremen itself is the capital of the state of Bremen. This state is unique because it consists of two cities: Bremen and Bremerhaven. The airport’s history dates back to 1909. The first international flight, operated by KLM, landed here in 1920.
Today, Bremen Airport hosts numerous airlines. These airlines serve various destinations across Europe, North Africa, and Asia. In 2019, the airport handled 2.3 million passengers. Some of the airlines you might spot include Lufthansa, Eurowings, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizzair. During holidays, charter flights are often operated by Pegasus Airlines and Tailwind Airlines.
One of the interesting sights is the Airbus factory. It’s located next to the airport and produces wings for all Airbus types. As a result, the Airbus Beluga aircraft frequently visit Bremen. These Belugas, both the A300-600ST and XL versions, transport aircraft parts. You can usually find their flight schedule on the Bremen Airport website.
Another unique operation is the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar Research. They operate two Basler BT-67 aircraft, which are former DC-3s. These aircraft are used for missions to the North and South Poles. When they are in Bremen, they undergo preparations for their research missions. This involves installing instruments and testing equipment, often resulting in test flights around the area.
For those interested in aviation history, Bremen Hall is worth a visit. Here, you can find aviation and aerospace-related displays. A highlight is the Junkers W33 Bremen airplane, a historical piece.
The Besucherterrasse is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Please note that the visitor terrace now only opens from 8 degrees Celsius. So, on a clear day, step onto the Besucherterrasse. Watch the planes take off and land. Observe the ground crews preparing for the next flight. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world of aviation.
Remember to check out the observation deck to get the best view of the airport. You might need a focal length of 30-200mm for larger aircraft, but more length is needed for smaller ones. This is a great way to appreciate the complexity and excitement of a modern airport.