Spotting at Copenhagen Airport

By Jhz94 (Own work) [CC BY 2.5 se], via Wikimedia Commons

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s oldest airports. It became popular as a hub early in its career with the formation of Scandinavian Airline System (SAS), and the introduction of trans-polar flights from America. Today it is one of the busiest airports in Scandinavia.

Perched at the southern end of the city on a peninsula, Copenhagen Airport has three runways and is surrounded by residential areas and the coast. It has two terminals.

A number of cargo airlines use the airport’s facilities also.

Aside from SAS, Copenhagen is also a hub for Jet Time, Norwegian, Star Air and Thomas Cook Scandinavia.

Spotting at Copenhagen Airport – Locations

(click on the map to navigate)

1. Flyvergrillen

   By far the most popular spotting location at Copenhagen is located alongside Runway 22R/04L. The Flyvergrillen is a café and burger bar, and has a dirt mound alongside which offers views over the movements on the runways and taxiways. It is acceptable for photography on afternoons. To reach the spot you can drive and park there, or take Bus 35 from the terminals. It takes 30 minutes to walk.

2. Runway 22L

   

   From Terminal 3, walk to the right. At the roundabout with McDonalds and the filling station, turn right and walk past the DHL buildings. Follow the path round past the end of the runway until you reach a suitable spot. This location is good for photographs of aircraft on short finals on afternoons. You will also be able to log aircraft at all terminals and the cargo area.

3. Runway 04R

   

   A good spot can be reached by car when aircraft are using Runway 04R. Follow the road away from the terminals and past the Flyvergrillen spot. Eventually, join Englandsvej southbound and go through the tunnel under the airport. After emerging at the other side, take the first left on to Nordre Kinkelgade. Follow this to the left through the small village, and eventually you will come to the spot alongside the fence. A stepladder is required for good shots. Aircraft at the terminals are too far away to accurately read off.

4. Runway 04L

   Again, from the Flyvergrillen, turn on to Tømmerupvej until you reach the end of the runway. There is room to park a few cars on the grass, and then find a good spot for photographing arrivals.

Copenhagen Spotting Hotel

Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport

Ellehammersvej 20, Copenhagen 2770 | +45 32 501 501 | www.nordicchoicehotels.dk

The Clarion (formerly the Hilton) is linked to the terminal via a covered walkway. Most rooms ending in 31-35 from the 10th floor up offer views, with photography possible but not ideal.