The best gravel rides around Raakmoor

Since districts like Niendorf and Fuhlsbüttel are directly adjacent to the airport grounds, Hamburg Airport is by no means "out of the way": Hamburg Airport is very easily accessible by S-Bahn, car or bicycle. Another central hub for planespotting in Hamburg is the Airbus factory in Finkenwerder. Planespotting Hamburg Airport is very popular with many planespotters, as the airport grounds in Fuhlsbüttel can be walked around, in many parts even directly along the runway. Along the grounds, there are several opportunities to observe and photograph the planes. Coffee to Fly Holtkoppel 100, 22415 Hamburg | Mon-Sun 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM The so-called "Affenfelsen" (Monkey Rock) is a popular meeting point for aircraft fans. Coffee to Fly is located directly on the airport grounds and offers an unobstructed view of runways 15 and 33. The taxiway also leads directly past the onlookers. Physical well-being is also taken care of. In addition to hot and cold drinks, breakfast and Italian ice cream are also offered here. Viewing Terraces The best view of the apron and parked aircraft is naturally offered by the visitor terraces at both terminals and the model exhibition. Here you can observe the handling of aircraft and, in good weather, enjoy a coffee or other gastronomic delicacies in the sun. Access is signposted. Bayernweg Just under a kilometer from the Krohnstiegtunnel is the Bayernweg. If you walk a short distance along the hiking trail, you soon reach a hill from which you can look out over the airport above the trees and fence. The Bayernweg is located on the opposite side of the "Affenfelsen". Engernweg The Engernweg is located on a cycle path that offers a direct view of runway 05. Once you have found the clear spot by the fence, you can see planes taking off in the air or when they have already landed. The nearest subway station is Niendorf Markt. Flughafenstraße Shortly before arriving at the airport, you drive over the bridge on Flughafenstraße. Here, standing directly on the footpath and cycle path, you can observe and photograph arriving aircraft on runway 23. The morning hours and early afternoon are recommended here due to the optimal lighting conditions. Garstedter Eck Very close to the Bayernweg, namely 950 meters further north, is the Garstedter Eck. Planespotters stand here directly on the Krohnstiegtunnel (west) and photograph landing aircraft on runway 15 and taking-off aircraft on runway 33. The best shots can be taken from midday onwards. However, bringing a step or a small ladder is recommended, as otherwise you won't be high enough. Café Himmelsschreiber Weg beim Jäger, 22335 Hamburg | Mon-Sun 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM The Café Himmelsschreiber at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) offers a view of the apron of Hamburg Airport. You can best see the planes taking off on runway 33 here. Since the lighting conditions are perfect from midday to early evening, you should take the opportunity to sit in one of the cozy beach chairs on the terrace – preferably with a piece of cake, a cup of coffee, and your camera at the ready. Krohnstiegtunnel (east) Similar to Garstedter Eck, here you stand on the Krohnstiegtunnel – at the eastern end. With the help of a small ladder, runway 15 can be viewed very well. The best pictures are taken here in the morning. Ostfalenweg From Ostfalenweg, you also have a good view of runways 15 and 33. It is only about 250 meters south of the Bayernweg. Since there is a small hill here, you are high enough to overlook everything. Sootbörn From the large Kollaustraße in Niendorf, a side street leads to the Sootbörn planespotting point. From the late afternoon onwards, takeoffs and landings on runway 05 can be observed well here. There are park benches on a small hill, so you can also sit down. Weg beim Jäger The P9 parking garage is located on Weg beim Jäger. From the top level, you can see the entire airport apron and also runway 33. Photographers appreciate the good lighting conditions from midday to evening.

One of the most beautiful gravel sections here in the north of Hamburg. My go-to path in the direction of Oberalsterniederung!

Wittmoor is one of the most beautiful areas here in Hamburg for cycling. You feel like you are in the heath. The paths seem very sandy, but are all good to cycle on. Have fun and watch out for all other hikers/cyclists.

The section along the runway is part of the Green Ring and an absolute must for gravel bikes. But be careful, there are a lot of people around here... Always be ready to brake.

Overall, it's a bit monotonous and boring to ride. However, it's perfectly fine as a change of pace between trails or gravel roads.

The heather begins to bloom.

It's a manageable distance, and there are plenty of planes taking off and landing to marvel at. While taking a short break on the park benches, you can often strike up a conversation with other plane spotters. It's just plain fun!

Great view of incoming and outgoing aircraft