Looking for an original day out? Try plane spotting. It might sound a bit nerdy — and to be fair, it kind of is — but there’s a surprising charm in watching aircraft take off and land.
Read on and discover the most exciting spotting locations in the Netherlands and Belgium — including practical tips and personal advice.
1. AMS: Polderbaan spotting
📌 Coordinates: 52°20'33.9"N 4°42'26.9"E
Schiphol Airport is a Mecca for spotters in the Benelux. With six runways, it’s a true all-inclusive paradise for aviation lovers. This is the most well-known spotting location at Schiphol. Expect benches, sometimes a food truck, and an unobstructed view of the runway. Planes take off and land right in front of you.
2. BRU: Spotting platform 25L – Transit Caricole
📌 Coordinates: 50°53'42.8"N 4°30'56.5"E
Brussels Airport’s main spotting hub. Close to runway 25L/07R, with a raised platform and great visibility.
3. AMS: IJweg (North) – Polderbaan
📌 Coordinates: 52°20'53.4"N 4°42'48.8"E
Prefer avoiding the crowds on sunny days? Head here instead. This lesser-known spot offers dynamic photos of aircraft just lifting off. Best accessed by bike or on foot.
4. AMS: Kaagbaan South
📌 Coordinates: 52°17'36.9"N 4°44'28.1"E
Aircraft fly very low here, perfect for dramatic compositions. Quieter than Polderbaan, but equally spectacular.
5. AMS: Buitenveldertbaan – McDonald’s
📌 Coordinates: 52°19'15.3"N 4°47'34.5"E
Spot planes from your car or while sipping a McFlurry. Perfect in rainy weather or for a comfortable, food-friendly outing.
6. BRU: Approach 25L - Kortenbergsesteenweg
📌 Coordinates: 50°53'59.9"N 4°31'38.9"E
A hidden gem for unique angles. Aircraft soar just above your head.
7. EIN: Official spotters area – Spottersweg
📌 Coordinates: 51°27'51.2"N 5°23'34.6"E
Eindhoven’s official spotters hill offers great views and easy access by car or bike.
8. OST: Ostend-Bruges – Legeweg
📌 Coordinates: 51°11'58.9"N 2°53'04.3"E
Catch a mix of passenger, cargo, and military traffic here. Low traffic, but stunning light and scenery.
9. BRU: Spotting platform 01/19 – Nossegem
📌 Coordinates: 50°53'19.2"N 4°29'47.0"E
Official platform with benches and info panels. Runway not often used but excellent for telephoto shots.
10. AMS: Kaagbaan East – Beechavenue
📌 Coordinates: 52°17'06.6"N 4°44'07.9"E
A favorite among photographers thanks to lower angles and soft morning/evening light.
11. EIN: Head runway 03 – Scherpenering
📌 Coordinates: 51°26'13.1"N 5°21'35.5"E
Relaxed vibe, aircraft fly right overhead. Expect Ryanair, Transavia — and maybe a military jet.
12. AMS: Aalsmeerbaan – Breguetlaan
📌 Coordinates: 52°17'17.9"N 4°46'48.9"E
A quieter, more local spot. You’ll hear planes long before you see them — intimate and impressive.
13. LGG: Liège-Bierset – Rue de l’Aéroport
📌 Coordinates: 50°37'47.5"N 5°26'07.0"E
Belgium’s cargo hub. Great for night and morning movements, especially 747s and A330 freighters.
5X why plane spotting is perfect for a date or day trip:
- It's cheap or even free
- You're outside, but don't need to walk far
- Pairs well with coffee, snacks or fast food
- It naturally sparks conversation — or peaceful silence
- It’s unique
Spotting checklist
- Flightradar24 or the Schiphol App for runway info
- Camera with telephoto lens (but your smartphone works too!)
- Thermos and snacks
- Folding chair or picnic blanket
- Sunglasses and windbreaker (polder runways are windy)
💬 What's your favorite spotting spot?
Do you know of any hidden gems in the Netherlands or Belgium? Share them in the comments below or on Instagram — I’m always looking for new locations to try my camera. Maybe I’ll see you out there!
By: Rico Valkenborgh | June 11, 2025
The best places to spot planes in the Netherlands and Belgium
Looking for an original day out? Try plane spotting. It might sound a bit nerdy — and to be fair, it kind of is — but there’s a surprising charm in watching aircraft take off and land.Read on and discover the most exciting spotting locations in the Netherlands and Belgium — including practical tips and personal advice.
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