Spotterstrip Germany (Ramstein AFB)
Day 1: Flugausstellung Hermeskeil – A Walk Through Aviation History
My trip kicked off with a visit to the Flugausstellung Hermeskeil, a hidden gem nestled in the Hunsrück region of Germany. This privately-owned aviation museum is the largest of its kind in the country, housing over 100 aircraft from various eras and nations.
The museum's outdoor and indoor displays offered a comprehensive look at military and civilian aviation history.
Though many of the aircraft are displayed outdoors and show signs of age, the sheer variety and rarity of some models made it a very worthwhile stop. For photographers, soft morning light worked best due to the position of the aircraft.
Day 2 & 3: Ramstein Air Base – U.S. Airpower in Action
Next stop: Ramstein Air Base, the powerhouse of U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE). I spent two full days spotting just outside the base, with two fellow enthusiasts from the Netherlands. We positioned ourselves in a field near the autobahnmeisterei Landstuhl. Observing the aircraft during their take-off. Sadly not much flying during those two days.
Movements Observed:
- C-17 Globemaster III
- KC-135 Stratotanker
- C-5M Super Galaxy
- Learjets and NATO aircraft
- C-27 Spartan
Lighting conditions are favorable at this spot from mid-morning to late afternoon depending on position.
Day 4: Wrecks & Relics – A Final Scavenger Hunt
On the return leg, I dedicated the day to hunting down some of Germany's and Belgiums more obscure aviation wrecks and relics. These included gate guards, privately owned, and abandoned airframes scattered across the countryside.
Notable Finds:
- G-91 Gina, Ramstein-Miesenbach
- Panavia Tornado, Wittlich
- Republic F-84, Dassault Mirage V, Spa airfield
- Various airframes, Tessenderlo-Ham
These stops provided a nostalgic contrast to the modern ops at Ramstein. Some locations required prior research and GPS coordinates, but the effort paid off with unique photo opportunities. All of the aircraft were accessible roadside.
Final Thoughts
This German spotting trip was a fantastic mix of historic aviation, modern military operations, and aeronautical archaeology. From the time-frozen classics at Hermeskeil to the thunder of jet engines at Ramstein, and the hidden gems dotting the countryside, the trip delivered at every level.
More pictures can be found here.