Leeuwarden

1Northeast side approach

This spot covers both the landings of 27 and 23. Runway 23 is mostly used for landings from this side. Along the busy N357 road you can stand on both sides of the runway centreline, so the sun will never be a problem. Park your car on the small road next to the N357 and position yourself along this small road. You can also cross this quite busy road and position yourself near the gate leading to a meadow. Do not cross this gate unless authorized by the farmer himself. If so, position yourself along the small creek, never in the middle of the field and leave this field after the aircraft have landed. In the late afternoon, you can proceed to the small road to the left, called Pieter Rindersreedsje. There is a parking spot here as well.

2East side approach

For runway 27, park your car at the minor road next to the N357. Cross the road and look for the dirt road which used to be a railroad. Follow this disused railroad towards a gate at your right. Cross this gate to the base fence via another gate. Now take a left and walk along the fence towards the beginning of runway 27. This is an excellent spot for photography as this part of the runway is also used as taxiway from the south parkings towards runway 23. However take some steps with you to look over the fence. For landings on 23, you can walk along the fence towards the beginning of runway 23 and position yourself here, again with some steps.

3Main gate

At the main gate, a couple of aircraft are preserved. Unfortunately, they are located behind the gate and only the Meteor can be seen from the outside.

4Southwest side approach

On the other side of the base, there is an official spotter's location. You can park your car here and make great shots of the aircraft from the small hill. You can also go enter the farmers' field and make close-up landing shots. The spotter's corner is situated just southeast of the short final of runway 05. It is on a small road, just outside the village of Marssum. You can also shoot aircraft taxiing on the taxiway but these are pretty far away and lighting conditions are not always good. Furthermore, some serials of aircraft on the south apron can be read from this position.

5West side approach

The other spot on this side is along the taxiway, close to runway 09. Aircraft coming from the 322/North side of the base use the taxiway here to get to runway 05 or the taxi back after landing on 23. Good photo opportunities exist, especially in the afternoon, but take some steps with you.