Visit the Luftfahrt Museum to see more than 70 aircraft, piston engines and jet engines in addition to hundreds of models of planes displayed in a large hangar. Clothing, books and cars are among the many other intriguing artifacts on display in a museum that focuses on the history of flight. Make your way through the various displays, most with English translations, to get a sense of the importance of aviation.
Get close to the gallery’s original Royal Air Force Spitfire, thought to be the only craft of its kind on display in a German museum. See the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 and the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2 German fighter planes from World War II. The Messerschmitt was recovered from the Mediterranean Sea in 1988, before being restored to pristine condition.
Learn about the salvaging of the Ju 52 planes that had sunk in Norway’s Lake Hartvikvann in 1940. Follow the displays to learn about the origins of aviation, dating back to the first hot air balloon ascent in 1783 by the Montgolfier brothers.
Browse the museum shop for souvenirs from its collection of model planes, books and videos relating to aircraft.
The museum opens Thursday through Sunday from morning until late afternoon. It’s also available on other days by appointment. There is a fee for admission ask for discounts for groups, students and children. You can also request a guided tour for an additional fee.
The Luftfahrt Museum is in the Döhren-Wülfel district in the southern outskirts of Hannover. From the city center, drive south for 7 miles (11 kilometers) to get here in about 20 minutes. Leave your car in the parking lot for free. You can also travel by S-Bahn train direct to the Hanover Messe/Laatzen Station.
Explore the surroundings for other treasures such as the Alte Leine nature reserve, the Deutsche Messe expo center and the TUI Arena for concerts and sports events.