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Airbus Plant Finkenwerder
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Industrial site
The Airbus plant in Hamburg-Finkenwerder is the most significant German site of the European aircraft manufacturer and one of the largest industrial complexes in Germany. Located on the southern bank of the Elbe, the facility features its own runway used for deliveries and test flights of the A320 family, as well as for transporting large components via Beluga transport aircraft. Historically, the site traces back to the aircraft manufacturing activities of Blohm & Voss before becoming part of Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm and eventually Airbus. Finkenwerder is responsible for the final assembly of the successful A320 series and serves as the center for developing and installing cabin interiors for almost all Airbus models. The site also houses major research centers focused on future-oriented lightweight construction and hydrogen-based propulsion technologies. Employing over 12,000 people, the plant is a cornerstone of the economy in the Hamburg metropolitan region.
- Location: Hamburg, Germany
- Top sights: Airbus plane spotting hill · Westerweiden · Hansa Jet
- Nearby: Altona (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 70 | 55 | 50 | 40 | 58 | 71 | 84 | 71 | 58 | 63 | 63 | 71 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Airbus plant Finkenwerder in Hamburg is a major final assembly site for various Airbus models, including the A320 family and the A380. It is one of the largest aircraft manufacturing plants in Europe and an economic engine for the metropolitan region.
Visiting
The production halls are not open to the public. The Airbus Visitors Center in Hamburg, however, gives guided tours that must be booked in advance.
Where to view it
From the Finkenwerder Elbe beach, there is a good view of the factory site and the runway. The huge assembly halls are also clearly visible from the ferry between Finkenwerder and Hamburg.
Local products
Complete aircraft are final-assembled, painted, and delivered here. In Hamburg, Airbus models and aircraft parts are available as souvenirs or in specialty stores.
Active season
Final assembly runs year-round in multiple shifts, peaking before the delivery of new aircraft. During Hamburg's school holidays, operations are reduced.
Nearby
Combine the visit with the Hamburg harbor and Speicherstadt, both nearby. Öjendorfer Park or the Alte Land also offer diverse nature experiences.
Geography
Facts
- The factory premises cover an area of approximately 500 hectares.
- Runway 15/33 has a total length of 3,183 meters.
- Hamburg is the world's third-largest aviation industry hub after Toulouse and Seattle.
- The final assembly line for the A321XLR was officially opened in 2023.
- Major components of the A380 were manufactured here until production ended in 2021.
- The plant has its own ferry pier for transporting employees across the Elbe.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Airbus Plant Finkenwerder (10)
Super Guppy
Exhibited cargo aircraft on the Airbus premises.
Noratlas
Exhibited transport aircraft on the Airbus premises.
Finkenwerder Süderelbe
Nature reserve in Hamburg, Germany.
Kirche Nienstedten
Religious building in Hamburg.
Mühlenberger Loch
Body of water in Hamburg, Germany.
Wesselhoeftpark🌳 park
Park in Hamburg, Germany.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the Airbus plant in Finkenwerder?
The best way is by HADAG ferry line 62 from Landungsbrücken to Finkenwerder, then continue by bus.
Can you visit the Airbus plant?
Yes, guided tours are organized by external providers (e.g., Globe) and must be booked in advance.
Which aircraft are built in Hamburg?
In Hamburg, mainly the A320 family is assembled; the plant also plays a major role in A350 and A380 maintenance.
Does Airbus Finkenwerder have its own airport?
Yes, the Hamburg-Finkenwerder special landing site is used for factory flights and deliveries.
Where is the best place to watch planes?
The vantage point at Rüschpark has a good view of the runway of the factory airfield.
Airbus Plant Finkenwerder: where is it located?
Airbus Plant Finkenwerder is located in Hamburg, Germany.
Airbus Plant Finkenwerder: what is there to see?
Highlights include Airbus plane spotting hill, Westerweiden, Hansa Jet.
Airbus Plant Finkenwerder: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Airbus Plant Finkenwerder: why is it worth visiting?
The Airbus plant in Hamburg-Finkenwerder is the most significant German site of the European aircraft manufacturer and one of the largest industrial complexes in Germany.
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