Discover Schiphol: Panoramic Terrace, Art and History

Schiphol is a destination for anyone who wants to combine aviation, art, history and quiet moments. The site offers a panoramic terrace on the roof of the terminal building, an airport branch of the Rijksmuseum and a meditation centre open to all religions and beliefs, as well as non-believers seeking peace and quiet. This allows you to shape your stay around different interests – from impressive aircraft spotting to cultural and contemplative experiences.

Experience Aircraft Up Close

The panoramic terrace is located on the roof of the terminal building. Access is free. From there, you can watch aircraft up close and enjoy panoramic views of the airport. A genuine KLM Fokker 100 is also on display on the panoramic terrace. Visitors can take a seat in the cockpit and sit at the controls. For a travel group with different interests, this is a vivid way to experience aviation not just from a distance, but to get to know a specific aircraft in greater detail.

Especially when travelling with children, this visit can be an attraction in its own right, while adults may also be interested in the view across the airport grounds or the history of the site. You can plan your stay according to your preferred focus: the emphasis may be on the aircraft taking off and landing, the aircraft on display or the view from the terminal roof.

Art and a Place of Peace

Rijksmuseum Schiphol is the airport branch of the Rijksmuseum. It opened in 2002 as the first branch of an art museum at an airport. Art is therefore just as much a part of Schiphol’s distinctive identity as aviation. Travellers wishing to add a cultural touch to their trip can include this museum location in their plans and get to know the airport from a different perspective.

The meditation centre is intended for all religions and beliefs, as well as non-believers seeking peace and quiet. This open approach makes the site an opportunity for a quiet moment, regardless of one’s own religious outlook. It creates a contrast with the visible and audible impressions of flight operations: on one side there are movement, technology and panoramic views; on the other, contemplation and retreat.

Schiphol Between History and a Green Accent

Schiphol was established in 1916 on land reclaimed from the Haarlemmermeer. On 19 September 1916, the first military aircraft landed here. This early aviation history gives the site a historical connection that extends beyond its present-day use. Airport Park is also home to a 130-year-old tree that has been given a second life there. The tree adds its own nature-inspired accent to the airport landscape.

The Right Accommodation Idea for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Schiphol, you can first consider which of these aspects should shape your stay. If you are primarily interested in experiencing aircraft and technology, the panoramic terrace offers tangible points of interest. Art lovers can choose a different focus with Rijksmuseum Schiphol, while the meditation centre and the tree in Airport Park appeal to those seeking quieter impressions.

For further location pages to help you find your bearings, you can also visit Schiphol-Rijk, Halfweg, Nieuw-Vennep, Vijfhuizen, Zwanenburg, Hoofddorp, Badhoevedorp and Lijnden.

For the main travel overview: Haarlemmermeer.