Flugplatzmuseum Cottbus

Cottbus Aviation Museum (Flugplatzmuseum Cottbus) is a fascinating open-air technical museum located on the grounds of a historic airfield in the city of Cottbus. Founded in 1990 by a group of enthusiasts, it became a true sanctuary for the aviation technology of the former GDR, preserving rare aircraft and helicopters for future generations.

Cottbus Aviation Museum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Today, it is one of the largest themed collections in the country (Germany), occupying an area of 40,000 square meters. The museum attracts visitors with the opportunity to touch the living history of aviation, see powerful machines up close, and learn about the development of engineering in the Lower Lusatia region.

The museum's location on a former military site provides a special atmosphere, allowing guests to feel the spirit of the last century. The site is ideal for a family outing and will be interesting for children aged 4 to 16, offering them more than just looking at display cases, but a real introduction to the world of big machines.

To plan your visit to the Cottbus Aviation Museum, you can use the following contact details:

The museum's primary pride is its extensive collection of more than 40 aircraft and helicopters. In the open-air area, you will see legendary machines, including the Tu-134A airliner (formerly owned by Aeroflot), which is currently being carefully restored. Visitors can not only inspect the aircraft from the outside but also peek into the cockpits during special tours, which is a particular delight for both children and adults.

In addition to large aircraft, the museum's pavilions feature fascinating historical exhibitions. Here, you can see aviation equipment, engine parts, high-precision aircraft models, as well as weaponry samples and ground military equipment. Fans of technical history will appreciate the collection of military vehicles and support equipment that kept the airfield running decades ago.

The museum is also a vibrant community space: it regularly hosts themed exhibitions for model builders, meetings for historical vehicle owners, and educational workshops. For those looking for a unique location for a celebration, the museum offers the possibility of renting the grounds for private events against the backdrop of majestic winged machines.

Cottbus Aviation Museum is located at Fichtestraße 1, on the southern outskirts of the city. The most convenient way to get here is by car—the drive from the city center takes about 10–15 minutes. Parking spaces are provided for visitors on-site.

For tourists arriving by public transport, the best option is to take a train to the main station, Cottbus Hauptbahnhof. From the station, the museum can be reached by taxi or rental car. Despite its distance from the central quarters, the route to the site is simple and clear.

An important advantage is that the museum grounds are fully accessible to wheelchair users, making the visit comfortable for all categories of guests.

The history of this site began at the dawn of aviation. In 1910, local enthusiast Wilhelm Scharlett made his first flight attempts here in an aircraft of his own design. By 1912, the airfield had already become an important link for the first regular flights in the region.

During the First World War, intensive pilot training was conducted here, though the infrastructure was almost entirely dismantled after the war ended. A revival came in 1927 when the airfield was granted the status of "Lower Lusatia Airport," and a year later, the first Lufthansa airliner landed here.

After decades of military use by Soviet forces and the GDR Air Force, a new civilian chapter began in 1990. It was then that a public association was formed, dedicated to preserving unique GDR aviation technology that was at risk of disappearing after the country's reunification. Since 1994, the museum has officially opened its doors to all aviation enthusiasts.

A standard tour of the main Cottbus Aviation Museum collection in the open-air area and a visit to the indoor exhibitions usually takes about 2–3 hours. This is enough time to leisurely explore the key exhibits and take memorable photos.

If you plan to join an organized tour or wish to explore the cockpits in detail, it is recommended to allow an additional 1–2 hours. The museum covers an impressive area of 40,000 square meters, so comfortable shoes will be very useful.

The museum welcomes guests year-round, including during the winter period, but you should consider the opening hours when planning your trip:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The area surrounding the museum offers many opportunities to continue your stroll through Cottbus. Exploring these locations will help you better experience the atmosphere of the historic city and discover its architectural heritage.