Impressions from Zeppelin flight

Zeppelin flight

Recently, I had the opportunity to fly on a Zeppelin NT, the kind of Zeppelin I had blogged about before. The 6+ hour flight was a once in a lifetime opportunity because it could not be booked. It took as from Bonn Hangelar (EDKB) to Friedrichshafen (EDNY). Our journey started with a detour over Cologne, then following the Rhine up to Karlsruhe, taking a turn to Stuttgart and from there down south to Lake Constance (see the rough route we took on the right).

From above

The weather was mixed on that day and it was unclear if we could fly. It was slightly sunny over Cologne, but had lots of clouds and light rain over the Swabian Jura (Schwäbische Alb). The route along the Rhine featured many castles, vineyards and ever changing scenery. Our Zeppelin traveled with a speed of 60-80 km/h (is it really called speed?) in a height of 300+ meters above ground. Everything felt distant and close at the same time, never boring and time passed (too) quickly.

At the end of the flight, our airship got moored and pushed into the hangar, something usually not done with passengers on board. Right now, I am sitting in my office with the Zeppelin passing in the backdrop. When will I fly on it again...?

The slightshow features few of the many impressions.

Video showing how the Zeppelin gets pushed into the hangar: