Abracadabra! Sliding glass doors open and, almost like magic, eager sightseers enter Zurich International Airport’s Observation Deck B ready to watch runway action.

Opened in December 2011 the world’s first outdoor observation walkway is earning rave reviews. Visitors undergo a security check similar to a routine pre-flight check before entering the open-air deck — surrounded by a waist-high glass panel for safety — to get an up-close look at planes as the take off and land. Bring binoculars or a long-lens camera for zoom-in views.

For tykes there’s a miniature airport playground complete with a toy Swiss International Airlines airplane. Visitors of all ages have fun using the multimedia installations like the Airport Scope (a look at airport terminal operations) and Flugflunk Live (real-time audio piped in from air traffic control).