Festival under capricious skies

On June 7 and 8, the Stadtwerke Dessau hosted the Hugo Junkers Fest 2025, and the organisers had a lot in store to enchant visitors from the city and the surrounding area for two days. In addition to fairground rides, a vintage car exhibition and a marquee, one theme was not to be missed in Dessau. Aviation.

Junkers had a surprise in store, as DAEC President Claus Cordes flew in at 12:30 on the dot in his Junkers A50 Junior. Accompanied by Junkers granddaughter Charlotte Junkers in the front cockpit and flanked by two Junkers F13s and another Junior. The spectators crowded round the fence in front of the flight line to greet the corrugated iron aeroplanes that connect them with their city. During the interview, Claus Cordes and Charlotte Junkers answered questions and even signed autographs for young and old.

After the opening of the festival by the mayor of Dessau, a heavy band of rain swept over the area and the spectators took refuge in the marquee for just under an hour.

Claus Cordes was not only in town for the 19th Hugo Junkers Festival, but also because he is starting his 14,000 kilometers tour of Europe from Dessau. After the first ‘Meet the Pilot’ conference, he proudly affixed the first of a total of 12 country stickers to the cowling of his D-MQUI, before taking off a short time later into the cloudy sky.

Finally, on the way 

After starting the 14000 km tour in Dessau, Claus Cordes had to make a small divert, to attend the opening celebration in his position as the DAEC president of the famous Deutschland-Flug at Lahr. Claus Cordes then starts to fly from from Germany to Poland. His destination is Suwalki in the far northeast of the country. 

The engine was started at 0811 in the morning, and he was flying over the famous German Black Forest in the direction of Rothenburg ob der Tauber just to cross the starting grid at the qualification in the German Gliding Masters. At the picturesque Moritzburg Castle, he took some more pictures right out of the cockpit. Then he entered CTR Dresden to make a first fuel stop at Kamenz. After 4 hours and a fuel consumption of 62 liters, it was time to refuel the smoothly running Rotax engine of the A50 and to defuel the pilot. 

The next and last leg was to Poland. Crossing the German mining area, endless forest in the direction of the former Bromberg. The big river Weichsel was a good optical sight to reach and cross and make the way into Poland. The Masurian Lakes covered with unbelievable cloud formations were the first real change in the landscape. A heavy crosswind at the Destination Suwalki made him look for an alternate route, but a professional like him handled it well, and he finally tickled the grass runway of Suwalki.  After a photoflight with the polish journalist and well known photographer Filip Modrzejewski the important things took over the list. Getting some food and spend the night at the aviation club’s house. A rest well deserved. 

Next stop, Finland. 

Flying to Finland: A Journey Above the Land of a Thousand Lakes

Spending the night at the clubhouse of Aeroclub Suwałki, Claus Cordes left early for the next long leg to Finland. Shortly after departure toward Riga, he encountered an issue with flight control — they couldn’t locate his flight plan. As a result, he had to return to Suwałki to straighten things out.

After a second take-off, everything went smoothly, and he followed his planned route to Riga for refuelling. Upon landing, the ground agents in Riga were a bit surprised to see such a small aircraft — they had been expecting an international flight. After a brief but friendly exchange, they handled both the Junkers A50 and its pilot with care and great charm. From there, Claus flew past endless beaches and finally landed at Nummela in Finland just as the last light faded. It was a perfect way to end a long day of flying.

The next — and much shorter — leg to Kauhava began very early at 05:00, as he needed to arrive at the show before 10:00. The flight was nothing short of spectacular. Crossing Finland feels like entering a world where nature still reigns supreme. From the cockpit of the Junkers A50 Junior, the view transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of endless forests, shimmering lakes, and scattered islands — a pilot’s dream.

Finland is known as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes,” but from above, it’s clear the number is far greater. The peaceful expanse of wilderness, dotted with red cottages and winding rivers, offers a unique kind of freedom found only in the north. As Claus headed toward Kauhava, the skies remained calm, the air crisp, and the landscape almost untouched. Flying here is more than just traveling — it’s about connecting with nature in its purest form.

The Kauhava Airshow 2025 exceeded all expectations. The hosts treated Claus and the A50 like superstars. He received pole-position on the tarmac, right next to F-35s, F-18s, Typhoons, and other top-tier aircraft — a place well deserved. The A50 even secured a slot in the flying display and performed brilliantly. The people of Finland were amazed by Junkers’ presence, with many approaching Claus to share their personal stories and connections to the A50.

Thanks to all the people, organizers, and new friends at the Kauhava Airshow.

North Cape next…