Loading map...
BTS → CRL
Which side of the plane to sit from M. R. Štefánik Airport (Bratislava) to Brussels South Charleroi Airport (Charleroi)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the Austrian Alps on the horizon and a spectacular panoramic view of Vienna shortly after takeoff from Bratislava.
Vienna and the Danube
Within 10 minutes of takeoff, look for the sprawling capital of Austria and the winding blue ribbon of the Danube river.
The Northern Alps
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Austrian and Bavarian Alps are visible to the south throughout the first half of the flight.
Lake Chiemsee
A massive Bavarian lake known as the Bavarian Sea, featuring the Herrenchiemsee Palace on one of its islands.
Upper Rhine Valley
The flight crosses the scenic Rhine river, revealing a patchwork of German vineyards and industrial heartlands.
The Ardennes Forest
During the descent into Charleroi, the rolling green hills and dense forests of the Belgian Ardennes dominate the landscape.
Sit on the left for the best sunrise views on early morning flights. For the best Alpine visibility, choose a flight departing between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun is high and illuminates the mountain faces to the south. Keep your camera ready immediately after departure from BTS, as the proximity to Vienna is surprisingly close.
Bratislava Castle
Depending on the takeoff direction, the iconic four-towered castle and the UFO bridge are visible immediately after lift-off.
The Bohemian Massif
Views of the ancient, rounded mountain range that forms the natural border between the Czech Republic and Germany.
Frankfurt Skyline
On more northerly routes, the high-rise financial district of Frankfurt ('Mainhattan') can be seen in the distance.
The Meuse River
As you enter Belgian airspace, look for the Meuse river cutting through the limestone cliffs near Dinant and Namur.
The right side is better for evening flights to avoid the direct glare of the setting sun. It offers a clearer view of the rolling hills of Central Germany. If the wind requires an approach from the West into Charleroi, the right side may catch a distant glimpse of the Brussels skyline before the final turn.
Distance: 958 km (595 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: BTS (48.17020034790039, 17.212699890136722)
Arrival: CRL (50.459202000000005, 4.4538199999999994)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.