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CGN → BCN
Which side of the plane to sit from Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne) to Barcelona International Airport (Barcelona)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the diverse European landscape, including the winding Moselle river, the dramatic Massif Central, and a spectacular crossing of the Pyrenees mountain range before descending over the rugged Costa Brava.
Moselle Valley
Observation of the tight river bends and steep vineyard slopes in the Eifel and Moselle regions.
Massif Central
The rugged, volcanic topography of central France, featuring ancient craters and highland plateaus.
Pyrenees Mountains
A breathtaking crossing of the high-altitude border peaks between France and Spain, often covered in snow.
Costa Brava
The jagged cliffs and hidden coves of the 'Wild Coast' appearing as the plane prepares for landing.
Montserrat
The iconic, serrated silhouette of the Montserrat mountain range located just northwest of Barcelona.
The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to see the sunset over the Spanish interior. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing for the Pyrenees. For the best views of Montserrat, look out just as the plane begins its final turn towards the airport.
Rhine Valley
Aerial views of the Rhine river and the historic architectural landscape of the Rhineland shortly after takeoff.
Distant Alps
On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the French and Swiss Alps are visible on the far eastern horizon.
Gulf of Lion
The deep blue expanse of the Mediterranean Sea as the aircraft transitions from French to Spanish airspace.
Barcelona Cityscape
Views of the Eixample district's grid and the Sagrada Familia if the flight follows the common coastal approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct glare and to catch the sunrise over the Mediterranean. It is also the preferred side for viewing the Port of Barcelona and the beaches during the final descent when landing from the northeast.
Distance: 1,133 km (704 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 31 min
Departure: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)
Arrival: BCN (41.2971, 2.07846)
Route Type: International
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