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CGN → ESB
Which side of the plane to sit from Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne) to Esenboğa International Airport (Ankara)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the Black Sea coastline and the transition from the European continent into the rugged Pontic Mountains of northern Turkey.
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Rhine River Valley
Spectacular views of the winding Rhine and its industrial heartland shortly after departure from Cologne.
Austrian Alps
Distant but majestic views of the snow-capped Eastern Alps as the flight path cuts across Central Europe.
Vienna & the Danube
Aerial perspective of the Austrian capital and the blue ribbon of the Danube river snaking through the plains.
Balkan Range
Rugged, forested peaks of the Stara Planina mountains stretching across Bulgaria.
Black Sea Coastline
Stunning views of the Turkish coastline near Zonguldak where the deep blue water meets the green cliffs.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you. This side provides the best visibility of the Black Sea shoreline before the final turn toward Ankara. In winter, the snow-covered Balkan mountains are particularly photogenic from this side.
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Bavarian Forest
Expansive views of the dense evergreen forests and rolling hills of southern Germany.
Belgrade
The confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers marking the location of the Serbian capital.
Vitosha Mountain
The massive volcanic dome overlooking the city of Sofia, Bulgaria, visible during the mid-flight cruise.
Anatolian Plateau
The unique, arid, and golden-hued landscapes of central Turkey during the descent into Esenboğa.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Anatolian plateau. During the approach into ESB, this side often sees the urban sprawl of Ankara if the aircraft approaches from the north. Watch for the dramatic change in soil color as you enter Turkish airspace.
Book Hotels in AnkaraDistance: 2,324 km (1,444 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 6 min
Departure: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)
Arrival: ESB (40.1281013489, 32.995098114)
Route Type: International
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