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WAW destination photo

CGNWAW

Which side of the plane to sit from Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne) to Warsaw Chopin Airport (Warsaw)?

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of Germany's industrial heartland, the northern German plains, and a potential glimpse of the Berlin skyline depending on the specific flight path, followed by the lush landscapes of Western Poland.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Ruhr Metropolis

Shortly after takeoff, view the dense urban sprawl of Dortmund and the surrounding industrial landscape of the Ruhr area.

🌳

Teutoburg Forest

A long, narrow forested ridge extending through Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia, providing a sharp contrast to the surrounding plains.

🗼

Berlin Silhouette

On clear days, if the flight path stays north of the city, the iconic Berlin TV Tower and the sprawling capital are visible in the distance.

🌊

Oder River Border

The natural border between Germany and Poland, winding through the flat landscape of the Middle Oder Valley.

⛪

Poznań

View the historic city center and the Warta River as you traverse the Greater Poland region.

🌲

Kampinos National Park

A vast primeval forest located just west of Warsaw, signaling the final approach into Chopin Airport.

Sit in the front or rear of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. For morning flights, the sun will be behind you on this side, providing excellent lighting for photography of Berlin and Poznań. Keep an eye out about 40-50 minutes into the flight for the best chance to spot the German capital.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
⛰️

Sauerland Mountains

Rolling hills and dense forests of the 'Land of a Thousand Mountains' immediately south of the flight path after departure.

🏔️

Harz Mountains

Look for the Brocken, the highest peak in Northern Germany, often shrouded in mist or snow during winter months.

🏗️

Leipzig Hub

The significant industrial and logistics hub of Leipzig and its prominent airport are often visible to the south.

🛶

Lusatian Lake District

A man-made lake district created from former open-cast mines, showing unique turquoise waters and geometric shorelines.

🏭

Łódź Urban Area

The sprawling industrial city of Łódź, known for its unique red-brick textile factory architecture visible from altitude.

🐍

Vistula River Bends

The winding curves of Poland's longest river as it approaches Warsaw from the south.

The right side faces south, meaning direct sunlight can be intense during midday flights; keep your window shade partially down to reduce glare. This side is better for viewing the varied topography of Central Germany's uplands. In winter, the Harz mountains on this side often provide the most dramatic snowy scenery.

Top Activities in Warsaw
Route Information

Distance: 966 km (600 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 37 min

Departure: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)

Arrival: WAW (52.1656990051, 20.9671001434)

Route Type: International

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