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DRS → CGN
Which side of the plane to sit from Dresden Airport (Dresden) to Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an exceptional view of the historic Dresden skyline immediately after takeoff and a superior perspective of the dense Thuringian Forest ridges during mid-flight.
Dresden Altstadt
Aerial view of the Frauenkirche, Zwinger palace, and the Elbe river winding through the city center.
Thuringian Forest
The 'Green Heart of Germany' featuring the long ridge of the Rennsteig and deep emerald valleys.
Rhön Mountains
Volcanic peaks and open plateaus, including the Wasserkuppe, known as the birthplace of gliding.
Siegerland
Characteristic red-roofed villages nestled within the densely forested hills of southern Westphalia.
Westerwald
Rugged plateau landscapes transitioning into the Rhine valley region near the end of the cruise.
Sit on the left for the best sunrise views on early morning flights. Upon departure from DRS, if the plane takes off towards the west, you will get a direct view of the Elbe valley. During the winter months, look for the illuminated ski slopes in the Thuringian Forest for a magical night-time perspective.
Meissen
The historic cradle of Saxony, famous for porcelain, with its stunning Albrechtsburg castle overlooking the Elbe.
Harz Mountains
On clear days, the Brocken peak—the highest point in Northern Germany—is visible on the northern horizon.
Sauerland
The 'Land of a Thousand Mountains' featuring rolling green hills and numerous large reservoirs like the Biggesee.
Bergisches Land
The final scenic stretch before landing, characterized by steep valleys and historic industrial towns.
Rhine-Ruhr Periphery
The transition from natural landscapes to the dense urban sprawl of the Cologne-Bonn metropolitan area.
The right side is perfect for late afternoon or evening flights to avoid the glare of the southern sun. Keep your eyes north to spot the distinctive silhouette of the Brocken mountain. During the descent into CGN, you may catch a glimpse of the Wuppertal Schwebebahn (suspension railway) if the flight path tracks slightly north.
Distance: 464 km (288 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 46 min
Departure: DRS (51.1328010559082, 13.767200469970703)
Arrival: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)
Route Type: Domestic
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