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DRS destination photo
CGN destination photo

DRSCGN

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

Our Recommendation
7.8

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
⛪

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏺

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.

Top Activities in Cologne
Route Information

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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