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DRS destination photo
FRA destination photo

DRSFRA

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is generally preferred for the iconic 'Mainhattan' skyline view of Frankfurt during the final approach and for spotting the historic Wartburg Castle mid-flight.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏰

Wartburg Castle

Look for this UNESCO World Heritage site perched on a hill near Eisenach, iconic in German history.

🏙️

Fulda

View the city of Fulda and its baroque cathedral district mid-route.

🏙️

Frankfurt Skyline

The star attraction: The high-rise clusters of the banking district, often clearly visible during the approach into FRA.

🛶

Main River Bend

Follow the winding path of the Main River as it leads the aircraft toward the airport.

✈️

FRA Airport Complex

Get a comprehensive view of one of Europe's largest aviation hubs including the massive Terminal 1 and CargoCity.

The right side is the 'money shot' for the Frankfurt skyline. On a standard westerly landing (Runway 25), the right side provides an unobstructed view of the skyscrapers. Afternoon flights are best on this side to have the sun behind you, illuminating the city towers perfectly for photography.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏰

Dresden Old Town

Aerial views of the Elbe River and the rebuilt historic center including the Frauenkirche right after takeoff.

⛰️

Ore Mountains

A distant look at the Erzgebirge ridge along the Czech border to the south.

🌲

Thuringian Forest

Fly over the dense greenery of the Rennsteig hiking region and its rolling peaks.

⛰️

Rhön Mountains

Spot the Wasserkuppe, the highest peak in Hesse, famous for its gliding history.

🏢

Offenbach and Frankfurt South

Detailed views of the suburban sprawl and the Commerzbank Arena stadium during descent.

Choose the left side for morning departures to minimize direct sun glare when looking south. It offers better views of the rugged Thuringian landscapes and the initial climb over the Elbe Valley. Watch for the 'Veste Coburg' fortress far in the distance if visibility is high.

Top Activities in Frankfurt
Route Information

Distance: 387 km (240 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 39 min

Departure: DRS (51.1328010559082, 13.767200469970703)

Arrival: FRA (50.033333, 8.570556)

Route Type: Domestic

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