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SAW destination photo

DTMSAW

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a magnificent perspective of the Eastern Alps in the distance, the meandering Danube River, and a spectacular approach over the Sea of Marmara with views of the Istanbul skyline.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
⛰️

Bavarian and Austrian Alps

Panoramic views of the snow-capped Eastern Alpine peaks visible on the horizon while cruising over southern Germany.

💧

The Danube Bend

The iconic curve of Europe's second-longest river as it flows through the Hungarian landscape towards Budapest.

🏜️

Balkan Mountains

Rugged, limestone ridges and deep valleys of the Stara Planina range stretching across Bulgaria.

🚢

Sea of Marmara

A bird's-eye view of massive cargo ships anchored and the Princes' Islands just before touchdown.

🏙️

Istanbul Skyline

The historic peninsula and the dense urban sprawl of the city as the plane aligns for the Sabiha Gökçen runway.

The right side is the 'golden side' for sunset flights, as the sun sets over the Marmara Sea. During the landing approach at SAW, sit here to see the Princes' Islands and the sparkling lights of the Asian side of Istanbul. Keep your camera ready as you cross the Danube for excellent river photography.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏰

Central German Highlands

Dense forests and rolling hills of the Sauerland region immediately after takeoff from Dortmund.

🇨🇿

Bohemian Basin

Aerial views of the Czech landscape and the distant outskirts of Prague depending on the specific flight corridor.

🏔️

Tatra Mountains

On clear days, the jagged peaks of the High Tatras are visible to the far north as you cross Hungary.

🌊

Black Sea Coastline

The dramatic transition from the Bulgarian plains to the deep blue waters of the Black Sea near the Turkish border.

🌉

Northern Bosporus

Views of the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge and the lush green forests of northern Istanbul during the descent.

The left side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the harsh southern sun. It provides the best view of the Black Sea coastline during the final 20 minutes of the flight. Look out for the massive new Istanbul Airport (IST) complex far to the north during the approach.

Top Activities in Istanbul
Route Information

Distance: 2,032 km (1,263 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 43 min

Departure: DTM (51.518299102799986, 7.61223983765)

Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)

Route Type: International

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