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FCO → CGN
Which side of the plane to sit from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (Rome) to Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a more dramatic perspective of the Mediterranean coastline and the most iconic high-altitude glacial peaks of the Swiss and Italian Alps.
Tuscan Archipelago
Views of the Tyrrhenian Sea including the island of Elba and the rugged coastline of Tuscany shortly after departure.
Lake Maggiore
A stunning view of this massive glacial lake and the Borromean Islands as the plane approaches the mountain range.
Bernese Alps
Breathtaking vistas of the high peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau as you cross the heart of Switzerland.
Black Forest
The dense, dark evergreen canopy of the Schwarzwald region in Southwestern Germany provides a lush green landscape.
Vulkaneifel
The unique volcanic landscape and maars (crater lakes) of the Eifel region visible during the final descent phase.
Book a morning flight for the best photographic lighting on the Alps. Ensure your seat is forward of the wing to get an unobstructed view of the glaciers. In winter, the contrast between the snowy peaks and the green valleys of the Rhine is most prominent.
Rome Suburbs
Panoramic views of the Tiber river and the sprawling outskirts of the Eternal City immediately after takeoff.
Apennine Mountains
The rugged spine of Italy featuring deep valleys and historic hilltop villages stretching toward the horizon.
Lake Constance
The massive tri-border lake (Bodensee) where Switzerland, Germany, and Austria meet, often serving as a key navigation waypoint.
Frankfurt Skyline
On clear days, the distant skyscrapers of Germany's financial hub can be seen as the flight tracks north.
Drachenburg Castle
Historic fortifications and the scenic Siebengebirge hills near Bonn are often visible on the final approach into CGN.
The right side is excellent for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep a look out for the winding Rhine River about 20 minutes before landing, as it leads the plane directly toward the Cologne-Bonn metropolitan area.
Distance: 1,081 km (672 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 26 min
Departure: FCO (41.8002778, 12.2388889)
Arrival: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)
Route Type: International
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