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LGW destination photo
ERF destination photo

LGWERF

Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Erfurt Airport (Erfurt)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a more scenic experience, featuring iconic views of the English coastline, the rolling Ardennes hills, and the lush Thuringian Forest during the descent into Erfurt.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
⚪

White Cliffs of Dover

Iconic views of the famous chalk cliffs as the flight leaves the British Isles.

🚢

English Channel

One of the world's busiest shipping lanes, filled with cargo ships and ferries.

🌳

Ardennes Forest

A vast region of rugged terrain, rolling hills, and dense forests spanning Belgium and Luxembourg.

🏰

Rhine River Valley

The winding Rhine river, known for its hilltop castles and the Siebengebirge hills near Bonn.

🌲

Thuringian Forest

Beautiful mountain range views as the aircraft begins its final approach into Erfurt.

The right side is highly recommended for the initial 20 minutes of flight to catch the Dover coastline. During the final descent, the Thuringian Forest provides a stunning green backdrop. For the best lighting, evening flights provide a warm glow over the German countryside on this side.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🇬🇧

North Downs & Kent

Aerial views of the 'Garden of England' and the rolling chalk hills south of London.

🌊

Thames Estuary

The wide mouth of the River Thames where it meets the North Sea, visible shortly after takeoff.

🛳️

Zeebrugge Port

One of Europe's largest and most modern shipping hubs on the Belgian coast.

🏢

Brussels Metropolitan Area

The sprawling urban landscape of the Belgian capital and European political center.

🏭

The Ruhr Valley

Distant views of Germany's industrial heartland and its dense network of cities.

Sit on the left if you prefer urban landscapes and industrial geography. On clear days, you may see as far as Antwerp. This side is typically shielded from direct sunlight during morning eastbound flights, reducing glare for photography.

Top Activities in Erfurt
Route Information

Distance: 779 km (484 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 18 min

Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)

Arrival: ERF (50.97980117797852, 10.958100318908691)

Route Type: International

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