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SOF destination photo
VIE destination photo

SOFVIE

Which side of the plane to sit from Sofia Airport (Sofia) to Vienna International Airport (Vienna)?

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a superior view of the Sofia city skyline and Mount Vitosha immediately after takeoff, followed by a scenic descent over Lake Neusiedl near the Austrian border.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏔️

Mount Vitosha

Rising 2,290 meters, this massive mountain defines the Sofia landscape and is clearly visible south of the flight path shortly after takeoff.

🏙️

Sofia Cityscape

Excellent views of central Sofia, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, as the plane climbs and turns toward the northwest.

⛰️

Serbian Highlands

Dramatic views of the rugged, forested terrain of eastern Serbia before the landscape flattens into the Pannonian Basin.

🌊

Lake Neusiedl

One of the few endorheic lakes in Europe, this shallow steppe lake marks the border between Hungary and Austria just before landing.

🚜

Burgenland Vineyards

A mosaic of Austrian wine country and rolling green hills during the final approach into Vienna International Airport.

Sit on the left for the best sunrise views on early morning flights. On the approach to VIE, keep an eye out for the Leitha Mountains. If the plane lands from the south (Runway 34), you will get an excellent view of the reeds and waters of Lake Neusiedl.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🌲

Stara Planina

The northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains stretch out to the east, offering views of dense forests and deep valleys.

💧

The Danube River

Multiple crossings and sightings of the Danube as it winds through Serbia and Hungary toward the Black Sea.

🏢

Belgrade Suburbs

Depending on the specific airway, the outskirts of the Serbian capital may be visible as the aircraft heads north.

🌾

Pannonian Plain

The vast, flat agricultural heartland of Central Europe, characterized by geometric fields and small rural villages.

🎡

Vienna Skyline

If landing toward the west (Runway 29), the right side offers views of the DC Towers and the Donauturm in the distance.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Watch for the large bend in the Danube River near Budapest, though the city itself is usually too far north for a direct view. On clear days, you can see the expansive wind farms located near the Austrian-Slovak border.

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Route Information

Distance: 804 km (500 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 20 min

Departure: SOF (42.69669342041016, 23.411436080932617)

Arrival: VIE (48.110298156738, 16.569700241089002)

Route Type: International

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