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SOF → VIE
Which side of the plane to sit from Sofia Airport (Sofia) to Vienna International Airport (Vienna)?
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.
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.
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.
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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