Loading map...

SUF destination photo
CGN destination photo

SUFCGN

Which side of the plane to sit from Lamezia Terme Airport (Lamezia) to Cologne Bonn Airport (Cologne)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior view of the Italian mainland, including iconic volcanoes and major cities, followed by the heart of the Swiss Alps and the picturesque Rhine river descent.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌋

Mount Vesuvius

A dramatic view of the famous volcano and the sprawling Bay of Naples during the climb out of Calabria.

🏛️

Rome & Tiber River

Look for the sprawling urban expanse of the Eternal City and the winding Tiber as you pass over Central Italy.

🏔️

Swiss Alps Massif

A breathtaking crossing of the high Alps, featuring glaciers and jagged peaks like the Eiger and Jungfrau.

💧

Lake Constance

The massive 'Bodensee' where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland meet, often clearly visible before entering German airspace.

🏰

Middle Rhine Valley

On final approach to Cologne, look for the UNESCO-listed valley filled with vineyards and medieval hilltop castles.

The right side is unbeatable for afternoon flights as the setting sun illuminates the Alpine peaks in shades of pink and orange (Alpenglow). Watch specifically for the Rhine river during the last 20 minutes of flight; the pilot often follows its curves for the landing at CGN, providing a great view of the river's industrial and historical significance.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏝️

Aeolian Islands

Distant views of Stromboli and other volcanic islands dotting the Tyrrhenian Sea shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Ligurian Coast

Glimpses of the Italian Riviera and the port city of Genoa as the flight turns north toward Central Europe.

🏔️

Mont Blanc & Western Alps

Spectacular views of the highest peaks in Europe if the flight path tracks slightly westward across the border.

🌲

Black Forest

Dense, dark green forest canopies stretching across the southwestern German landscape during the descent.

Choose the left side for morning flights to minimize sun glare while looking toward the sea. Keep an eye out for the island of Corsica on the horizon during the first half of the journey. In the winter months, the snow-covered peaks of the Western Alps provide a stark, beautiful contrast against the blue Mediterranean.

Top Activities in Cologne
Route Information

Distance: 1,508 km (937 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 1 min

Departure: SUF (38.905399, 16.2423)

Arrival: CGN (50.8658981323, 7.1427397728)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.