Right side scores 3.5 versus left's 2.5 due to superior scenic variety: Istanbul's coastal and urban features during departure, followed by the Danube valley and Alpine foothills in the cruise phase, and finally the Franconian landscape with Nuremberg's historic old town during approach. Left side offers only flat Anatolian plains, Hungarian plains, and Bavarian agricultural land with minimal terrain drama or recognizable landmarks.
Flown SAW to NUE? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pendik, Istanbul to Nuernberg is 1,064 miles (1,712 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
Danube River valley (Hungary/Austria border region), Alpine foothills south of Munich, Bavarian plateau transitioning to Franconian hills, scattered lakes in the Bavarian region
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SAW
RIGHTRight side captures Istanbul's urban sprawl, the Sea of Marmara coastline, and the Bosphorus strait during departure from Sabiha Gökçen. Left side faces inland toward Anatolian plains with minimal visual interest.
Landing at NUE
RIGHTRight side offers superior approach scenery: the Franconian landscape with rolling hills, the Pegnitz River valley, and Nuremberg's medieval old town and fortifications are clearly visible during descent. Left side shows only flat agricultural plains with minimal distinguishing features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Nurnberg (NUE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pendik, Istanbul to Nuernberg. Right side scores 3.5 versus left's 2.5 due to superior scenic variety: Istanbul's coastal and urban features during departure, followed by the Danube valley and Alpine foothills in the cruise phase, and finally the Franconian landscape with Nuremberg's historic old town during approach. Left side offers only flat Anatolian plains, Hungarian plains, and Bavarian agricultural land with minimal terrain drama or recognizable landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in Pendik, Istanbul?
During takeoff from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures Istanbul's urban sprawl, the Sea of Marmara coastline, and the Bosphorus strait during departure from Sabiha Gökçen. Left side faces inland toward Anatolian plains with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara (immediate south), Bosphorus strait (northwest), Istanbul urban districts (west), Anatolian plateau (inland, left side).
What can I see when landing at Nurnberg in Nuernberg?
When landing at Nurnberg (NUE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers superior approach scenery: the Franconian landscape with rolling hills, the Pegnitz River valley, and Nuremberg's medieval old town and fortifications are clearly visible during descent. Left side shows only flat agricultural plains with minimal distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Franconian hills and forests (middle distance), Pegnitz River valley (center), Nuremberg's city walls and old town (foreground during final approach), surrounding agricultural plains.
How long is the flight from Pendik, Istanbul to Nuernberg?
The flight from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) to Nurnberg (NUE) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,064 miles (1,712 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pendik, Istanbul to Nuernberg flight path pass over?
Danube River valley (Hungary/Austria border region), Alpine foothills south of Munich, Bavarian plateau transitioning to Franconian hills, scattered lakes in the Bavarian region