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BRU destination photo
HEL destination photo

BRUHEL

Which side of the plane to sit from Brussels Airport (Brussels) to Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki)?

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the intricate coastlines of the Netherlands and Denmark, the iconic Öresund Bridge area, and the stunning Turku Archipelago before landing.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Antwerp & Port

Shortly after takeoff from Brussels, see the massive industrial layout and docks of one of Europe's largest ports.

🏖️

Frisian Islands

A stunning chain of sandy islands stretching along the Dutch and German coasts in the Wadden Sea.

🌉

Öresund Bridge

The massive bridge and tunnel complex connecting Copenhagen, Denmark to Malmö, Sweden across the strait.

🏝️

Gotland Island

The largest island in the Baltic Sea, featuring rugged limestone formations and the medieval town of Visby.

🛶

Turku Archipelago

A mesmerizing maze of thousands of small forested islands as the plane enters Finnish airspace.

Choose the left side for evening flights to catch the sunset over the North Sea and Baltic. During the winter months, look for the 'blue hour' light reflecting off frozen coastal waters. Keep your camera ready as you cross the Danish islands, as the geometric patterns of the fields and coastline are very photogenic.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏭

Northern Germany

Views of the industrial landscapes near Hamburg and the winding Elbe river leading to the sea.

🌊

Rügen Island

Germany's largest island, known for its iconic white chalk cliffs and Jasmund National Park.

🇪🇪

Estonian Shoreline

As you head north, the Estonian coast and the capital city of Tallinn may be visible across the Gulf of Finland.

⛴️

Gulf of Finland Traffic

Heavy maritime activity with numerous ferries and cargo ships crossing between Helsinki and Tallinn.

🏠

Helsinki Skyline

On many approach paths, the right side provides a clear view of the city center and the Suomenlinna sea fortress.

The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It offers a great perspective of the southern Baltic coastline of Poland and the Baltics. During the final descent into Vantaa, the right side often provides a better angle for seeing the urban sprawl and dense forests surrounding Helsinki.

Top Activities in Helsinki
Route Information

Distance: 1,647 km (1,023 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 12 min

Departure: BRU (50.9014015198, 4.48443984985)

Arrival: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)

Route Type: International

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