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CTA → HAM
Which side of the plane to sit from Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (Catania) to Hamburg Airport (Hamburg)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, featuring the active crater of Mount Etna, the volcanic Aeolian Islands, the rugged Tuscan coast, and the most dramatic glaciers of the Central Alps.
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Mount Etna
Dominates the horizon immediately after departure, offering views into the smoking craters of Europe's highest volcano.
Aeolian Islands
Spot the volcanic island of Stromboli rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea as you head north toward the mainland.
Tuscan Archipelago
The islands of Elba and Giglio are visible against the backdrop of the jagged Italian western coastline.
Central Alps
Breathtaking views of the high-altitude glaciers and the rugged peaks along the Swiss and Austrian borders.
Frankfurt Skyline
Clear views of the 'Mainhattan' skyscrapers and the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers.
Port of Hamburg
Depending on the landing pattern, you may see the massive container cranes and the Elbphilharmonie during descent.
Sit in front of the wing for unobstructed views of Etna during climb-out. For morning flights, the left side is the 'shade side,' which reduces window glare and makes photography of the Alps much easier. If the flight arrives from the north, the left side is also optimal for seeing the Alster Lake.
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Strait of Messina
The narrow blue channel separating Sicily from the Calabria region on the Italian mainland.
The Dolomites
The iconic jagged limestone spires of the Eastern Alps, often glowing pink or orange in the afternoon light.
Munich & Bavaria
Look for the Allianz Arena and the sprawl of the Bavarian capital as you cross into southern Germany.
Harz Mountains
The northernmost mountain range in Germany, featuring the Brocken peak often shrouded in mist.
Elbe River
The silver ribbon of the Elbe river winding through the lush green North German Plain.
The right side is excellent for viewing the Italian interior and the Dolomites. However, on afternoon flights, you will face direct sunlight for most of the journey, which can make the cabin hot and cause significant lens flare when taking photos of the mountains.
Book Hotels in HamburgDistance: 1,839 km (1,143 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 27 min
Departure: CTA (37.466801, 15.0664)
Arrival: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)
Route Type: International
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