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HAM destination photo
OLB destination photo

HAMOLB

Which side of the plane to sit from Hamburg Airport (Hamburg) to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (Olbia)?

Our Recommendation
8.9

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior sequence of landmarks, including the Port of Hamburg at takeoff, the more dramatic central Swiss Alps, the Italian Riviera coastline, and an incredible longitudinal view of Corsica's rugged mountain spine.

Right Side Highlights
8.9
🚢

Port of Hamburg

Europe's third-largest port and the winding Elbe river are clearly visible during departure.

🌊

Lake Constance

The 'Bodensee' creates a massive blue triangle marking the border between Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

🏔️

Central Swiss Alps

Spectacular views of the Glarus Alps and the high peaks of the Swiss interior.

🛥️

Ligurian Coast

The Italian Riviera and the city of Genoa appear as the aircraft moves from the mainland to the sea.

⛰️

Corsica Mountains

The route flies almost parallel to Corsica, providing a stunning view of its 2,000m+ granite peaks.

🚤

Strait of Bonifacio

The narrow, turquoise channel separating Corsica and Sardinia just before landing.

The right side is the clear winner for geographic diversity. For the best photography, choose a seat behind the wing to capture the Alpine panoramas. Mid-day flights provide the best lighting for the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean and the Strait of Bonifacio. Be aware that during high-pressure systems, haze over the Po Valley might obscure the ground between the Alps and the coast.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏙️

Hamburg City & Alster

Aerial views of the Outer and Inner Alster lakes and the historic city center shortly after takeoff.

⛰️

The Harz Mountains

The northernmost mountain range in Germany, featuring the Brocken peak visible as you head south.

🏔️

Austrian Alps

Expansive views of the high glaciated peaks of the Silvretta and Arlberg regions.

💧

Lake Garda

On a clear day, the southern tip of Italy's largest lake is often visible to the east.

🏝️

Elba Island

Napoleon's place of exile stands out clearly in the Tyrrhenian Sea during the descent.

Sit on the left if you want the best view of the Emerald Coast (Costa Smeralda) beaches during the final approach into Olbia. Early morning flights are ideal as the rising sun illuminates the Alps from the east, highlighting the jagged ridges. If the flight path is more easterly, you might also catch a glimpse of the Bavarian Lake District.

Top Activities in Olbia
Route Information

Distance: 1,416 km (880 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 53 min

Departure: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)

Arrival: OLB (40.898701, 9.51763)

Route Type: International

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