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HEL → GVA
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Geneva Cointrin International Airport (Geneva)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior panoramic experience, particularly during the second half of the flight. It offers an expansive view of the Baltic coastline followed by a breathtaking approach into Geneva that showcases the Swiss Alps and the Lake Geneva shoreline.
Search flights from HEL to GVA
Helsinki Archipelago
Immediately after takeoff, witness the intricate network of thousands of small islands and skerries dotting the Gulf of Finland.
Baltic Coastlines
Clear views of the Estonian coast and later the northern German islands like Rügen as the plane tracks south-southwest.
Central European Cities
Aerial views of metropolitan areas such as Berlin or Dresden, depending on the specific air traffic control routing.
The Swiss Alps
A spectacular panorama of the snow-capped Alpine peaks as the aircraft begins its descent toward the Geneva basin.
Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)
The crescent-shaped lake comes into full view, with the Lavaux vineyards visible along the northern slopes during descent.
Book a window seat on the left to capture the sunrise during early morning flights or the soft 'golden hour' glow on the Alps for late afternoon arrivals. On the approach to GVA, the left side usually gets the best view of the Mont Blanc massif in the distance if landing on Runway 22.
Get eSIMs for Finland
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Gotland and Öland
On clear days, the large Swedish islands in the Baltic Sea are visible across the water to the west.
Baltic Shipping Lanes
Observe the busy maritime traffic moving between Scandinavia and Central Europe from a high altitude.
The Rhine Valley
The flight often passes over or near the industrial heart of Germany, showing the winding Rhine river and major logistics hubs.
The Jura Mountains
As you enter Swiss airspace, look for the rugged, forested ridges of the Jura range defining the border with France.
Geneva City & Jet d'Eau
During the final turn for landing, you may catch a glimpse of the famous 140-meter tall water fountain in the harbor.
The right side is excellent for avoiding direct sun glare on southbound afternoon flights. It offers the best perspective of the Jura Mountains during the final approach. If the plane performs a circular holding pattern over the lake, you may get a brief but perfect view of the city center.
Book Hotels in GenevaDistance: 1,991 km (1,237 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 39 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: GVA (46.23809814453125, 6.108950138092041)
Route Type: International
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