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HEL destination photo
HAM destination photo

HELHAM

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior vantage point for iconic landmarks, including the Swedish coast, the spectacular Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden to Denmark, and a prime view of Hamburg's city center and Alster lakes during the descent.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🇸🇪

Öland and Kalmar

View the long, slender Swedish island of Öland and the historic city of Kalmar as you track south along the Swedish coast.

🌉

Øresund Bridge

The massive bridge-tunnel system linking Malmö and Copenhagen is one of the most spectacular engineering sights from the air.

🇩🇰

Copenhagen Panorama

Get a clear view of the Danish capital, including its harbor, modern architecture, and the nearby Kastrup Airport.

🏗️

Fehmarn Belt Link

See the massive construction site of the fixed link tunnel currently being built between Denmark and the German island of Fehmarn.

🌊

Hamburg Alster Lakes

On final approach into HAM, the plane often passes directly west of the Inner and Outer Alster lakes, offering a perfect view of the city center.

The right side is essential for bridge enthusiasts; keep your camera ready approximately 50 minutes into the flight for the Øresund crossing. For the best view of Hamburg's skyline and the Elbphilharmonie, hope for an arrival from the north or east where the plane banks over the city.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🏝️

Helsinki Archipelago

Immediately after takeoff, witness the thousands of tiny granite islands and forested islets that make up the unique Finnish coastline.

🇪🇪

Estonian Islands

On a clear day, look across the Gulf of Finland to see the large islands of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa along the Estonian coast.

🏖️

Rügen Island

As the plane nears Germany, see the white chalk cliffs and sandy beaches of Germany's largest island in the Baltic Sea.

⛪

Hanseatic Lübeck

During the final descent phase, the medieval spires and the historic old town of Lübeck are often visible to the south.

Sit on the left for the best morning light during southbound flights to avoid glare. It is the best side for spotting the lights of coastal Estonian and Latvian towns during night flights. Watch for the 'Old Town' layout of Lübeck just minutes before landing.

Top Activities in Hamburg
Route Information

Distance: 1,169 km (726 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 34 min

Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)

Arrival: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)

Route Type: International

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