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HEL → MUC
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Munich Airport (Munich)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more diverse landscape, including the Finnish archipelago, the historic Polish coastline near Gdańsk, and the striking silhouette of the Alps during the descent into Bavaria.
Helsinki Archipelago
Immediately after takeoff, witness the intricate network of thousands of small islands scattered across the Gulf of Finland.
Gdańsk Bay
Mid-way through the flight, the route often passes near the Polish coast, offering views of the Hel Peninsula and Gdańsk harbor.
Berlin Metropolitan Area
Depending on the specific airway, the sprawling urban landscape of the German capital is often visible to the east.
Saxon Switzerland
Near the border of Germany and Czechia, look for the unique sandstone formations and deep valleys of the Elbe River.
Danube River
During the descent, cross over the winding Danube River near the historic city of Regensburg.
Alpine Panorama
On final approach, the northern edge of the Alps provides a stunning backdrop to the south of Munich.
Choose a window seat in front of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Morning flights provide excellent front-lighting on the Baltic coast. During winter, look for the unique patterns of sea ice in the Gulf of Finland shortly after departure from HEL.
Nuuksio National Park
Views of the dense forests and lakes of the Espoo region shortly after climbing out of Helsinki.
Rügen Island
Spot the white chalk cliffs and sandy beaches of Germany's largest island as you cross the Baltic coast.
Mecklenburg Lake District
A vast area of interconnected lakes and wetlands in northern Germany, known as the 'Land of a Thousand Lakes'.
Nuremberg Cityscape
As you enter Bavarian airspace, the red-roofed old town and castle of Nuremberg are often visible to the west.
Allianz Arena
If landing from the east, look for the iconic 'inflatable' architecture of Munich's primary football stadium.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the European continent. It also offers a better chance to see the island of Gotland in the middle of the Baltic Sea if the flight path tracks slightly westward.
Distance: 1,575 km (979 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 6 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: MUC (48.353802, 11.7861)
Route Type: International
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