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HEL destination photo
ZRH destination photo

HELZRH

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

Our Recommendation
8.6

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the definitive aerial view of the Swiss Alps and the city of Zurich upon arrival, providing a classic postcard perspective of the lake and mountains.

Left Side Highlights
8.6
🇫🇮

Helsinki Archipelago

Rugged clusters of granite islands and forested islets immediately after takeoff from Vantaa.

🇪🇪

Baltic Coastline

High-altitude views of the Estonian coast and the southern reaches of the Gulf of Finland.

🇵🇱

Vistula River

The winding path of Poland's main waterway as it snakes through the vast Mazovian plains.

⛰️

Sudetes Mountains

Dense forest ridges and peaks marking the geographic border between Poland and the Czech Republic.

🏔️

High Alpine Panorama

A breathtaking horizon of snow-capped Swiss and Austrian peaks during the descent phase.

🏙️

Zurich City & Lake

The urban core of Zurich and the iconic long blue stretch of Lake Zurich on final approach.

Choose a seat behind the wing to ensure an unobstructed view of the Alpine range. On morning flights, the sun is positioned to illuminate the Finnish coast and the Baltic Sea, but it moves forward later in the journey, providing perfect lighting for the Swiss landscape during arrival.

Right Side Highlights
7.9
🌊

Gulf of Finland

Wide-angle views of the open sea and the maritime routes connecting Helsinki to the west.

🇩🇪

Central German Uplands

Passing over the rolling hills of the Harz mountains and the dense Thuringian forests.

💧

Lake Constance

The massive body of water shared by Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, known locally as Bodensee.

🌊

Rhine Falls

Europe's most powerful waterfall is often visible to the west shortly before the plane enters the landing pattern.

⛰️

Jura Mountains

The distinct limestone ridges of the Jura range visible in the distance toward the French border.

The right side is ideal for spotting Lake Constance and the Rhine Falls. If you are flying in the late afternoon, this side remains in the shade, which helps reduce glare on your window for better photography of the German and Swiss countryside.

Top Activities in Zurich
Route Information

Distance: 1,778 km (1,105 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min

Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)

Arrival: ZRH (47.464699, 8.54917)

Route Type: International

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