Loading map...
HEL → ZRH
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Zürich Airport (Zurich)?
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.
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.
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.
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
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.