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LGW destination photo
HAM destination photo

LGWHAM

Which side of the plane to sit from London Gatwick Airport (London) to Hamburg Airport (Hamburg)?

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior view of the unique West Frisian island chain along the Dutch coast and the dramatic widening of the Elbe Estuary as you approach Northern Germany.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Greater London Skyline

Distant views of the Shard and the City of London shortly after departing Gatwick as the plane turns northeast.

🌊

Thames Estuary

A clear view of the mouth of the River Thames where it meets the North Sea, often dotted with cargo ships.

🏝️

West Frisian Islands

A stunning bird's-eye view of the Dutch islands, including Texel and Terschelling, separated by the Wadden Sea.

🌬️

Offshore Wind Farms

Vast arrays of white turbines standing in the blue waters of the North Sea between the UK and the Netherlands.

🚢

Elbe River Estuary

The scenic entry point into Germany, showing the rugged coastline near Cuxhaven where the Elbe meets the sea.

Book a window seat forward of the wing to ensure unobstructed views of the Frisian Islands. Morning flights are ideal as the sun is positioned to the south, perfectly illuminating the coastal landscapes to the north. Keep your camera ready about 40 minutes into the flight for the best island photography.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏰

Canterbury & Kent

The lush 'Garden of England' countryside with glimpses of historic Kentish towns shortly after takeoff.

🏗️

Port of Rotterdam

One of the world's largest and most complex industrial ports visible along the southern Dutch coastline.

🏙️

Amsterdam Schiphol

Depending on the flight path, you may see the massive layout of one of Europe's busiest aviation hubs.

🚜

Lower Saxony Plains

The geometric patchwork of German agricultural heartlands as you cross into the mainland from the sea.

🏢

Hamburg Port & City

A spectacular view of the Elbphilharmonie and the massive container terminals during the final approach.

The right side is best for urban enthusiasts. Afternoon flights provide warm, golden light over the Dutch and German mainland. During the descent into Hamburg, look out for the massive Airbus factory at Finkenwerder which is often visible on this side just before landing.

Top Activities in Hamburg
Route Information

Distance: 743 km (462 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 14 min

Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)

Arrival: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)

Route Type: International

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