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LHR → LED
Which side of the plane to sit from London Heathrow Airport (London) to Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the London skyline upon departure, the intricate islands of the Swedish archipelago, and a prime view of the historic naval fortress of Cronstadt during the final descent into St. Petersburg.
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London Landmarks
Clear views of the City of London, the Shard, and the Thames if departing on an easterly runway.
North Sea Crossing
Observation of major shipping lanes and massive offshore wind farms near the UK and Dutch coasts.
Danish Coastline
The sandy beaches of Jutland and the distinctive geography of the Limfjord region.
Swedish Archipelago
A stunning mosaic of thousands of small islands and skerries along the southern Swedish coast.
Gulf of Finland
Views of the rugged Finnish coastline and distant glimpses of the Helsinki metropolitan area.
Cronstadt Island
The historic naval base and the magnificent Naval Cathedral are clearly visible on the approach to Pulkovo.
For the best lighting, choose a morning flight so the sun remains on the right side of the aircraft. During winter, look for the 'white sea' effect as the Gulf of Finland often freezes over, creating a surreal arctic landscape. Ensure you are looking out at least 15 minutes before landing to spot the island fortress of Cronstadt.
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Thames Estuary
The industrial heart of the English coast where the river meets the sea.
The Low Countries
Views of the intricate canal systems and reclaimed polders of the Netherlands.
Curonian Spit
The unique, long sand-dune spit separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea.
Tallinn Old Town
Distant views of the medieval spires of Estonia's capital as the flight passes the Baltic states.
Peterhof Palace
The 'Russian Versailles' with its gold fountains and gardens is often visible if the plane approaches from the west.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset reflecting off the Baltic Sea. If the aircraft performs a southern approach into Pulkovo, keep your eyes peeled for the Grand Palace of Peterhof and its expansive park system just a few minutes before touchdown. Use a window seat behind the wing to ensure engine glare doesn't block the view of the Estonian coast.
Book Hotels in St. PetersburgDistance: 2,114 km (1,314 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 49 min
Departure: LHR (51.4706, -0.461941)
Arrival: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)
Route Type: International
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