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NUE destination photo
HAM destination photo

NUEHAM

Which side of the plane to sit from Nuremberg Airport (Nuernberg) to Hamburg Airport (Hamburg)?

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side of the aircraft generally offers superior views of the diverse German landscape, including the rolling hills of the Thuringian Forest, the iconic Brocken peak in the Harz Mountains, and a clearer view of the city of Hannover during the descent.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏰

Bamberg

Soon after takeoff, look for the UNESCO World Heritage old town of Bamberg and its distinctive cathedral.

🌲

Thuringian Forest

Cross over the dense, green ridges of the Thüringer Wald, a major mountain range in central Germany.

⛰️

The Brocken

As you fly north, the highest peak of the Harz Mountains is often visible to the west, sometimes capped with snow.

🏙️

Hannover Skyline

During the descent phase, the city of Hannover and the Maschsee lake are typically visible out the left window.

⚓

River Elbe

Upon the final approach to Hamburg, you will see the wide Elbe river winding its way toward the North Sea.

For the best lighting, choose the left side on late afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun while still capturing the golden hour over the Harz Mountains. During winter, look for the snow-line transition as you move from Franconia into the higher elevations of central Germany.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🎵

Bayreuth

Shortly after departure, you may spot the outskirts of the town famous for its Richard Wagner Festival.

🏛️

Erfurt and Weimar

Views of these historic Thuringian cities known for their rich cultural and architectural heritage.

🌾

Lüneburg Heath

The landscape flattens into the North German Plain, characterized by the vast purple-hued heathland in late summer.

🏗️

Port of Hamburg

On certain approach paths, the massive container terminals and cranes of Europe's third-largest port come into view.

🛶

Alster Lakes

Depending on the landing direction (Runway 23 or 15), you might get a glimpse of the Inner and Outer Alster lakes in central Hamburg.

The right side is ideal for morning flights when the sun illuminates the landscape from the east. If the flight approaches Hamburg from the east (Runway 33), the right side offers an excellent view of the suburban green belts and the Bergedorf district.

Top Activities in Hamburg
Route Information

Distance: 466 km (290 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 47 min

Departure: NUE (49.498699, 11.078056)

Arrival: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)

Route Type: Domestic

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