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RJK destination photo
HAM destination photo

RJKHAM

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

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior perspective of the highest peaks in the Austrian Alps, including the Grossglockner, and provides a clear view of the Harz Mountains during the descent into Northern Germany.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Istrian Peninsula

Panoramic views of the rugged coastline of Istria and the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea shortly after takeoff.

🏔️

Julian Alps

Spectacular views of Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia, known for its distinct three-headed shape.

❄️

Hohe Tauern Range

A stunning flyover of Austria's highest mountains, featuring glaciers and the majestic Grossglockner peak.

🌲

Bavarian Landscapes

Overlooking the dense forests and rolling hills of Southern Germany as the plane heads north.

⛰️

Harz Mountains

View the Brocken, the highest peak in Northern Germany, often shrouded in mist or snow during winter months.

For the best visibility of the Alps, book a morning flight to have the sun behind the plane, illuminating the peaks. In winter, the snow-covered mountains are exceptionally bright, so sunglasses are recommended. On the approach to Hamburg, the left side often sees the Alster lakes if the wind requires a northern landing pattern.

Right Side Highlights
8.0
🌉

Krk Bridge

A direct look at the impressive concrete arch bridge connecting the island of Krk to the Croatian mainland.

🏔️

Dachstein Massif

Rugged limestone peaks and the eastern edge of the Alps, offering dramatic shadows in the late afternoon.

🥨

Munich & Chiemsee

The 'Bavarian Sea' (Chiemsee) and the distant sprawl of Munich are often visible on clear days.

🏰

Leipzig & Thuringia

Views of the urban centers of East-Central Germany and the sprawling Thuringian Forest.

🚢

Elbe River

As the flight nears Hamburg, follow the winding path of the Elbe River leading toward the massive port infrastructure.

The right side is excellent for seeing the city of Rijeka immediately after departure from RJK. During the descent into Hamburg, this side frequently offers a better view of the massive container terminals and the Elbphilharmonie if the aircraft approaches from the south over the city center.

Top Activities in Hamburg
Route Information

Distance: 992 km (616 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 39 min

Departure: RJK (45.21689987182617, 14.570300102233888)

Arrival: HAM (53.630401611328, 9.988229751586902)

Route Type: International

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