The right side pairs the strong Amsterdam and IJsselmeer views at departure with glimpses of Gotland and the island-studded Baltic Sea during cruise, giving more consistent scenic variety across the flight than the left side, which is dominated by open water and flat Swedish coastline.
Flight Path
The route crosses northern Germany near the Baltic coast around Kiel, continues over southern Sweden's Halland region, then passes close to the island of Gotland in the open Baltic Sea before nearing the Åland Islands on the approach to Finland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from AMS
RIGHTDeparting Schiphol, the initial climb curves the aircraft toward the northeast, putting Amsterdam's canal-ring city center and the vast IJsselmeer lake on the right side. The patchwork of Dutch polders and dikes below adds classic Netherlands character rarely seen elsewhere on this route.

Landing at HEL
LEFTOn final approach into Helsinki-Vantaa, the aircraft typically swings out over the Gulf of Finland before turning onto the runway, putting the city's skyline and the Suomenlinna sea fortress on the left side of the cabin. The scattering of small forested islands in the harbor adds a distinctly Finnish coastal scene just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Schiphol (AMS) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Amsterdam to Helsinki. The right side pairs the strong Amsterdam and IJsselmeer views at departure with glimpses of Gotland and the island-studded Baltic Sea during cruise, giving more consistent scenic variety across the flight than the left side, which is dominated by open water and flat Swedish coastline.
What can I see during takeoff from Schiphol in Amsterdam?
During takeoff from Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing Schiphol, the initial climb curves the aircraft toward the northeast, putting Amsterdam's canal-ring city center and the vast IJsselmeer lake on the right side. The patchwork of Dutch polders and dikes below adds classic Netherlands character rarely seen elsewhere on this route. Notable sights include: Amsterdam canal ring and city center, IJsselmeer lake, Markermeer, Dutch polder farmland grid.
What can I see when landing at Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
When landing at Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On final approach into Helsinki-Vantaa, the aircraft typically swings out over the Gulf of Finland before turning onto the runway, putting the city's skyline and the Suomenlinna sea fortress on the left side of the cabin. The scattering of small forested islands in the harbor adds a distinctly Finnish coastal scene just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Helsinki city skyline and cathedral domes, Suomenlinna fortress island, Gulf of Finland archipelago, Töölönlahti bay.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam to Helsinki?
The flight from Schiphol (AMS) to Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) takes 2h 35m.
What does the Amsterdam to Helsinki flight path pass over?
The route crosses northern Germany near the Baltic coast around Kiel, continues over southern Sweden's Halland region, then passes close to the island of Gotland in the open Baltic Sea before nearing the Åland Islands on the approach to Finland.