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ATH → HEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (Athens) to Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the legendary Greek mountain ranges, the diverse landscapes of Central Europe, and a spectacular approach over the Baltic coastline and Tallinn before landing in Helsinki.
Mount Olympus
View the legendary home of the gods on the Greek mainland shortly after takeoff from Athens.
Sofia and the Balkans
Glimpse the Bulgarian capital nestled in a valley surrounded by high mountain ridges.
Baltic Sea Coast
Observe the long sandy spits and blue waters of the Curonian Lagoon along the Lithuanian coast.
Tallinn Old Town
A clear view of Estonia's medieval capital and its distinct towers as you begin the final descent.
Finnish Archipelago
Breathtaking views of thousands of small islands dotting the Gulf of Finland during the landing approach.
Choose the left side for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Baltic Sea. During winter, look for the 'blue hour' effect over the snowy forests of the North. For photography, sit forward of the wing to avoid engine heat blur during the descent over Tallinn.
Aegean Panorama
Early flight views of the island of Euboea and the smaller islets of the Northern Aegean.
Rila Mountains
View the highest peaks of the Balkan Peninsula, which remain snow-capped until late spring.
Danube River
See the massive river carving through the Romanian and Bulgarian plains on its way to the Black Sea.
Riga and Daugava
A broad view of the Latvian capital and the winding Daugava River leading to the sea.
Gulf of Finland
Watch the massive cruise ferries and cargo ships traveling between Helsinki, Stockholm, and Tallinn.
The right side is ideal for morning departures to see the sunrise reflecting off the Aegean and Black Sea areas. Keep an eye out for the stark contrast between the dense green forests of the Baltic states and the deep blue of the Gulf. In mid-winter, this side offers views of sea ice formations near the Finnish coast.
Distance: 2,490 km (1,547 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 19 min
Departure: ATH (37.9364013672, 23.944499969499997)
Arrival: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Route Type: International
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