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HEL destination photo
KAO destination photo

HELKAO

Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Kuusamo Airport (Kuusamo)?

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers an unparalleled view of the Finnish Lakeland, including Lake Päijänne and the rolling hills of Kainuu, providing a quintessential Finnish landscape experience.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
💧

Lake Päijänne

Magnificent views of Finland's second-largest lake, characterized by long, narrow channels and thousands of islands.

🏘️

Jyväskylä Region

The plane often passes directly east of this urban center, showcasing the dense integration of city and water.

⛰️

Kainuu Vaaras

The transition from flatlands to the 'vaara' (forested hills) of the Kainuu region as you approach the Arctic circle.

⛷️

Ruka Fell

As the flight descends into Kuusamo, the illuminated ski slopes of Ruka are often visible in the distance.

🌲

Taiga Forest

Endless stretches of deep green spruce and pine that define the rugged landscape of Northeastern Finland.

The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the 'Golden Hour' reflecting off the thousands of lakes. In late autumn and winter, look for the 'tykky' (heavy crown snow) on the trees as you descend toward Kuusamo—they look like white sculptures from the air.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🏙️

Helsinki Skyline

A clear view of the capital's coastal architecture and the Suomenlinna sea fortress shortly after takeoff.

🌊

Gulf of Bothnia

On clear days, the distant shimmering waters of the western coast are visible as you head north.

🛶

Ostrobothnian Plains

Flat, fertile agricultural lands transitioning into the vast, marshy forest mosaics of the north.

❄️

Frozen Mires

In winter, the intricate patterns of frozen wetlands create striking white geometric shapes against the dark forest.

Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the rising sun. During the winter 'Kaamos' period, the low sun on the horizon creates long, dramatic shadows over the snow-covered plains of Northern Ostrobothnia.

Top Activities in Kuusamo
Route Information

Distance: 666 km (414 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 7 min

Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)

Arrival: KAO (65.98760223388699, 29.239400863647)

Route Type: Domestic

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