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HEL destination photo
KEM destination photo

HELKEM

Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Kemi-Tornio Airport (Kemi)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Bothnia coastline and the unique Kvarken Archipelago, especially stunning when the sea is frozen in winter.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

Helsinki Skyline

Panoramic views of the capital's coastal architecture and the Suomenlinna sea fortress immediately after takeoff.

🌊

Gulf of Bothnia

Follow the rugged western coastline where the dark blue Baltic waters meet the dense green Finnish forests.

🏝️

Kvarken Archipelago

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring unique moraine formations created by post-glacial land uplift.

❄️

Arctic Sea Ice

From January to April, witness the mesmerizing patterns of shifting pack ice and tracks from the Kemi icebreakers.

🏗️

Kemi Harbor

A clear view of the industrial port and the famous SnowCastle area as you descend into Kemi-Tornio.

Book a window seat on the left for evening flights to enjoy the sunset reflecting off the sea. In winter, keep your camera ready for the contrast between the white sea ice and the dark shipping lanes carved by icebreakers. This side is also better for spotting the Aurora Borealis on night flights during the winter season.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
💧

Finnish Lake District

Glimpses of the massive lake systems of Central Finland, characterized by thousands of islands and narrow channels.

🌲

Taiga Forests

Endless stretches of coniferous forests that define the Finnish landscape, appearing like a thick green carpet.

🏘️

Oulu Cityscape

As the flight nears the north, you can often see the city of Oulu, the largest urban center in Northern Finland.

🛶

Kemijoki River

The mouth of Finland's longest river as it snakes through the landscape toward the sea at Kemi.

The right side is ideal for morning flights as you avoid the direct glare of the sun. It provides a better perspective of the vastness of the Finnish interior and the intricate network of rivers feeding into the Bay of Bothnia. Watch for the change in tree density as you cross the invisible line into the subarctic zone.

Top Activities in Kemi
Route Information

Distance: 608 km (378 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 1 min

Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)

Arrival: KEM (65.778701782227, 24.582099914551)

Route Type: Domestic

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