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HEL → SVO
Which side of the plane to sit from Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki) to Sheremetyevo International Airport (Moscow)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers unparalleled views of Europe's largest lake, Lake Ladoga, and the historic Karelian Isthmus, providing a superior mix of water, forest, and historical landscapes.
Finnish Archipelago
A stunning mosaic of thousands of small islands and rocky outcrops visible immediately after takeoff from Helsinki.
Karelian Isthmus
Dense, ancient taiga forests and rugged terrain stretching between the Gulf of Finland and Lake Ladoga.
Lake Ladoga
Europe's largest freshwater lake; the northern shoreline offers dramatic views of deep blue water and forested islands.
St. Petersburg Perimeter
A distant but distinct panoramic view of the 'Venice of the North' and the sprawling mouth of the Neva River.
Volga Basin Rivers
Serpentine rivers and traditional Russian wooden villages dotting the landscape of the Tver region.
Book a window seat on the left for the best views of Lake Ladoga about 30 minutes into the flight. This side is particularly spectacular during the 'White Nights' of early summer when the sun stays high, illuminating the lake's surface. Ensure your window is clean as the low northern sun can highlight any smudges.
Gulf of Finland
Expansive views of the Baltic Sea maritime corridor with active shipping lanes and distant tankers.
Estonian Coastline
On very clear days, the distant northern shores of Estonia can be spotted across the gulf water.
Veliky Novgorod Area
Historic landscapes near Lake Ilmen, showcasing one of Russia's oldest and most significant cultural regions.
Valdai Hills
Gentle rolling hills and small glacial lakes that form the watershed of the Volga and Dnieper rivers.
Moscow Approaches
Views of the outer Moscow ring roads and the massive suburban development preceding the landing at Sheremetyevo.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Baltic Sea. During winter flights, the frozen gulf creates mesmerizing patterns of ice. As you descend into Moscow, this side often offers a better perspective of the vast urban forest and the expanding city infrastructure.
Distance: 874 km (543 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 27 min
Departure: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Arrival: SVO (55.972599, 37.4146)
Route Type: International
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