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LED → HEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Pulkovo Airport (St. Petersburg) to Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior view of the intricate Finnish archipelago, the Karelian Isthmus, and the rugged northern coastline of the Gulf of Finland throughout the short duration of the flight.
Lakhta Center
A clear view of Europe's tallest skyscraper and the modern development of St. Petersburg's northwestern district.
Karelian Isthmus
Dense forests and numerous lakes of the historic Karelian region stretching northward toward the Finnish border.
Vyborg Bay
The complex network of islands and inlets around the historic city of Vyborg as the plane crosses into Finnish airspace.
Eastern Archipelago
Breathtaking views of thousands of small islands and rocky skerries near Kotka and Hamina along the Finnish coast.
Porvoo Coastline
The winding rivers and coastal architecture of the Porvoo region as the aircraft begins its final descent into Helsinki.
The right side is highly recommended for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Baltic Sea. Watch for the 'Green Belt' of forests as you cross the border. Since the flight is very short (approx. 45-60 mins), keep your window shade up from the moment of takeoff to capture the rapidly changing coastal scenery.
Peterhof & Oranienbaum
Spectacular views of the historic palaces and grand gardens on the southern shore of the Neva Bay immediately after takeoff.
Kronstadt Naval Cathedral
The golden dome of the cathedral and the historic naval base on Kotlin Island are visible as you head out over the water.
Gulf of Finland Expanse
Panoramic views of the deep blue waters and international shipping lanes connecting the Baltic Sea to Russia.
Estonian Horizon
On exceptionally clear days, the northern coastline of Estonia and the lights of Tallinn can be spotted in the distance to the south.
Southern Approach
Final descent often provides a wide view of the outer islands of the Helsinki archipelago before turning toward the runway.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and to get the best views of the St. Petersburg shoreline palaces during the initial climb. This side is also better if the aircraft approaches Helsinki-Vantaa from the south, offering a view of the sea-facing islands.
Distance: 300 km (186 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 30 min
Departure: LED (59.80030059814453, 30.26250076293945)
Arrival: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Route Type: International
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