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LGW destination photo
HEL destination photo

LGWHEL

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior for this route as it offers the most direct views of the stunning Finnish Archipelago and the rugged Swedish coastline during the descent into Helsinki.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🌊

East Anglian Coast

Clear views of the Suffolk coastline as the aircraft leaves the UK and heads out over the North Sea.

🇩🇰

Danish Peninsulas

Aerial perspective of the Jutland peninsula and the complex network of islands that make up Denmark.

🌲

Swedish Wilderness

The flight path often crosses over the vast forests and numerous inland lakes of Southern Sweden.

🏝️

The Archipelago Sea

A breathtaking view of thousands of small islands and skerries as you approach the Finnish mainland.

🏙️

Helsinki Approach

Depending on the wind, the left side often provides a panoramic view of downtown Helsinki and its harbors.

Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. On morning flights, the sun is on the opposite side, providing perfect lighting for photography of the Finnish islands. During winter, look for the patterns of sea ice forming in the Baltic.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
⛴️

Dutch Coastline

Distant views of the massive port infrastructures and wind farms off the coast of the Netherlands.

🌉

Öresund Bridge

The iconic road and rail bridge-tunnel connecting Copenhagen, Denmark, to Malmö, Sweden.

🏰

Gotland and Öland

The large Swedish islands in the Baltic Sea are often visible as distinct landmasses to the south.

🇪🇪

Estonian Horizon

On clear days, the city of Tallinn and the Estonian coastline are visible across the Gulf of Finland during descent.

The right side is ideal for spotting major engineering landmarks like the Öresund Bridge. Be aware that during mid-day flights, the southern exposure can lead to significant glare; keep your window shade partially down until the aircraft begins its turn toward the airport.

Top Activities in Helsinki
Route Information

Distance: 1,858 km (1,155 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 29 min

Departure: LGW (51.148102, -0.190278)

Arrival: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)

Route Type: International

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