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RKV → HEL
Which side of the plane to sit from Reykjavik Airport (Reykjavik) to Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Helsinki)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side provides an exceptional panoramic view of Iceland's dramatic southern coastline, the vast Swedish lake systems, and the stunning approach over the Stockholm and Helsinki archipelagos.
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Reykjavik Cityscape
Direct views of Hallgrímskirkja and the colorful rooftops of the capital immediately after takeoff.
Vatnajökull Glacier
Massive ice caps and glacial tongues flowing toward the Atlantic south coast.
Lake Vänern
The largest lake in Sweden, visible as a massive blue expanse in the Swedish heartland.
Stockholm Archipelago
A breathtaking mosaic of over 30,000 islands and skerries as you cross the Baltic.
Helsinki Approach
Scenic views of the Suomenlinna sea fortress and the Gulf of Finland before touchdown.
Sit on the right for the most iconic Icelandic landmarks. Since this is an eastbound flight, the sun will be on the right side for most of the day; use your window shade to manage glare while photographing the Swedish lakes. In summer, the 'Midnight Sun' provides 24-hour visibility for this entire route.
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Icelandic Highlands
View of the rugged, uninhabited volcanic interior and northern mountain ranges.
Norwegian Coastline
Deep fjords and steep cliffs of the western Norway coast near the North Sea transition.
Central Sweden
Expansive views of the dense Scandinavian boreal forests and rural landscapes.
Åland Islands
The autonomous Finnish archipelago featuring thousands of small granite islands.
On winter flights, the left side (facing north) offers the best chance to spot the Aurora Borealis over the Norwegian Sea. During the approach to HEL, you may see the northern Finnish coastline if the wind dictates a northern landing pattern.
Get eSIMs for Iceland
Get eSIMs for FinlandDistance: 2,409 km (1,497 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 13 min
Departure: RKV (64.1299972534, -21.9405994415)
Arrival: HEL (60.317199707031, 24.963300704956)
Route Type: International
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