Right-side seats capture the most geographically significant features: the Gulf of Finland and coastal landscape during departure, then the transition from southern Finnish lakes to the Inari Lake region and Lapland wilderness during the flight north. The route follows a clear geographic progression that's best observed from the right side of the aircraft.
Flight Path
Helsinki to Ivalo is 577 miles (929 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Finland's lake district, passing over numerous interconnected water bodies, the transition zone from southern boreal forest to northern Lapland forest, and the Kemijoki River valley region. The landscape becomes progressively more open and water-dominated as you move north, with increasing prevalence of mires and wetlands characteristic of Lapland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
RIGHTHEL typically departs northbound (runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R depending on wind). Right-side seats offer views of the Baltic Sea coastline and the sprawling lakes system immediately north of Helsinki as the aircraft climbs. Left side faces inland toward forested terrain with fewer distinctive features.
Landing at IVL
LEFTIvalo airport (ICAO: EFIV) sits in central Finnish Lapland. Approach typically comes from the south or southwest. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Inari Lake region and the characteristic Lapland landscape of scattered forests, wetlands, and water bodies. Right side faces less distinctive terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Ivalo (IVL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Ivalo. Right-side seats capture the most geographically significant features: the Gulf of Finland and coastal landscape during departure, then the transition from southern Finnish lakes to the Inari Lake region and Lapland wilderness during the flight north. The route follows a clear geographic progression that's best observed from the right side of the aircraft.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Right side for the best views. HEL typically departs northbound (runways 04L/04R or 22L/22R depending on wind). Right-side seats offer views of the Baltic Sea coastline and the sprawling lakes system immediately north of Helsinki as the aircraft climbs. Left side faces inland toward forested terrain with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea to the east), Lake Tuusula (north of airport), Kerava town (northeast), extensive boreal forest canopy.
What can I see when landing at Ivalo in Ivalo?
When landing at Ivalo (IVL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Ivalo airport (ICAO: EFIV) sits in central Finnish Lapland. Approach typically comes from the south or southwest. Left-side seats during descent offer views of the Inari Lake region and the characteristic Lapland landscape of scattered forests, wetlands, and water bodies. Right side faces less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Inari Lake (large water body east of Ivalo), Ivalojoki River valley, boreal forest and mire landscape, scattered small lakes and ponds.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Ivalo?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Ivalo (IVL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 577 miles (929 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to Ivalo flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Finland's lake district, passing over numerous interconnected water bodies, the transition zone from southern boreal forest to northern Lapland forest, and the Kemijoki River valley region. The landscape becomes progressively more open and water-dominated as you move north, with increasing prevalence of mires and wetlands characteristic of Lapland.