While landing favors the right, the takeoff view of the Finnish archipelago and Gulf of Finland is more visually striking and geographically distinctive than Keflavik's approach. The archipelago offers far more varied detail and color contrast than the monochromatic lava fields.
Flown HEL to KEF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to Keflavik is 1,519 miles (2,444 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Baltic Sea heading northwest, passing over open water with occasional glimpses of Swedish coastline to the west. The transition from Baltic to North Atlantic occurs around the midpoint. The route then crosses open ocean toward Iceland with no significant landmarks visible until approaching the Reykjanes Peninsula. Depending on altitude and visibility, the Norwegian Sea appears as featureless dark water for most of the oceanic portion.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
LEFTHelsinki Vantaa typically departs runways 04L/R or 09L/R depending on wind. A left seat on northwesterly departures captures the Finnish archipelago and the Gulf of Finland's northern coastline as you climb. Right seats see inland forest and lakes, which are less distinctive.
Landing at KEF
RIGHTKeflavik approaches typically use runways 02 or 20 depending on wind. Right-seat passengers on descent see Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscape, lava fields, and the Reykjanes Peninsula's distinctive dark terrain. Left seats see the Atlantic Ocean and less distinctive features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Keflavik Nas (KEF)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Keflavik. While landing favors the right, the takeoff view of the Finnish archipelago and Gulf of Finland is more visually striking and geographically distinctive than Keflavik's approach. The archipelago offers far more varied detail and color contrast than the monochromatic lava fields.
What can I see during takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa in Helsinki?
During takeoff from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Helsinki Vantaa typically departs runways 04L/R or 09L/R depending on wind. A left seat on northwesterly departures captures the Finnish archipelago and the Gulf of Finland's northern coastline as you climb. Right seats see inland forest and lakes, which are less distinctive. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland (dark water body immediately below), Finnish archipelago islands scattered across the gulf, Tallinn visible as a distant smudge on the southern horizon across the water, dense boreal forest covering the inland terrain.
What can I see when landing at Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
When landing at Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Keflavik approaches typically use runways 02 or 20 depending on wind. Right-seat passengers on descent see Iceland's dramatic volcanic landscape, lava fields, and the Reykjanes Peninsula's distinctive dark terrain. Left seats see the Atlantic Ocean and less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields (dark, barren volcanic terrain), Keflavik town and airport infrastructure, Atlantic Ocean to the west, geothermal areas with visible steam vents.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Keflavik?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Keflavik Nas (KEF) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,519 miles (2,444 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to Keflavik flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Baltic Sea heading northwest, passing over open water with occasional glimpses of Swedish coastline to the west. The transition from Baltic to North Atlantic occurs around the midpoint. The route then crosses open ocean toward Iceland with no significant landmarks visible until approaching the Reykjanes Peninsula. Depending on altitude and visibility, the Norwegian Sea appears as featureless dark water for most of the oceanic portion.