The takeoff views of the Gulf of Finland and archipelago are more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach. The flight path northward offers continuous views of Finland's lake district and boreal forest, but the departure phase provides the most memorable scenic window.
Flown HEL to OUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to Oulu is 319 miles (513 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Finnish lake district (numerous interconnected lakes including parts of the Saimaa system visible from altitude), extensive boreal forest covering central Finland, the transition zone between southern and northern Finland's geography, scattered smaller lakes and waterways characteristic of the Finnish landscape
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Gulf of Finland coastline and the archipelago east of Helsinki as the aircraft climbs northward. Left side faces inland toward forested terrain with less distinctive visual features during initial climb.
Landing at OUL
LEFTLeft side provides views of the Oulu region's distinctive geography: the Oulu River delta, Oulu Bay, and the city of Oulu itself situated on the river. Right side shows only inland forest and lakes without the same visual interest during descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Oulu (OUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Oulu. The takeoff views of the Gulf of Finland and archipelago are more visually distinctive and dramatic than the landing approach. The flight path northward offers continuous views of Finland's lake district and boreal forest, but the departure phase provides the most memorable scenic window.
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. Right side offers views of the Gulf of Finland coastline and the archipelago east of Helsinki as the aircraft climbs northward. Left side faces inland toward forested terrain with less distinctive visual features during initial climb. Notable sights include: Gulf of Finland, Helsinki archipelago (Suomenlinna islands visible near departure), Lake Tuusula to the northwest, Finnish lake district beginning to emerge.
What can I see when landing at Oulu in Oulu?
When landing at Oulu (OUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of the Oulu region's distinctive geography: the Oulu River delta, Oulu Bay, and the city of Oulu itself situated on the river. Right side shows only inland forest and lakes without the same visual interest during descent. Notable sights include: Oulu River delta and estuary, Oulu Bay (northern arm of the Bothnian Bay), Oulu city center on the river, Lake Oulujärvi to the south.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Oulu?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Oulu (OUL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 319 miles (513 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to Oulu flight path pass over?
Finnish lake district (numerous interconnected lakes including parts of the Saimaa system visible from altitude), extensive boreal forest covering central Finland, the transition zone between southern and northern Finland's geography, scattered smaller lakes and waterways characteristic of the Finnish landscape