The left side wins for both the Helsinki coastal departure and the river-and-forest approach into Rovaniemi, while the right side over the flight mostly shows featureless interior Finnish forest and lakes with less variety.
Flown HEL to RVN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Helsinki to Rovaniemi is 432 miles (696 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Extensive Finnish boreal forest and lake district, including parts of the Kainuu and southern Lapland lake systems, with the Gulf of Bothnia coastline occasionally visible to the west.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from HEL
LEFTDeparting HEL to the north, the left side offers views over the Helsinki archipelago and Gulf of Finland coastline before the turn north, with the city's coastal geography visible during initial climb.
Landing at RVN
LEFTOn approach to RVN from the south, the left side reveals the braided channels of the Kemijoki river and the forested Lapland terrain surrounding Rovaniemi as the aircraft descends over the Arctic Circle region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Rovaniemi (RVN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The left side wins for both the Helsinki coastal departure and the river-and-forest approach into Rovaniemi, while the right side over the flight mostly shows featureless interior Finnish forest and lakes with less variety.
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. Departing HEL to the north, the left side offers views over the Helsinki archipelago and Gulf of Finland coastline before the turn north, with the city's coastal geography visible during initial climb. Notable sights include: Helsinki archipelago, Gulf of Finland coastline, Vantaa river valley.
What can I see when landing at Rovaniemi in Rovaniemi?
When landing at Rovaniemi (RVN), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to RVN from the south, the left side reveals the braided channels of the Kemijoki river and the forested Lapland terrain surrounding Rovaniemi as the aircraft descends over the Arctic Circle region. Notable sights include: Kemijoki river, Ounasvaara hill, boreal forest expanse near Rovaniemi.
How long is the flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi?
The flight from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL) to Rovaniemi (RVN) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 432 miles (696 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Helsinki to Rovaniemi flight path pass over?
Extensive Finnish boreal forest and lake district, including parts of the Kainuu and southern Lapland lake systems, with the Gulf of Bothnia coastline occasionally visible to the west.