The left side delivers the London departure spectacle which is genuinely dramatic, and through the cruise phase over the Baltic and Gulf of Bothnia the left side faces generally west with less to see, but the Rovaniemi arrival on the right is the stronger landing view. Overall the London departure on the left is the single most visually rewarding moment of the flight, tipping the balance left for the full journey.
Flown LGW to RVN? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Rovaniemi is 1,393 miles (2,241 km), a flight of about 3 hours 25 minutes.
The route tracks northeast across the North Sea, crossing the Danish coast near Jutland, then over southern Sweden with the lakes of Småland visible, across the Gulf of Bothnia which in winter is partially frozen with distinctive ice patterns, then into Finnish Lapland over vast unbroken boreal forest with frozen lakes and rivers becoming increasingly prominent as you descend toward Rovaniemi
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTGatwick's main runway 08L/26R means departures heading northeast give the left side views over central London. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city, the Canary Wharf cluster, and the City of London skyline as the aircraft climbs out and turns northeast toward the continent.
Landing at RVN
RIGHTRovaniemi's runway 03/21 means arrivals typically come in from the south heading north. The right side gives views over the Kemijoki river valley and the town of Rovaniemi itself, including the distinctive confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers which is clearly visible from the air.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Rovaniemi (RVN)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Rovaniemi. The left side delivers the London departure spectacle which is genuinely dramatic, and through the cruise phase over the Baltic and Gulf of Bothnia the left side faces generally west with less to see, but the Rovaniemi arrival on the right is the stronger landing view. Overall the London departure on the left is the single most visually rewarding moment of the flight, tipping the balance left for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Gatwick's main runway 08L/26R means departures heading northeast give the left side views over central London. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city, the Canary Wharf cluster, and the City of London skyline as the aircraft climbs out and turns northeast toward the continent. Notable sights include: Thames river bends through central London, Canary Wharf tower cluster, City of London skyline including The Shard, M25 motorway arc visible as a broad grey ring.
What can I see when landing at Rovaniemi in Rovaniemi?
When landing at Rovaniemi (RVN), sit on the Right side for the best views. Rovaniemi's runway 03/21 means arrivals typically come in from the south heading north. The right side gives views over the Kemijoki river valley and the town of Rovaniemi itself, including the distinctive confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers which is clearly visible from the air. Notable sights include: Kemijoki and Ounasjoki river confluence at Rovaniemi, frozen river channels and snow-covered boreal forest, Rovaniemi town center and Santa Claus Village area near the airport.
How long is the flight from London to Rovaniemi?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Rovaniemi (RVN) takes about 3 hours 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,393 miles (2,241 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Rovaniemi flight path pass over?
The route tracks northeast across the North Sea, crossing the Danish coast near Jutland, then over southern Sweden with the lakes of Småland visible, across the Gulf of Bothnia which in winter is partially frozen with distinctive ice patterns, then into Finnish Lapland over vast unbroken boreal forest with frozen lakes and rivers becoming increasingly prominent as you descend toward Rovaniemi