The world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake, holding 20% of the world's surface fresh water. Its enormous size — 636 km long — makes it easily visible from altitude on Trans-Siberian routes.
Routes that pass it25
Tip: Visibility depends on cloud cover, time of day, and how close the flight path comes. Sit on the listed side for the best chance of a view. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see Lake Baikal from a plane?
Yes — 25 flight routes pass within 150 km of Lake Baikal. The closest routes include Brussels to Seoul, Helsinki to Seoul, Seoul to Helsinki. Sit on the Right side, with the landmark passing about 8 km away.
Which side of the plane is best for viewing Lake Baikal?
The best side varies by route. For the most common routes near Lake Baikal: on a Brussels to Seoul flight, sit on the Right side; on a Helsinki to Seoul flight, sit on the Left side; on a Seoul to Helsinki flight, sit on the Right side.