I filmed this video when flying from Helsinki to Barcelona, in the end of September. Barcelona was very sunny and warm, some 25 degrees.
Flight from Helsinki to Barcelona
Flying from Helsinki to Barcelona at the end of September offers a smooth transition from the crisp northern autumn air to the warm embrace of the Mediterranean. My flight between these two vibrant cities was the beginning of an adventure that shifted the mood from cool Scandinavian calm to Spanish energy and color.
Departure from Helsinki Airport
Helsinki Airport in late September was already reflecting the season’s change. Jackets and scarves were appearing on fellow travelers, the air outside was fresh, and the long summer days had clearly given way to shorter evenings. Inside the airport, however, the familiar efficiency was reassuring. Check-in and security moved quickly, and with time to spare, I enjoyed a cup of tea while watching planes come and go on the runway.
From Helsinki Airport the world is only hours away, and this flight to Barcelona felt especially exciting: a chance to trade the autumn leaves of Finland for palm trees and seaside views in Catalonia.
The Flight Experience
The direct flight from Helsinki to Barcelona takes around four hours, long enough to settle into the seat, read, or watch the changing landscapes below. Departing Finland, the plane passed over the patchwork of lakes and forests, the natural beauty, and then soon, the scenery shifted to clouds and sky. Later on, as we approached southern Europe, the land below looked sun-soaked and dry — a completely different palette compared to Finland’s autumn tones.
Flying in late September has its own advantages. The summer crowds have eased, flights are calmer, and the atmosphere on board is relaxed. Many passengers might have been leisure travelers, perhaps chasing a few more days of sunshine before the arrival of winter back home.
Arrival in Barcelona
Descending into Barcelona was a moment of contrast. The Mediterranean coast stretched out with glistening water and sandy beaches, and the city itself shimmered in strong sun light. Unlike Helsinki’s cooling September air, Barcelona at El Prat Airport greeted me with warmth — the kind of late summer temperature that instantly invites you outdoors.
It was as if this flight offered two seasons in one trip: the farewell to a Nordic autumn and a second chance at summer on the Mediterranean.
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