The right side dominates this route. Takeoff offers unmatched views of Norway's fjord and mountain landscape, and while the landing favors left, the dramatic scenery at departure outweighs the relatively flat approach into Amsterdam.
Flown AES to AMS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Alesund to Amsterdam is 710 miles (1,143 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the North Sea at roughly 55°N latitude. The midpoint offers open ocean with no major landmarks, but the transition from Norwegian mountains to North Sea to Dutch coast is geographically significant. As you approach the European mainland (around 53°N), the Frisian Islands and German coastline become visible on the left before the final descent into the Netherlands.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from AES
RIGHTRight side captures the dramatic Sunnmøre Alps and Geirangerfjord immediately after departure. The left side faces inland toward lower terrain with less visual interest during climb-out.
Landing at AMS
LEFTLeft side provides the best views during descent into Amsterdam. You'll see the Rhine-Meuse delta, the Ijsselmeer lake, and the flat polder landscape characteristic of the Netherlands approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vigra (AES) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Alesund to Amsterdam. The right side dominates this route. Takeoff offers unmatched views of Norway's fjord and mountain landscape, and while the landing favors left, the dramatic scenery at departure outweighs the relatively flat approach into Amsterdam.
What can I see during takeoff from Vigra in Alesund?
During takeoff from Vigra (AES), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the dramatic Sunnmøre Alps and Geirangerfjord immediately after departure. The left side faces inland toward lower terrain with less visual interest during climb-out. Notable sights include: Sunnmøre Alps (jagged peaks directly east), Geirangerfjord (deep fjord cutting inland), Storfjorden (wide water body to the south), Alesund city and harbor (below during initial climb).
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best views during descent into Amsterdam. You'll see the Rhine-Meuse delta, the Ijsselmeer lake, and the flat polder landscape characteristic of the Netherlands approach. Notable sights include: Ijsselmeer (large shallow lake north of Amsterdam), Rhine-Meuse delta (braided river system with dikes and waterways), Dutch polder fields (geometric grid of agricultural land), Amsterdam city center and Schiphol Airport (visible in final approach).
How long is the flight from Alesund to Amsterdam?
The flight from Vigra (AES) to Schiphol (AMS) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 710 miles (1,143 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Alesund to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the North Sea at roughly 55°N latitude. The midpoint offers open ocean with no major landmarks, but the transition from Norwegian mountains to North Sea to Dutch coast is geographically significant. As you approach the European mainland (around 53°N), the Frisian Islands and German coastline become visible on the left before the final descent into the Netherlands.